cheltenhamthroughoureyes-blog

[cheltenhamthroughoureyes-blog]

                         WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT IT?

It is difficult to describe this experience in few words. We would like to spend more time doing our students’ blog. We made it with the purpose of sharing our personal experience in Cheltenham, but then it became something else. In this blog there is a part of us that will remain forever in this beautiful town. In this project we have shared our interests and our personalities. We are our blog. People who will watch and read pictures and articles will be able to get to know us and recognize themselves in our adventure. Spending time walking around and talking to new people have helped us to grow. But the most important thing was that it was given us the opportunity to share with everyone this wonderful chapter of our lives.

It is time to pass the baton to other characters of this neverending story.

Thank you for all!!

                                                  Inspiring (Alice)  

                                                  Fierce (Amina)

                                             Personal growth (Giada)

                                                  Intense (Lorenzo)

                                                  Unity (Natalia)

                                                  Maturity (Samuele)

                                                  Amazing (Sarita)

[cheltenhamthroughoureyes-blog]

                                             SMOKEY JOE’S

It is located in 16 Bennington St, Cheltenham, GL50 4ED

History

Smokey Joe’s was reopened in 2013 by the great-grandchild and her husband of the original owner of the first Smokey Joe’s. So we can say that this attractive and beautiful place continues a fourth generation of a family-run business.

Vintage style

Smokey Joe’s offers to its customers a suggestive atmosphere that is able to transport you in an another time, giving the illusion to still live between 1930's and 1990's. In this characteristic place you can find a 50s room, a 40s style room taking bookings for fantastic vintage tea parties and an 80s room with original 80s video games and pinballs to play.

About Smokey Joe’s

When we entered in this café we were pleasantly surprised by the perfect vintage style of the internal space. Also the workers reflect the same atmosphere with their makeup and hair bands.Tables, furniture and paintings of vintage publicity and public figures impressed us so much. Our surprise increased more and more as we were discovering the area behind the bar where there are a lot of video games, many of them free. We would have preferred to stay there for much more time than we actually stayed. This because it is a very suggestive, fun and unusual place where you can go alone, with your family or friends to spend your evening. One of the main features of this café is that it offers a variety of activities and places of entertainment. You can eat particular food, relax on the sofa and watch tv while you are having your drink.

Our opinion

We think that one of the most admirable thing is the combination of the history of the place, the unusual and attractive style and the fact that it is a venue for families and youth. 

If you want to know more about the special story of this place you can watch this video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=FZnPsUJhADs

Written by Giada and Sarita

[cheltenhamthroughoureyes-blog]

MONROSE: A VINTAGE INSPIRED BOUTIQUE

If one of your secret dreams is to relive the Pin-up culture to its fullest, you definitely have to come and visit the Monrose, a Vintage Inspired Boutique in Cheltenham, located in 10 Bennington St., Cheltenham, GL50 4ED.

PIN UP STYLE

For those who don't know (or aren't really sure of) who a Pin-Up is, here's a short explanation: the term was first used in the English language in the 40's to define girls and boys who modeled for informal display, so to be "pinned-up" on a wall. A pin-up model can be considered part of the popular culture, since the pictures of these people saw a mass appeal and were used as advertisements.

But nowdays girls from all over the world have brought this style back to life and gave a new definition to the name.

One of them is Emma Durrant, the owner of the shop. In her little Kingdom Emma sells different styles of Pin-Up, ranging from the most elegant dresses to the most gaudy ones.

"MONROSE"

As soon as we walked in the shop the bright red haired lady greeted us in a cheerful way and started to explain the story of her store, first of all, the name: Monrose.

The ispiration for the name came from one of the main figures of the Pin-Up scene, Marilyn Monroe. Emma simply took the last name (Monroe) and combined it with another name, this time from a song, "Rose". From this the final name "Monrose" came to life and became the official name of the shop.

PHOTOS FROM THE PAST

The shop itself has already reached its third birthday, and during these years a second area has been added: the photo studio. Unfortunately we didn't have enough time to go up there and see it for ourselves  but some of the modeling photos, which were taken on the second floor, were hung on the walls of the shop: mermaid photoshoots, different girls posing each with a different dress and beautiful make-up and hairstyles.

