Fig

Not to be confused with Sage, a shop of a similar name and nature a few doors down, Fig is a great little find on Gloucester Road, choc-​a-​bloc full of beautiful arts, crafts and handmade delights including greeting cards, prints and jewellery.
Made up of a small collective of local designers and artists, Fig is a fantastic place to go for gifts but also for inspiration to brighten up your own home. The felt embroidery of underwater scenes by Katy Tarling and quirky prints by Jane Orme are some of the highlights while the greeting cards are charming but at around £3 each are a little pricey.
Although the listings on the website say this shop is only open Thursday to Saturday I recently popped in on a Monday morning so it’s worth stopping by if you’re in the area a the beginning of the week as opening hours may be changing.

What a lovely shop! Different to anything on this stretch of road, Fig is an absolute gem. Perfect for presents, and for sprucing up your humble abode, Fig sells beautifully hand-​crafted pieces. All items are made on site and include pictures, ornaments, candlestick holders, and table decorations. My favourite was the ‘Frolicking Fairies’ miniature picture with frame, which was £28. The prices may be a little steep, but at least you will be comfortable knowing that your new pieces will be completely indvidual. With a couple of pieces from Fig, your home will be unique to you, rather than looking like another Ikea showroom.

In a world where things are getting increasingly automated and less personal, it’s refreshing to see independent businesses rising out strong above the rest.
Having only been in the area since June this shop, run by a six strong craft collective is a unique glimpse at the production of some beautiful products. I think it’s the shop split in half that makes Fig such an enjoyable place to poke my head in: half the shop given to racks for gifts and cards and the other half to the in house artists.
I asked the always friendly staff what it is that stood them out above the rest. They can’t stress enough the importance of products being hand crafted, on the spot. They say it’s a very refreshing and unique approach to their work.
Pop in and see for yourself.