A NEW design shop has opened its doors in Tetbury.

Treacle George opened its doors in late June on the Market Place, with the grade II listed building transformed into a destination for design-led furniture, lighting and gifts.

Occupying both floors of a 270-year-old former former terraced cottage, its distinctive black and gold signage has replaced that of previous tenant Steepleton, a company which runs more than 100 retirement apartments nearby.

Owner Laurance White said of the opening: "Our building has tonnes of charm and its less-than-straight walls and exposed beams make for a lovely backdrop for contemporary furniture and lighting.

“And Tetbury is a market town on the up.

"Many know about its natural Cotswold beauty but what we loved so much in addition to this is that it’s full of amazing independent boutiques, galleries, cafes, hotels and, last but not least, pubs. "We think our new design store adds to this and we love being part of the town.”

The name ‘Treacle George’ is also the nickname of the owner’s youngest son, George, as well as an old English pudding reckoned to be “a wholesome and attractive dish for children”.

Treacle George is the only dealer of furniture from Danish brand Carl Hansen & Søn in the Cotswolds and also stocks items from lighting manufacturer Louis Poulsen and French outdoor living innovators Fermob.

“We're on a never-ending quest to unearth the coolest and most desirable items out there,” added Laurence.

“We’re confident that every single product that makes it to our Tetbury store will quietly stand the test of time.

“The only ingredients we use are design classics of the past, present and future and we’re passionate about selling a few beautiful things which will accompany people through life, rather than lots of so-so stuff which won't.

“We’d much rather they had the option of passing them on to their children and grandchildren, rather than the tip.”