OUR OPINION

When people say that as soon as you step inside you can feel the atmosphere change and you feel transported in a new world they aren't joking. Emma did a great job creating and putting up her little shop full of charisma, life, and love for a past era. If you're interested to see this place here's info that could be useful for you:

- WEBSITE: monroseboutiqueuk.com

- INSTAGRAM: monroseboutiqueuk

- TEL: 01242701988

Written by Natalia, Photos by Lorenzo.

[cheltenhamthroughoureyes-blog]

                                              PINK VINTAGE

"Pink Vintage" is a cafè and vintage stuff shop located in 10 Montpellier St, Cheltenham GL5.

FIRST SIGHT The entrance reflects perfectly the name of the shop. In fact it's coloured in pastel pink and has a very vintage style. Through the window you can already see all the vintage accessories which characterise the shop. Outside the "Pink Vintage" there are also some tables and chairs where you can sit and have your little snack.

"I DON'T DO FASHION, I'M FASHION" When you enter the shop, you are immediately impressed by the amount of objects exposed on the glass-made shelves. There are ceramic vases, wine glasses, joker Venetian masks and horse heads. Moreover  we can find a variety of styles which includes shabby chic stuff, fashionable and polished objects and modern pieces of furniture.

FUSION The bar area isn't so big and there is not so much choice of food but the peculiarity is that also the disposition of the snacks is well studied. In fact, different types of objects are placed on the glass where the food is kept and it seems that they melt together.

OUR OPINION In conclusion, the shop is quite pretty and we recommend  it if you want to buy something more particular and refined for your house or if you want to gift an impressing present. Written by Lorenzo and Sarita

[cheltenhamthroughoureyes-blog]

THE WISHING FISH CLOCK AT “REGENT ARCADE”

by Alice.

[cheltenhamthroughoureyes-blog]

                                            REGENT ARCADE

The "Regent Arcade" is located on the High St, Cheltenham GL50 1JZ. This big shopping centre, with over 60 stores and 7 restaurants, is the perfect place to go for a shopping trip.

THE SHOPS

The Arcade houses some of the most famous brand stores, such as H&M, Pandora, Topshop, Yankee Candles, Tiger ecc. You can find a variety of different objects, going from clothes and jewellery to candles or agendas. If you are searching for something in particular or if you just want to spend a rainy day in a warm place the Regent Arcade is the solution. Even though the Arcade is always full of people it never gets too much crowded. Also the shops aren't really expensive, they range from more cheap ones like H&M to more high-priced ones like Pandora.

THE RESTAURANTS

The Arcade also offers different restaurants and bars where you can have a snack or even a full meal. For example you could taste a slice of cake at the '

'Duckers patisserie' or some tasty cookies at  Millie's cookies. On the other hand if you want a complete meal you could go to Carluccio's, a typical Italian restaurant or to The Bridge Café, another reasturant serving high quality food.

THE WISHING FISH CLOCK

The real attraction of the Regent Arcade is the "Wishing Fish Clock". This is a mechanical clock designed by the artist Kit Williams in 1985. The clock was the product of some other local clock makers. It was restored for the first time in 2005 and it is now closer to the original design intented by Williams. The particulary of the clock is the fact that every half an hour it plays its iconic signature song 'Forever Blowing Bubbles'. When this happens the wooden fish begins to blow bubbles. If you catch one of the bubbles you can make a wish and it will become true.

WHAT WE THINK

In conclusion we can say that the Regent Arcade is the ideal place to go for a day of shopping, alone or with your family. If you are searching for the perfect gift or souvenir to bring home with you then the Regent Arcade is the place for you!

Written by Alice and Amina.

[cheltenhamthroughoureyes-blog]

OUR TOUR GUIDE 

video by Lorenzo 

[cheltenhamthroughoureyes-blog]

                                       PITTVILLE PARK

Pittville Park that was opened in 1825 is the largest ornamental park in Cheltenham.

