With Christmas sneaking closer every day, we thought it’d be fun to give you all an insight into life here at Mòr Digital Studio in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. What better way to do this than by creating an online “Advent Calendar”? Over the run-up to the big day, we’ll be hitting the streets, meeting the locals, making friends and talking to the people of our town.
Each day, we’ll post pictures of things around us, here in the article, but also on LinkedIn and Facebook. Feel free to comment on these (let’s keep it friendly) – we need inspiration of where to go, who to visit, what buildings/artwork/funky sights to get snaps of. If you’re fairly local, why not invite us for a coffee where you are, and get your business up on our page?
1st December – The Little Deli
Kicking us off on December 1st, we’re pleased to welcome you all to The Little Deli. This beautiful store offers hampers, cheese tasting and festive wreaths, on top of their day-to-day goodies! Come on down and say hello to the lovely folk in store or check out their website here.
2nd December – Arkley Fine Art
Today, we’d like to introduce you to Arkley Fine Art gallery. This premises has recently opened on Hermitage Road and offers some stunning pieces (check out our Facebook and LinkedIn to see a few more examples). Please pop in and welcome Richard and the team to the neighbourhood. Art has been flying off the shelves (or walls) there, so the website is being updated, but once it’s back up to date, you can view it here.
3rd December – Gatefold Music
It’s the third day of our calendar, and we’ve been to see Jak at Gatefold. If ever you’re in the Hermitage neighbourhood, head into the store for some classic Vinyls, players and a great musical atmosphere. They also serve coffees and cakes for those just passing through. Think someone you know might enjoy the gift of music this Christmas? Visit the website here.
4th December – Mòr Festive Spirit
We’re feeling super-festive in the Mòr office, now that our decorations are up. This seasonal cheer was a bit too much for our designer, Ross. He couldn’t stop himself from concocting a merry little Christmas Logo for the company. We hope it makes you smile, like it did us. How’re you getting into the Christmas Spirit?
5th December – The Beer Shop
It’s the fifth day of our calendar, and we’ve been working hard so far. We thought we’d reward ourselves with a refreshing beverage from the Beer Shop. The team here are great and put up with our shenanigans fairly often so we thought it was high-time we publicly recognised their delicious craft beer and great service. These guys change the beer they offer on a regular basis, so we love heading down there and seeing what’s new. We think it’s a great place. But don’t take our word for it – check it out for yourself. For more info or to see what’s going on, you can get to their website if you follow this link.
6th December – Jolly Brown Vintage
Today, we went to see Hannah and the team at Jolly Brown. This store offers some absolutely gorgeous pieces, some new, some genuinely vintage, and we found it difficult to stay focused on the task at hand! But, we made a promise to deliver this calendar, so we powered through. There are some really unique items here that could make great Christmas gifts. Come on down and meet the team, or check them out on Facebook, Instagram or at their website.
7th December – Chilli Banana’s
Today we’re featuring one of our favourite sandwich shops. Chilli B’s allows you to build your own sandwich/wrap/baguette/jacket potato, although they’ve also thought up some delicious combinations if you don’t want to think too hard about food. There’s a relaxed little seating area (pictured here) in the area where the food magic happens, and a beautiful tearoom-style lounge for those who would prefer to take their time. Take a look at their menu on their website, and get stuck in with this delicious experience.
8th December – The Hermitage Rd. Bar & Restaurant
We love the Hermitage, not just because it’s super-local to us but also because of the atmosphere, the food, and (of course) the drinks! This year, we decided to grace them with our presence for a little company Christmas gathering. So enjoy this visual treat of us behaving like muppets. The Hermitage is great for a quick afternoon coffee, as a spot for remote-working or for dinner (alone, couples, groups..whatever you fancy). Check out their website and get yourself booked in.
9th December – Fly9
We stumbled across Fly9 by accident and were pulled in the door by some of the beautiful displays – we never looked back! We popped in to speak to the warm and lovely Jordi, whose mum (Marcia) owns the store. The website is currently under maintenance, but you can find them on Instagram and Facebook to feast your eyes on more from them.
10th December – Etcetera
In the bustling hub of Hitchin Market Square, you’ll find Etcetera. This unique store is like something straight out of a fairy tale. From ornate mirrors, to quirky candle-holders, to beautiful stuffed toys, there’s something for everyone in here. Head on over to pick up some great Christmas gifts and say hello to Katrina and the team. Check out their website, or look them up on Facebook.
11th December – Riot Lounge
Today, we’re proud to introduce Riot Lounge. This fabulous little shop is run by Jess, who is warm and wonderful and full of festive cheer. There are some beautifully eccentric pieces in here, so be sure to drop in and say hello to Jess and the team if you’re on Sun Street – they’d love to see you. They’re on Facebook and Insta and look great on both!
