“Denial Ain’t A River In Egypt” (Mark Twain). A simple, yet humorous, play on words. They take many forms and are used in many ways.
Similarly, when I hear “Independent’s Day”, the first thought that comes to mind is ‘Fourth of July, American Independence Day’.
But of course it isn’t,
it’s the celebration of the independent businesses that make each and every town and city, different to the next.
Whether you’re eating, shopping or having a pamper at your favourite salon, you want an ‘experience’. You want to go to a place that offers choice, diversity. The High Street has been under threat from the internet for the last decade or more.
But perhaps the pandemic has focused our attention. The ‘shop local’, ‘shop small’ really has helped most of the independent businesses survive, and even flourish, on many of our High Streets. And that support has been more than financial. This support has given many the will to continue. Most independents are family owned, often second or even third generation. We are not faceless companies, rather caring, dedicated, passionate about our businesses, ‘people’, who are generally always present.
Therefore, it is befitting that in the July edition of this fabulous publication, I explore some of Lancaster’s Independent businesses…
Jewellers are my first destinations when looking for gifts for my favourite women. We are so blessed with three fantastic establishments, so in alphabetical order, I present to you the ultimate in jewellery shopping;
BANKS LYON JEWELLERS. Renowned for their luxury timepieces; Bremont, Breitling, Cartier, IWC, Omega and Tag Heuer, are the mainstay. Diamond’s, Emerald’s, Opal’s, Pearl’s, Ruby’s, Sapphire’s are set in Gold or Platinum and can be adorned on the fingers, neck or wrists. Step through the automatic curved doors and you know you’re entering somewhere quite special.
FIRTHS JEWELLERS. Specialists in new and antique. They love designing, and even redesigning old pieces, to create that perfect item of jewellery for the recipient, whether it’s for a birth, engagement, wedding or simply as a gift of love. If it’s not in their cabinets, it’s within their ability to create it for you, in their onsite workshop, located in a beautiful space that incorporates a stunning lounge area for your comfort. The perfect setting to discuss your requirements.
SILVER TREE JEWELLERY. Don’t be misled by the name, a keepsake of their heritage. Today they’re stockists of all things precious. From Anais to Vivienne Westwood, Chlobo to Olivia Burton, they are stockists of many of the industries great Designers. If privacy is your preference, you can discuss and view their stock in The Diamond Room.
Between our clothiers, we have most Brands covered, accommodating every budget for both men (m) and women (w). Due to the fact that I am limited for space, I will simply give you a flavour of what each does.
DR KRUGER (m). Edwin, Mark Darcy, Lyle & Scott and Replay are just a few of the names you will discover here.
JOSEPH CLOTHING (m&w). Armani, Eton, Jacob Cohen, Paul Smith and Tramarossa are a few of their premium brands.
LAPEL (m). Colours & Son, Fynch- Hatton, Gabicci, Matinique and Trojan have been their long term Brands.
LYPH (m&w). Local Designer with an international customer base, opened his first store this year. Quirky, fun and totally original. Live Young, Play Hard – LYPH.
RENES FASHION (w). French Connection, Joseph Ribkoff, Mos Mosh, Nu Denmark and Suzy D London are just a few of the thirty plus Brands.
ROOM 12 (w). Specialists on FaceBook and having new lines being delivered every week, so the shop always looks different from your last visit.
THE EXCHANGE LANCASTER (w). An Agency, but not like many others. Everything, including footwear, look brand new, such is the selectiveness here. Clothing, footwear and accessories from the likes of Armani, Mulberry, Ted Baker and Valentino.
WATERHOUSE (m&w). Chunk Clothing, Desigual, Fly London, Skunkfunk and SuperDry are available in this great, not to be missed, store.
ARTERIA. Home of the exhibitions. Fabulous craft goods from handmade cards to stunning art, of every style. Another shop where you can so easily lose yourself for a couple of hours, and you will never be rushed. A totally refreshing experience is what you get here.
PENNY STREET COLLECTABLES. You may have read about this fabulous shop in Mays Edition. A shop that just grabs you from the minute you walk in. Perfect for gifts for yourself or for others, some new some antique. Jess’s product knowledge in simply incredible.