It is in the north of the town and straddles Evesham Road, A435, Cheltenham GL52 2BP. The park borders Tommy Taylor's Lane to the west and Pittville Lawn to the east, and the narrow southern section of the park stretches as far south as Wellington Road.

 TWO PARKS IN ONE

Pittville Park is divided in two parts by Evesham Road. The eastern park, which is overlooked by Pittville Pump Room, is characterized by the main children's play area and the aviaries where you'll find popular birds and other animals like rabbits and squirrels. The western park has a more natural layout and small areas full of trees. Here you can find a beautiful lake and a smaller children's play area with tennis courts, a pitch, a putt golf course and a skate park.

 NARRATION OF A DAYDREAM

On a rainy random day, three of us discovered one of the most suggestive place in Cheltenham. Walking around the park we lost our sense of time thanks to a glimpse of a natural little world which takes distance from the chaotic town around us. We didn’t decide our way, there was a squirrel which led us into this magic world.

If we were children we would have enjoyed the play area of the park that offers a variety of particular games like a fake shipwrecked boat. If we were old aged we would have relaxed in front of the beautiful view of the lake full of life and flora. Moreover you can spend time here having a picnic and playing sports with your family.

 So if you are looking for a quiet, suggestive, beautiful place? We know where you can go...

 BE STILL, LISTEN AND ADMIRE

The creation of an urban meadow area within towns and cities provide havens for many different species of wildlife and also provides an interesting place for people to get closer to the natural environment.

In a vortex of emotions we realised that we weren’t the only ones to have experienced these feelings. In fact we wondered when we found out some memorial targets on the majority of the benches: moving inscriptions from friends and families about their passed away beloved.

  Written by Giada, Lorenzo, Sarita

[cheltenhamthroughoureyes-blog]

               CHELTENHAM CHRISTMAS MARKET

 The "Cheltenham Christmas Market" is a market that takes place during Christmas time. It is located on Cheltenham's promenade just in front of 'Cavendish House'. The market recreates a unique Christmas ambient. It is inspired by a typical Santa Claus's village with its wooden little houses. Each stand sells particular crafts, food, drinks and decorations.

 CHRISTMAS ATMOSPHERE

Walking around the market you can really fell immerged in the Christmas atmosphere thanks to the wonderful lights and to the Christmas songs that are always playing. In the stands you could find the perfect Christmas gift. In fact the market offers a variety of different objects: from a delicious slice of cake to a more elaborated painting.

 A POINT OF MEETING

The market can also be the perfect way to spend some time with your friends. It is always lively and every day a lot of people are walking through the stands searching for the perfect Christmas gift or for the perfect souvenir. There are also a lot of stands selling food and drinks to warm you up during the Christmas cold.

 THE OPINION OF THE SELLERS

During our visit there we had the chance to talk to some of the sellers. In general they said that this year the market didn’t get as much visitors as the past years. Moreover the majority of visitors don’t usually buy anything, they just walk around admiring the different stands. Nonetheless the atmosphere is always a very comforting one and we hope that in the future years people will not just limit themselves to walk around but will also take something home with them.

 OUR FINAL OPINION

Finally we can say that the "Cheltenham Christmas Market" is the perfect place to go during Christmas time to find a gift for someone special. It`s also the perfect location to fully enjoy “the most wonderful time of the year”. Walking around you’ll feel like living in Santa’s Village!

Written by Alice, Amina and Samuele.

[cheltenhamthroughoureyes-blog]

                                                    DOOR 4

Door 4 is a pub located in 4 Montpellier Walk, Cheltenham GL50 1SD. Its street number is 4, so this is the reason why the pub is called in that way. It has been opened six months ago but it's already well-estabilished and it has got his own style.

OPENING “DOOR 4”

It is a small place but it is comfortable though. There are two floors and upstairs parties can be organised with music bands during the weekend. Downstairs there is a welcoming area for the guests.

