A new independent shop has opened on Regent Street, following the closure of several hospitality venues in the town centre. 

Loft & Spires is the second shop for Lauren Vianne Milton, who is 24. Her first store is in Bury St Edmunds in West Suffolk.

She said: "We're a small independent offering a curated mix of gifts, home décor, jewellery, fragrance, clothing and garden accessories, all chosen to bring something a little different to Cheltenham.

"It's been a huge step (and a little surreal!) opening a second store, but I'm really passionate about helping keep independents alive and bringing fresh energy to the local retail scene."

Lauren invested £80,000. The renovation project took three months and included knocking down two ceilings and completely replacing the floor.

Contractors also discovered a hidden vaulted area at the back of the unit, which has been reinstated in the store.

Cheltenham is a long way from Bury St Edmunds, so why did Lauren choose it for her second store?

She said: "Because I believe Cheltenham has the right demographic for our stores. There isn't a shop quite like us in town. And of course Cheltenham is central to the beautiful Cotswolds."

Loft & Spires is in the former Jojo Maman Bebe unit, which was open for many years at 2c Regent Street. It has created five new jobs.