The Shed LORNA VERSION.qxp_Layout 2 27/08/2014 13:03 Page 2
DESTINATION | SHOPPING
A SHEDLOAD OF GOODIES The Bath Magazine visits The Shed near Bathford to find a whole village under one roof – with free parking and food from dawn to dusk (and a great adventure playground for children too) No wonder everyone from networkers and yummy mummies to foodies and golden oldies are beating a path to this latest must-visit destination
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omewhere just off the A4 outside Bathford there’s a little corner of New Zealand. Children play happily on a wooden climbing frame while their parents sit in the shade of a vine having lunch. Meanwhile other visitors are browsing inside the wood clad building where a host of independent and artisan traders are offering all kinds of things, from cheese to specialist paint finishes. The atmosphere is relaxed, easy-come-easy-go. If you want to dash for an unexpected birthday gift or a thank-you posy of flowers, or you fancy a delicious Movenpick ice cream or a pizza with the kids after school, this is the place to visit. The Shed, in its latest incarnation, is owned by Helen Cobb, who was inspired to create this all-day mix of fun and shopping by the places she’d enjoyed visiting with her two children when they lived in New Zealand. “I loved the laidback vibe of those places,” she says, “and that’s what we wanted to create.” The first thing that will draw the Bath crowds is the free parking – simply pull in off the Box Road with the knowledge that you’re not going to have to move the car in an hour, re-fill the meter or pick up a fine. From here you stroll across the gravel, past the newly built play area and into the barn itself. Cider drinkers will be familiar with the site, which used to be called Dick Willows, and will be pleased to see the long bar with their favourite tipple available to take home, alongside a range of real ales.
creatures or cushions and generally get a bit messy while making something to take home. There’s also a range of haberdashery and gift ideas on the shelves for creative types of all ages. No workshop costs over £10 and they usually last about an hour. Sue is planning to introduce adult workshops this autumn too.
The Shed Deli
This delightful little boutique is laid out with a tempting range of clothes, accessories and jewellery. It’s a mix of new and pre-loved clothes in sizes 8 to 24. Two new autumn collections are due in shortly, offering a range of clothes that are both easy to wear and flattering. If you have good quality items that you’d like to sell, Monday is the day to submit pieces for sale on commission basis – but be warned, you’re likely to come away with something new to wear. It’s fun to browse among clothes in an independent shop that stocks something different.
From the bar it’s a short hop to The Shed’s inhouse deli run by cheesemonger Nick, formerly of the Bath Fine Cheese Company and Paxton and Whitfield. Browsers will be delighted to hear that Nick welcomes shoppers who want to taste before they buy and he can order in specific cheese for customers. He not only knows a lot about cheese but he’s also handy if you’re looking for a recipe idea. In addition to the cheese counter there are Lovett pies, locally made sausages and a veritable still life of colourful fresh fruit and vegetables to choose from.
Carole Waller and Gary Wood studio Carole has built up a loyal following over the years for her exquisite handpainted silk clothes, scarves and paintings, while Gary has a parallel career as a ceramicist. Until now the pair of them have shown in their home gallery, just along the road from The Shed. Carole said: “I am moving our private gallery of 15 years into the public realm at The Shed, with my painted clothes and paintings on silk to hang on the wall, collected by the V&A and other international collections, alongside my laminated paintings on cloth in glass panels.” These can stand alone as sculptural panels, or be integrated into architectural contexts such as windows, glass doors, balustrades or room dividers. Freestanding panels are available to buy and also available to commission for site specific applications. There are also one-off silk painted scarves, ties and t-shirts. Gary’s beautiful stoneware ceramic tea bowls and wall pieces can also be found in the gallery.
Dress Code
The Pigeon Hole
Nicky the florist creates beautiful, romantic arrangements, from the pretty little jam jar posies at £8.50, which are so popular as thank-you presents, right through to big bouquets for those ‘I love you this much’ gestures and her designs are in demand for weddings too. At the moment vintage inspired arrangements are particularly popular. Blooms can also arrange delivery in the local area, including Box, Corsham and Bradford-on-Avon.
Prey began life as a retail venture in Bath, stocking a unique range of design led gifts and homewares and fashion labels. The business branched out into the design and manufacture of its own range of products, which are now stocked in more than 800 stores worldwide. Owner Geraldine said: “We have created The Pigeon Hole to fit into this timber shed world, selling the quirky design-led home wares that are synonymous with what Prey has been offering.” A new selection of pre-loved and brand new Italian fashion completes the offering at The Pigeon Hole.
The Crafty Cupboard
The Paint Box
While Mum and Dad are enjoying a quiet coffee in The Shed’s airy restaurant or on the terrace, the youngsters can be kept creatively entertained by Sue at The Crafty Cupboard. Sue runs a series of workshops round her big table, where children can paint plates, make decoupage creatures, sew quirky sock
This is another place where you can pick up great presents – or indulge in a spot of self-gifting. Arbora has a range of homeware including place mats and napkins, along with decorative items of furniture from storage boxes through to painted dressers. It’s the paint effects that will inspire visitors to try their
Blooms florist
Bare Beauty Those lucky enough to have had a health or beauty treatment at luxury country house hotel Lucknam, may already familiar with experienced therapist Helen Mulloy Reid, who brings her expertise and quiet, calm aura to her very own salon within The Shed. She’s kitted it out, complete with chaise longue in the welcoming area, and a cosy but luxurious private treatment room. Almost everything Helen uses is organic, including the exclusive Swedish brand Estelle and Thild, as used in Harrods’ Urban Retreat. Her Tan Organic spray is also natural, doesn’t smell, and prices start at £25 for a half hour spray tan.
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Helen can treat the whole family, from baby massage through teens and their skin worries (teen treats include a specialist facial) to men wanting to look after their skin – facials are becoming increasingly popular with guys in all walks of life. Bare Beauty is good for regular body maintenance, such as pedicures and waxing, but also for special treats, such as the Super Bio-Active facial, which I can recommend, which incorporates a very thorough stress-busting back massage for computer-weary neck and shoulders. The salon is another shopping opportunity, selling a range of natural beauty products. Contact Helen at Bare Beauty to make an appointment on tel: 07986 863797.
SEPTEMBER 2014
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THEBATHMAGAZINE 21