MATTER OF STYLE

This pub is known for being posh, because it is elegant and refined. It offers a variety of wines and cocktails prepared by experts who add a creative touch to the drinks. It is recommended mostly to teenagers and young people because of its modern atmosphere. In fact this pub is very popular among Cheltenham's youth as it is a place to enjoy your favourite tipple with your friends. The furniture is very trendy and fine, for example the seats are covered by grey and green velvet. The atmosphere is characterised by low lights and a pleasant mood.

OPINIONS AND POINTS OF VIEW

The pub's location is very particular and detailed. We advise you to come here for your evening only if you want to spend some time in a refined and sophisticated place. It's worth going there: open the “Door 4” and enjoy your tipple!

Written by Amina, Alice, Lorenzo, Sarita and Sofia 

[cheltenhamthroughoureyes-blog]

A QUICK VIEW OF THE “GLOW IN THE DARK SUBMARINE WORLD” IN “MR MULLIGAN’S LOST WORLD OF GOLF” 

by Giada 

[cheltenhamthroughoureyes-blog]

ADVENTURE IN THE LOST WORLD

OUR EXPERIENCE AT “MR MULLIGAN’S LOST WORLD OF GOLF” On Sunday the 10th it snowed in Cheltenham. It was too cold for a walk in the town centre, so it was a perfect day to explore “Mr Mulligan’s Lost World of Golf”.

  THE MINI GOLF

This place houses a very particular mini golf course. This one in fact is structured as a mix between a deep blue sea and the jungle. You can play your round next to a dinosaur or a giant octopus, while monkeys shout and huge snakes crawl. Mr Mulligan’s Lost World of Golf offers the possibility to choose between two courses, one more focused on the submarine world and the other one on the jungle habitat, giving the opportunity to people of all ages to enjoy their rounds. Their names are "Neptune's Mist" and "Canopy Creek". We really liked the entire setting but something particularly impressed us: the Glow in the dark Jungle and Submarine World. When you enter these chapters of the adventure colours change, everything shines and it really seems to live an experience in another world.

ENTERING THE LOST WORLD The entrance has a steampunk style with gears, pipes, valves and manometers. Going upstairs you can admire paintings and handmade objects exposed in showcases. The bar has a chilling atmosphere given by the dark wood of the furniture and the soft lights. 

OUR OPINION We advise you to spend some time there because it’s not expensive and the location is lovely. We enjoyed it a lot and it was like living an “ADVENTURE IN THE LOST WORLD”.

Written by Giada, Lorenzo, Samuele and Sarita

[cheltenhamthroughoureyes-blog]

                                 THE RETREAT WINE BAR

The Retreat Wine Bar is a very stylish wine bar located in 10/11 Suffolk Parade,   Cheltenham GL50 2AB. It is just after the Montepellier Gardens. It has been opened for over 40 years and you can always find someone having a meal or enjoying a glass of wine. Thanks to its soft lights and to its relaxing atmosphere this can also be a place to go to find some quiet.

PERFECT FOR FAMILIES...

The bar offers British traditional food and is perfect for both families and young people. During the day you can order a variety of characteristic meals, moreover it often proposes particular menus based on the different festivites happening during the year. For example during Christmas time you could have a typical Christmas lunch with your whole family.

...BUT ALSO TO GO WITH YOUR FRIENDS

But this bar is also ideal for the youth, in fact during Friday and Saturday's evenings the place becomes busier and the atmosphere changes from a familiar to a more informal one. On Sundays there are also a lot of parties with live music.

Another important point is the service. Everyone in the bar is very helpful and polite. Also the fact that the waitresses are all young people, helps keeping the ambience more friendly.

OUR FINAL OPINION

In conclusion we can say to have really enjoyed the place. The quality of the food is really good, the service is competent and the prices aren't too expensive. We think this could be the perfect place to go and have a proper British meal or to enjoy a beer or some wine with your friends.

Written by Alice, Amina, Sofia.

[cheltenhamthroughoureyes-blog]

                                           BOSTON TEA PARTY

It is located on the left of “The Wilson Art Gallery & Museum”, 45-49 Clarence Street, Cheltenham GL50 3JS. The name is inspired by the historical event of the Boston Tea Party which happened in 1773. A group of American revolutionaries called The Sons of Liberty, dressed up as Native Americans and attacked a British ship, throwing all its tea into the water. This was a protest against the taxes imposed by the British government.

