The Famous of Cheltenham

Established 1886. Now closed.

A new lease was too expensive, so today The Famous menswear (and school uniform) shop closed after 126 years of trading.

Call us sentimental, but when we heard the news on Radio 4 that the Famous was shutting up shop, Brome and I decided drive up to Cheltenham there and then to have a final look around. Two hours later we were there in a very packed shop with just a few shirts and bow ties left to sell.

Years ago, when working at Cragoe Advertising in Cheltenham, I used to write the weekly press ads for the Famous. I wonder what the fate of the building will be now? Which chain of coffee shops will be able to afford the lease?