VIVA INTERIORS. An eclectic mix of the most unusual products; as you weave your way through this treasure trove you will find, vases, lamps, furniture, mirrors, light fittings, plain, patterned, modern, classic and when your senses are on overload, you’ll discover a wonderful selection of children’s clothes.
TINBOX ANGEL. I know there have been two editorials written about this incredible workshop in as many years, but for good reason. I cannot emphasise enough how special this business is. Amanda, one person, is the designer and producer of goods that will completely blow you away. There is always a selection of goods ready to purchase, from coin purses to tote bags. This enables you to see and feel the quality, most can even be personalised on purchase.She only uses premium leathers, most are Italian. I promise you, the quality alone is worth triple what you will pay and you can have made any style, in any colour combination, with piping, linings and personalised until your heart is content. Now Amanda runs a Sneaker Making Workshop once a month. You design and she will help you make your own, completely unique, sneakers. How’s that for a real one-off.
The number of great establishments is unbelievable. Yes, we have your multinationals but if you want individual, diverse, authentic, then this is the City
BUCCELLI’S is the epitome of ‘authentic’. The vast majority of the produce used and sold, are specially selected and imported from Italy, by Bruno Buccelli. Buccelli’s restaurant is serving authentic Italian food from Tuesday to Saturday.
Again, in the interests of space, here are just a few of the eateries and watering holes you really need to check out; CAPPUVINO BAR & RESTAURANT, ETNA RESTAURANTE, MARCO’S RESTAURANT, ISTANBUL, MEDUSA, MERCHANTS 1688, QUITE SIMPLY FRENCH, SUN PIZZA, THE BOROUGH, THE MAD HUNTER, THE QUARTER HOUSE, THE ROYAL KINGS ARMS, THE SECRET BISTRO, THE STUDY ROOM, THE SUN HOTEL BAR & RESTAURANT, THE TOLL HOUSE, THE WHITE CROSS… There are a number of superb wet bars (no food served) ranging from Cocktail Bars to your traditional Ale Pub, the likes of DRAM & BARREL, MINT, HORSE & FARRIER, STONEWELL TAP, THE TITE & LOCKE, TIPPLE…
A few Cafes that you will be really pleased you tried include; BREW, CAFÉ DOLCE, DAM GOOD COFFEE SHOP, HERBARIUM, JOURNEY SOCIAL, HOLM, THE CORNISH BAKERY, THE PRINT ROOM, VINCENZO’S…
What binds everything together is the architecture, history and culture of this super city. The atmosphere, or vibe to use the latest buzz word, is one of excitement and dare I say it, happiness as you explore the City.
I was speaking to one couple this week, which have just signed up and got the keys to premises on Market Street. They were buzzing because they explained that they had been looking for premises in Lancaster for the last two years without success (the location, size and rent determine suitability). Despite having two businesses in a nearby City, they were desperate to come to Lancaster because of everything it has to offer.
Figures are generally used to underpin any claim about success, so here are a couple; Lancaster compared to the UK average – Independents: 65.7% compared to 40%; Footfall comparison (April 2022 compared to April 2019): -9.5% compared to -21.5% (figures supplied by ‘Springboard’).
I believe, it is by and large, a result of the quality and quantity of the independent businesses that have resulted in a better Pandemic recovery. No, we are not back to previous levels, but we are doing significantly better than the UK average in recovering, with empty shop units at an all-time low in Lancaster as independents and multinationals are snapping up the opportunity open up here.
I think it is only right to acknowledge the work done by our local authority, Lancaster City Council, for the way that they have worked in supporting, maintaining and connecting our District, especially over these past few years.
Before I am publicly flogged in Market Square (doesn’t happen really) for omitting many of the other fantastic businesses from the lists above, I want remind you that you can use our website totallylocallancaster.co.uk as the ultimate Directory, where you will find all our retail and hospitality, (including accommodation) businesses, with links to their websites and social media platforms.
As everyone states when they’ve visited for the first time, they wish they’d visited sooner.
LANCASTER THE INDEPENDENT CITY
