This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the beloved plush brand, Jellycat! Originating in London, UK, Jellycat stuffed animals have become the most sought after stuffies around the globe.
For a quarter of a century, Jellycat has been sharing joy with people of all ages, across the globe. Their unmistakable characters have gained the affection of millions and are center stage in many of the most prestigious stores across 77 countries.
Bradshaws is throwing a party to welcome it’s mascot – Jellycat Jack – on his global journey as he passes through Canada. We thought we’d take some time to show Jellycat Jack the beautiul sights of Stratford! Follow along with us as he experiences his adventure with Bradshaws…
No visit to Stratford is complete without taking your photo in front of our gorgeous City Hall building. Situated in the heart of our city, Stratford City Hall is surrounded by Stratford’s exceptional independently run shops and restaurants and is a great starting point when visiting Stratford!
Incorporated as a village in 1853, a town in 1858 and city in 1885, Stratford grew rapidly during the last quarter of the 19th century due in large part to the establishment of two railway engine repair shops. The original town hall buliding was destroyed by fire in 1897, the cornerstone for a new city hall was laid in 1898 and the new City Hall building was opened in 1900. Under threat of demolition in the 1960s, and again in the early 1970s, the building was saved by a citizens group. Stratford City Hall was renovated in 1974 and remains in municipal use today.
After just a two minute walk from Stratford City Hall, Jellycat Jack found himself at one of the city’s most beloved establishments – Rheo Thompson Candies. Visitors come from around the world to take home hand-made artisanal chocolates, confections and candies from Rheo Thompson Candies, so don’t miss visiting when you’re in Stratford!
Next up, we wandered over to Revival House Restaurant. Housed in the historic building formerly known as The Church Restaurant, Revival House is a jewel in Stratford’s architectural crown. This stunning restaurant is set in an old Church and has majestic arched ceilings and impressive stained glass windows throughout. The crowning glory of this location is its’ exterior gardens and outdoor dining patio. Jellycat Jack was fortunate enough to bump into resident rockstar gardener Peter who is truly gifted at planting and caring for this immaculate floral garden. Peter was kind enough to invite Jellycat Jack to “stop and smell the impressive dahlias.”
Time for COFFEE… Jellycat Jack was shocked to learn the Balzac’s Coffee Roasters original location is in Stratford! He was thrilled that they had his favourite beverage – steamed milk! He loved taking a break on their backyard patio under their pretty yellow patio umbrellas.
Jellycat Jack’s next adventure had him wander down to Stratford Festival’s gorgeous (and newest) the Tom Patterson Theatre. Organic shapes and curved bronze glass windows allow this award-winning piece of architecture nestle perfectly into its’ natural surroundings along the Avon River. Jellycat Jack didn’t have time to see a show while he was in town, but maybe next time!!
Good news for any of you who love theatre…
The Stratford Festival has performances running this season until November 17th!
On the way to our next destination, we wandered by the Stratford Summer Music office… Although the “summer” portion of the music festival has come to a close, be sure to follow the @Stratfordmusic instagram feed for info on upcoming performances in 2024, and get on their email list to hear about 2025’s lineup of impressive musical talents!
Wanting to take a closer look at the Avon River, Jellycat Jack hopped aboard the The Avon Boat House River Cruise. He had the most beautiful weather to enjoy a relaxing and meandering trip along the river taking in Stratford’s sights and learning about Stratford’s architecture and wildlife from an entirely new perspective. If he had his way, he would have taken time to sit at Avon Boat Rental’s beautiful riverfront patio to grab a Charlie Tuna Sandwich, but he had to stick to his demanding Jack-on-Tour schedule.
Just steps away Jellycat Jack found himself some refreshing treats at Jenn & Larry’s Ice Cream Shop. Jenn & Larry’s is one of the coolest (get it?) places to get ice cream in this city. No rest for Jellycat Jack… With a lineup of hungry customers, Jenn had Jellycat Jack working the takeout window for a brief spell!
Time for a mid-day refreshment. Jellycat Jack stopped by Café Bouffon to have a little tipple at the bar. (Ok, to be fair, it was really just a martini glass full of water and an olive. Jellycat Jack has fully embraced the Zero Alcohol trend!)
Did you know Jellycat Jack is a HUGE Justin Bieber fan? He was fixated on re-enacting Justin’s past busking outside Stratford Festival’s Avon Theatre where Justin’s Stratford Walk of Fame star is situated. He even brought along his guitar for an authentic photo-op!
Lastly, Jellycat Jack was excited to check out where he’d be hanging out for the next three days… at one of Canada’s oldest (yet young at heart) retail stores in downtown Stratford… Bradshaws! Family owned and operated for over 6 generations of Stratford families, Bradshaw sure knows how to welcome Jellcat Jack to our community… and Bradshaws welcomes all of YOU to join us for this weekend event at our store. We look forward to seeing you as well celebrate Jellycat Jack’s 25th Birthday and around-the-world tour!
See you this weekend:
Friday September 13th 10-6
Saturday September 14th 10-6
Sunday September 15th 11-5
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