Look local: Bristol

Once the starting point for early voyages of exploration to the New World, Bristol has long been seen as an important port city. Over time it has transitioned from industrial port to a multi-faceted economy offering plenty of creative media and high tech jobs. This year it was named the UK’s most desirable location in the Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide thanks to its combination of ‘impressive schools, buzzing culinary scene and community spirit.’

Independent practice Lunar Optical is situated on the UK’s longest road of independent shops, Gloucester Road. Owners Jill Sunderland and Pam Eastman (pictured below) try to stand out from their competition by stocking only niche frames. Sunderland says: ‘We have such a wide range of lovely and unusual frames. Salt, Etnia and Blackfin are all very popular as they offer a combination of quality and quirky which is an interesting style that our community demands.’