Bell Court Stratford

Bell Court has chosen Stratford-upon-Avon’s Escape Arts as its charity partner for 2020, meaning shoppers will be treated to some exciting, family friendly arts, crafts, music and theatre!

Both Bell Court and Escape Arts are busy putting together a programme of fundraising activities which will kick off at the leisure and retail destination with a launch event on Random Acts of Kindness Day on Monday 17^th February, so keep your eye out for more information.

The award-winning Escape Arts uses creative and heritage-led workshops to bring people of all age groups together and support their wellbeing. All money raised from the partnership will be used to support and develop its work.

The partnership with Bell Court marks a homecoming for the charity, as it used to be based on the site of Bell Court before the redevelopment, when it moved to its current home at the Old Slaughterhouse Heritage & Arts Centre off Sheep Street.

Karen Williams, Chief Executive Officer at Escape Arts said ‘we are absolutely delighted to be working with the team at Bell Court, we have very fond memories of working in the space and look forward to involving the whole community across a fantastic programme of creative fundraising activities celebrating local people, local businesses and the heritage of our fabulous town.

Rich Jones, Centre Manager of Bell Court, added: “We have chosen Escape Arts as they do some really great work in the Stratford-upon-Avon community with people of all ages, from children to seniors. I’m confident this is going to be a very beneficial and collaborative partnership that will raise much needed funds for this brilliant charity.”

Stratford’s premier shopping and leisure destination, Bell Court, is roaring into 2020 with the announcement of three new tenants, adding yet more exciting brands to the already varied list of national and independent retailers.

Following on from a successful 2019, Bell Court is excited to welcome three new brands to the scheme, including; MOR Bakery & Kitchen, Black Sheep Barbers and The Burger Priest. These new tenants come hot off the heels of Oriental restaurant, Kung Fu who will be opening imminently, and two new independents; White Light Gallery and Balou Clothing which will continue to strengthen the centre’s offering.

Within the next few months, shoppers to Bell Court can enjoy delicious artisan baked goods from MOR Bakery & Kitchen, or if it’s a sharp hair cut or a spot of grooming you’re after, Black Sheep Barbers is the place to go! And why not finish your day with a gourmet burger made from 100% Aberdeen Angus beef from The Burger Priest – delicious!

David Pearson, owner of MOR Bakery & Kitchen, comments: “We’re very excited to be launching at Bell Court. For too long Stratford town centre has been without a true bakery. MOR is going to change that. Our hearts are set on using local produce to make and bake from scratch from our open kitchen. The overwhelmingly positive feedback has fuelled our drive to get started and welcome sourdough, breakfast and coffee enthusiasts through the doors. Looking forward, the future of MOR holds regular feast nights, workshops and pop ups. It’s going to be an adventure.”

Christian Williams, owner of Black Sheep Barbers. Adds: “Our recent launch in Bell Court has been fantastic. The reception has been incredibly supportive with a great clientele already starting to build up. We look forward to growing even more over the coming months.”

John Stacey, UK Real Estate Director at Blue Coast Capital, the owners of Bell Court, comments: “We’re extremely pleased to announce the imminent arrival of MOR Bakery & Kitchen, Black Sheep Barbers and The Burger Priest. All three offerings, opening soon, will be fantastic additions to Bell Court and Stratford.

“We have always strived to deliver a well-rounded and varied mix of national, regional and independent retailers to Stratford through Bell Court and look forward to welcoming our new tenants in the coming months.”

Highlighting the continued success of the development and bucking the UK trend, Bell Court saw an average increase in footfall of 5% last year, compared to the 2.4% decrease nationally. These figures not only show the success of the scheme, but also the resilience of Stratford as a whole.

John continues: “We had a strong 2019, against what has been yet another very challenging year for the High Street and Retail sector.  The exciting new brands joining the scheme will only enhance Bell Court and improve the overall visitor experience, 2020 is shaping up to be just as successful.”