STREET LIFE
The Looking Glass of Bath has supplied mirrors to 10 Downing Street, a royal residence and several embassies. Pictured is sales manager Paul Robinson
DAYS GONE BY Take a look at what the shops on Walcot Street were once used for… At Etons of Bath, Hayward & Wooster – a building company who ceased trading in 1970 – is etched into the stonework in their showroom.
THIS IS BATH’S NOTTING
Many moons before Harvest Natural Foods was there, the shop was already a greengrocers, where deliveries were made by a horse and cart backing into the shop – hence their large doors and ramp.
HILL
Farpoint’s current location was originally used as a bakery from around 1901. Then, in 1982, it was one of the first Mastershoe stores around. Farpoint now reside in what was the ‘sports shoe’ section. The building in which Looking Glass of Bath is now based was originally a coach house and stables for one of the houses on The Paragon and is built into the Roman wall that runs along that part of Walcot Street.
If we were to describe Walcot Street to an outof-towner, we’d say it’s colourful, eclectic, and an epicentre for all things independent and unique. Julija Atgalainyte, showroom manager at Avenida Home, agrees, adding that the discreet location makes it even more enticing. “It’s tucked away from the beaten path,” she says. “Visitors here have often put more effort in researching their travels. The quarter caters to all who are looking for something different; you can find everything from yarn to glassmaking workshops, from charity shops to exquisite homewares and delicious food.” Tom Smallman, sales consultant at Farpoint Developments – an authorised Apple repair centre, which also sells Apple products and other premium brands such as Bose and Sonos – says the street is a respite from the hustle and bustle of the centre of town, and it allows you to take in the historic surroundings. “It’s shadowed by the towering Paragon, a group of 250-year-old Georgian listed buildings,” says Tom. “There’s also such an eclectic mix of shops, selling everything from cheese to home furnishings.” For Kate Vincent, marketing manager at Graham and Green, the area’s strong sense of community is one of the first things she noticed. “The collection of craftsmen, designers and shop owners all boast a strong spirit,” she says. “We work together to create unique events, build community spaces and to maintain Walcot’s quirky character.” Ann-Marie James, buying director at Rossiters of Bath, agrees that the retailers are always coming up with innovative ways to promote the street. And the YMCA Bath’s marketing manager Trish Fairbeard considers it to be the best street in the city for its energy and friendliness, but adds that, in order to keep this street alive, they need more people to visit. Because, so far, the street is almost untouched by large chain stores, Emma Rose, of Emma Rose Art Works, describes the area as a ‘small street with a big heart’. “Around 90 independent business all thriving and bouncing off each other makes for a lively vibe,” w
Towers of sweet indulgence at DidiCakes
Rossiters is made up of three buildings that were originally the homes of wealthy weaving families. The shop’s homes and gardens department was originally occupied by a bed and carpet retailer called, coincidentally, Weaver & Son. The space in which Graham and Green is located was once home to the prestigious Red House Bakery; a Grade-II listed bake house, opened in 1903 by Alfred J Taylor. When renovating the space, the G&G team uncovered a pitched glass roof and many of the original bakery tiles. In the late 1700s, the workshop of a silversmith named William Townsend was located where Avenida Home is based today. It seems that creativity is truly ingrained in the area.
PHOTO BY DERRYN VRANCH
PHOTO BY DERRYN VRANCH
WHAT MAKES IT SO SPECIAL?
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