A FRENCH-THEMED interiors shop has opened in Stratton selling hand-painted furniture, gifts and locally roasted takeaway coffee.

Business partners Ali Candy-Waters and Victoria Meeke have been operating The Lavender House for three years but have only just set up their permanent shop in Stratton where they also offer to brighten up existing furniture brought to them by clients.

One half of the duo Victoria Meeke said: "Ali and I have been on the move with our business for so long. We wanted to get everything in one place and make it look really gorgeous. We're pleased to say it's working brilliantly."

The 45 year old art lovers claim they only purchase furniture with character and Victoria described how some of their particular pieces "really make your heart sing."

She continued: "People can go to IKEA and buy something or they can come to us, spend a little bit more and come away with something which will last over fifty years and which has real character and charm."

"I've just returned from France and bought back bits and pieces I picked up at various markets for the shop."

The Lavender House also comes with a coffee counter, serving locally roasted coffee supplied by Rave Coffee Roastery in Cirencester and an array of baked goods, including lavender shortbread and chocolate brownies made by Buttercup Cakes. Victoria explained: "Rave really support us. We have a great working relationship with them. Stratton as I've known it has never had a coffee shop or a proper place to hang out and I feel we're now making it a bit more up-market.

"My sons think the coffee shop is the coolest place ever. They love having baby-chinos and marshmallows on tap."

The Lavender House is situated on Cheltenham Road opposite Stratton Post Office and is open 9-5pm on weekdays and 9-12pm on Saturday. The two owners are currently planning a launch party for next month to introduce their new walled garden. For further details visit their website at the-lavender-house.co.uk.