THE owner of a flower stall, housed in a Citroen van on the Sub Rooms forecourt, is set to open a new site in Cirencester.

Former marine Daniel Smart, 33, started Fleurs de Rue last December in a vintage van named after his four-year-old daughter Tamsin.

Now Daniel, along with his business partners Mike Wiseman and new appointment Zara Boots, are set to open a stall on the Cirencester market place – teaming up with Dobbies Garden Centres.

Zara has joined the team to create hand-tied bouquets, wedding arrangements as well as occasionally running the Stroud and Cirencester stalls.

“We’re so excited to be opening our second location just 10 months after opening for business, and to be part of Cirencester’s new market place – we can’t wait,” said Dan, who served as a corporal in the 42 Royal Marines Commando Brigade from 2006 to 2016.

“Our new shop will offer the same high quality fresh flowers you can find on-board our flagship van, as well as our new & exciting ‘flower bar’, where you can select your own stems and have a go at making your own bouquet.”

Dan has been searching for the perfect place for a new plot for the past few months after what has been a whirlwind first year for Fleurs de Rue – which is French for street flowers.

Stroud News and Journal:

Above - Dan opened his flower stall last December in a vintage van named after his daughter Tamsin

He said business has been booming, particular on Saturdays during the Stroud Farmers’ Market, as well as around events such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day.

Dan and the team have also catered for their fair share of large events and weddings and offer a seasonal range of single stems and bouquets.

Larger orders must be placed in advance and can be done so online.

As is often the feeling in Stroud, people have been eager to ‘shop local’ and pick up a bouquet of flowers from Dan, with customers applauding the return of colour to the Sub Rooms forecourt.

The new Fleurs de Rue site will be opening its doors to the people of Cirencester this Friday, and will be open seven days a week 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday, and 10.30am-4.30pm on Sundays.