AT FIRST SIGHT                                                                                                 The first thing you notice entering is the relaxing and peaceful atmosphere given by the soft lights and by the chilling music. All the food, the coffee and the tea is 100% organic and the service is very friendly, they even bring your order to your table. Due to its comfortable location, it could also be a good place to study or to read a book. It also has free Wi-Fi, really useful if you want to do a research or chat with your friends.

FOOD AND DRINKS                                                                                           You can also have your breakfast, your lunch and even your dinner here. It offers a variety of choices for what regards teas but also desserts. For example you could order some simple tea as the “Boston Breakfast” or some more elaborated such as a “Ginger, Rose and Cardamom (Karma)”. And even if you don’t like tea you can order a Hot Chocolate or have a slice of cake. There is also a variety of ales and wines that you can chose from. Boston Tea Party is a place for families too, kids have their own menu.

ART AT THE BOSTON TEA PARTY                                                                   The particularity in this bar is the fact that it houses the works of various local artists. These paintings add a more original and personal touch to the place. Near each work there are also some business cards of the artist who realised the specific piece.

OUR OPINION                                                                                                         In conclusion we think that the Boston Tea Party is a very enjoyable and lovely place to spend your free time if you don’t like crowded bars and if you want some quiet.

Written by Alice, Amina and Lorenzo.

[cheltenhamthroughoureyes-blog]

OUR EXPERIENCE AT “THE WILSON ART GALLERY & MUSEUM”

 The museum is located in Clarence Street, Cheltenham GL50 3JT. It is just in front of St. Matthew's Church and next to Cheltenham's Library. The entrance is free for everyone.

 The museum was opened for the first time in 1899. It offers different exhibitions such as: the Arts and Crafts Collection, the Edward Wilson Gallery, Cheltenham's history through the years (The Paper Store), an Oriental Collection of Pottery and Costumes and Archaeological Treasures from the neighbouring Cotswolds.

 In our stay here we visited the museum and particularly enjoyed the Arts and Crafts Collection, the Edward Wilson Gallery and The Paper Store. We are going to talk in details about these exhibitions.

 ARTS AND CRAFTS COLLECTION

This room is about the Arts and Crafts, an international movement in the decorative and fine arts. All the objects from the collection are made of wood, glass, silver, ceramic and fabric. Here you can also find a piano realised entirely of wood. Going through the Arts and Crafts Furniture Store you can even find many ceramic items inside the dressers. The exhibition offers interesting facts about Cheltenham's history. Did you know that in the 18th Century mineral waters were discovered? Or that the population of Cheltenham is over 100'000 inhabitants now? We discovered that the town was industrially famous for its tobacco, shoes, gloves and stockings production.

 THE LANGUAGE OF LANDSCAPES

In Edward Wilson Gallery you can find a particular exhibition called “The Language of Landscapes”. This room analyses the associations that we establish with a place: this relationship can be about people, buildings, geographical characteristics or a state of mind. It helps us to questions ourselves about the meaning of the word “place”. In fact, during our visit, we saw some paintings from different periods representing this link between the man and his surroundings. The landscapes are interpreted through a variety of techniques, materials and ways of expressions. For example you could find canvases representing the power of the scenery and of the figures within it.

 THE PAPER STORE

This part of the museum shows us Cheltenham’s history through the eyes of its inhabitants. The Paper Store offers changing displays from the Wilson’s archives. In fact we can open the drawers of the collection and see ourselves the objects which made the history of the town. The best part of this exhibition is the fact that we can interact with the memorabilia exposed.

 OUR FINAL OPINION

In the end we can say to have enjoyed this visit. It offered us the chance to explore the town’s past and to admire the masterpieces of Wilson’s art gallery. We really enjoyed the possibility “to write or sketch our thoughts”. For an international student it can be an opportunity to sink in the history of the town and understand the place that they are going to live in.  It was really worth it!

Written by Alice, Amina, Giada, Lorenzo, Natalia and Sarita