12th December – The Snug
With it’s edgy, contemporary aesthetic, the Snug on Sun Street is the perfect spot for chilling or dining during the day. We especially love the amazing cocktails in the evening (as this picture shows)! Visit the website or head on over to see what’s on offer.
14th December – The White House
This unique place on Queen Street is a “family coffee house” and actively encourages parents to bring their little ones in. It’s breastfeeding-friendly and has a range of books available to entertain your little ones. If they’d rather entertain themselves, there’s a safe, fenced-off play area where they can burn some energy – toys are even provided! There’s coffee and snacks (child-friendly AND parent-friendly) so visit their website, or come on down when you need a change of scenery – no one will judge you for not having brushed your hair!
15th December – Hitchin Cafe
This little gem is across the street from us and has tempted us with its delicious food more times than we care to admit! The team are great, the food is great, wait-times aren’t long. You can eat in, you can take away and nothing is too much effort for the guys in the kitchen. Whether you’re after an all-day breakfast, a cup of coffee or lunch with friends, this is the place to come. More than likely, we’ll see you there!
16th December – PAWS, Fur & Fin
Today, we’re featuring PAWS, a family-run business located on Bancroft. We’ve popped in here to grab some snacks for the office dogs (who are welcome in the store, by the way). Caroline and Eileen have always been friendly, helpful and have given us some great ideas on how to keep the pooches entertained in the office so that we can focus on our work. Head on over to check out their great range of high-quality food, treats, toys…. Your pets will love it!
17th December – Mench Living
Today’s business is Mench Living. Based on Bucklersbury, it’s a beautiful little Scandinavian-inspired homeware store. We loved the Christmas stockings they offer, and wished we were small enough to get away with snapping up the teepee they had on display. Drop in to grab some last-minute Christmas gifts, for your loved ones or for yourself.
18th December – Secret Garden
Tucked away on Sun Street, next to La Bella Vita, you’ll find the appropriately named Secret Garden. This beautiful soft-play business is perfect for rainy days and those times when you just can’t face staying at home with your messy little monsters. They have mini-swings for babies, ride on toys, train sets, books, activity centres and a sensory room. They run classes such as yoga (little ones invited), treatments (massage, anyone?), support clinics and workshops. Topped off with some of the best changing facilities we’ve come across AND a cafe serving hot food. What more could you ask for? Hop onto their website here, look them up on Facebook or go and check the site out in person.
19th December – The Vic
The Vic, on the corner of Ickleford Road, is great for live music, and does good food as well. There’s a lovely garden space, and the office dogs enjoy it there when we’ve headed in at lunchtimes. The staff are friendly, the atmosphere is relaxed. Well. Clearly, we like it. Why not head over there and see for yourself?
20th December – La Maison Blanc
La Maison Blanc is a homeware shop on Bancroft which houses a huge trove of unique goodies for around the house. They also offer workshops around painting and waxing techniques for those looking to work on their own pieces at home. Pop in for some Christmas treasures, or why not give the gift of a workshop to the creative people in your life? Check them out on Facebook to find out more.
21st December – Brickyard
With Christmas just around the corner, we decided to let our hair down again. On this occasion, we headed over to The Brickyard on Bancroft. We’ve been here before but wouldn’t say it was a regular haunt of ours. However, after our last two visits, we’ll definitely be adding it to the list of places we turn up at regularly. The staff are friendly, the environment is quirky and we felt totally comfortable relaxing with a few cold beverages at the (almost) end of a long day. This is one to make sure you visit on your New Year pub crawl.
22nd December – Rosita Lollipop
This funky little store has done so well that it has split from Riot Lounge and now focuses solely on clothes, gifts and accessories for the younger generation. They’ve got beautiful childrenswear and some absolutely phenomenal items that would make fantastic Christmas presents, so nip in to visit them at Payne’s Park (opposite Tyre Pros) and grab some last-minute pieces for the lucky kids in your life.
23rd December – Vintage Bay
A gorgeous shop in Churchyard owned by the lovely Amy, this place has got it all going on. The displays are stunning, the range is outstanding and the team are very warm and friendly. Vintage Bay won the Muddy Stilettos award for Best Gift Shop in June 2017 and it’s easy to see why. Head on over to see what we’re raving about. You won’t be disappointed.
24th December – Mòr Digital Studio
The big day is upon us tomorrow and we wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years. It’s been a busy but fantastic year for us at Mòr but we’ve thoroughly enjoyed it – especially this last month, meeting the locals and getting to know more of our neighbours. We’d like to thank all the businesses that took part in our advent calendar and everyone who recommended places for us to feature. It’s been a real community effort and we’re so proud to be based beside you all in Hitchin. But now, it’s time to get festive with our family and friends. We leave you with a picture of the gorgeous Bear. See you next year!
