A new English pub, The Brit Pub, brings the flavors of Great Britain across the ocean. It opened Oct. 24, featuring an extensive food and drink menu and British hospitality. Inside, customers see a cozy space decorated with an iconic red telephone booth, British flags and a portrait of the late queen. All the furniture was flown in from England and arranged to create a welcoming atmosphere for guests to linger as long as they’d like over a pint or a cup of tea. The British paraphernalia all over the walls makes the room feel like it’s a portal straight…
Author: Lorelei Smillie
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Gluten-free treats have surged in popularity in recent years. Dolce-GF Patisserie offers gluten-free baked goods for people who have dietary restrictions as well as those seeking less inflammatory diets or removing refined white flour for other health, personal or lifestyle reasons.“I have a deep connection to gluten-free cooking. Three of us in my family are celiac. My youngest has additional food intolerances, so we stay away from all wheat products, including wheat starches and other allergens,” says Christie, Dolce-GF’s owner.Although Dolce-GF Patisserie caters to customers who eat a gluten-free diet, the business is expanding to serve the full community, erasing…
CityROCK climbing gym’s restaurant has officially rebranded from The UTE to Commonfork Bites & Brews. A launch party Nov. 14 marked the beginning of a new era for the gym and its restaurant serving healthful, family-friendly food options for climbers and casual customers. “In my mind, the restaurant has lived under the shadow of the climbing gym since its inception,” says Heather Robinson, the general manager and co-owner of Commonfork. “We’re really trying to bring it out of that so that people feel comfortable coming in when they’re not climbers. We want to give the restaurant its own identity.” Commonfork…
A gift that is a safe choice doesn’t have to be boring. These establishments are all individually owned, keeping your shopping dollars local. Also, many local artisans and artists call Colorado Springs home and your support leaves a smaller footprint of the carbon type. Consider some of these creative offerings around town. Local Fashion, Jewelry & Accessories From fair-trade fashion to gemstone talismans and Southwestern-inspired art, these boutiques offer elevated pieces that feel personal, intentional and warmly rooted in Southern Colorado. Yobel Located in downtown Colorado Springs, Yobel is a fair-trade, sustainable fashion boutique that offers something for everyone. The…
In an era of fast fashion, you want something that stands out from the rest. Handmade goods, including art and clothing made with care and creativity, can be ordered directly from designers on social media, offering an antidote to the overload of endless online shopping. Handmade Creations & Artisan Gifts Matney Warner Matney Warner is selling handmade knit pieces available for purchase exclusively through Instagram. Her chunky hats and sweaters offer warmth and color to brighten winter doldrums. Her designs evoke Nordic and vintage style. Visit: matneywarnerdesigns.com or message Warner directly on Instagram @yospun.colorado. Website: matneywarnerdesigns.com Instagram: @yospun.colorado Briana Arlene…
One of the smallest bakeries in Colorado Springs is only open a few days a week, but business is booming. Tucked away on a quiet street in the Shooks Run neighborhood, the Bakery Depot has been serving homemade cookies and biscotti since 2020. This year marks its fifth anniversary. Owner Susan Schenk said the bakery is as much about people as it is about pastries. “It’s all about friendships, connecting with people and bringing food and people together. I’ve made so many friends from opening the bakery,” said Susan Schenk, owner of the Bakery Depot. From Temple Kitchen to Bakery…
The husband-and-wife team behind BC’s BBQ food truck is expanding into small plates. Randy and Sarah Hickey have developed a menu for Reception, a coffee and cocktail bar that opened Oct. 2 in northeast Colorado Springs. BC’s BBQ has been serving Texas-style barbecue out of its truck since 2023. The traditional menu features ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, brisket, beef cheeks, barbacoa and more. At Reception, the Hickeys have created a menu that retains some barbecue influence while complementing the coffee and cocktail offerings. Reception What: Coffee & cocktails with small plates Where: 2460 Montebello Square Drive, Colorado Springs Hours: Thu–Sun,…
Baguni Mart, a new supermarket offering Korean and Japanese groceries, opened in Pueblo on Oct. 8. After postponing its opening several times, the spacious market is now open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on the north side of town. The store shares ownership with Asiana Market in Colorado Springs. Before Baguni Mart opened, many Pueblo residents made the drive north to shop at Asiana or Asian Pacific Market for ingredients that were otherwise hard to find locally. On social media, residents have expressed excitement about the new store. “So excited! I won’t have to drive to the Springs…
A new style of dining has swept the Springs off its feet: the supper club. Hosted by a variety of restaurants in the area, the supper club offers a new format of dining that feels elegant while keeping prices lower than a traditional tasting menu. While longer prix fixe menus include many courses and a wine pairing, the supper club menu typically offers a choice of an appetizer, entrée, and some kind of dessert or final course. Restaurant owners love the simplicity of the menu, which often comes with a large “No Substitutions Offered” slogan and a strict slate of…
Latin Social opened on North Tejon Street on Oct. 1 in downtown Colorado Springs, offering a menu infused with the flavors of the open ocean. The restaurant’s Mediterranean-inspired cuisine draws from across the region, with influences from France, Italy, Portugal, Greece and Turkey. “At Latin Social, dinner isn’t just a meal— it’s a moment,” reads a recent post on the restaurant’s Instagram. The concept comes from the team behind Ambli Kitchen & Bar, which operates several upscale restaurants in Denver and Colorado Springs, including Ambli Global and Ambli Kitchen & Bar. Known for blending global flavors and fine dining, the…