Talking shop
Noorie chats about why the local indies are her first port of call
T
wo years ago I had a big lifelaundry and car-booted most of my worldly goods upon a life changing downsize from London – only to find myself in a bigger space in Salisbury resulting in a need to start over in my dotage. Starting a new chapter in the Shires, I’d thought my quest for all things fabulous might mean trekking far and wide, yonder hill and dale. Thankfully, Salisbury has a plethora of excellent independent shops to enjoy my mission – very much to my approval, as I dislike the formulaic uniformity and rigidity of the big chains with their generic merchandise seen nationwide. While department stores have their rightful standing in cities, the good old days of opulent emporiums, with their sweeping grand central staircases, making for an entrance likely modelled around the Victorian penchant for promenading, offering the enjoyable experience of wonder and excitement, have long gone. Apart from a few grand staircases still in situ in London stores, provincial flagship branches offer little more than the banality of concessions on their main floor. So, the local indies are always my first port of call, choosing to shop locally for all things necessary (and often unnecessary). Functionality and frivolity; you can find it all here in abundance.
© RUBY DEL ANEY’S PICTURE FACTORY
Woman about town Noorie Parvez
My favourite jaunt is the picturesque walk up through Cathedral Close, passing by Choristers Square, with its iconic red phone box and enviably grand houses, through to the High Street, with tourists and locals salivating as the aroma of Roley’s Fudge Pantry permeates the air as you exit the Cathedral Gate. Just as your nasal senses are recovering, within feet your eyes are treated to the mesmerising, glorious, everchanging array of loveliness that is the Casa Fina window display, boasting decorative interior home wares both new and vintage. Arguably the loveliest shop in all of Salisbury, it ticks all the boxes: elegant displays, quality, selection, individuality (that all-important cherry-on-the-retail-top) and genuinely friendly staff. I’ve bought so much from them: sunglasses, mugs, unique handmade decorations, fragrant candles, vintage china and Christmas gifts. Although I’d never compiled a shopping list that included hand-blown Egyptian glass baubles (and not an essential that I ever needed), but upon stumbling on them I knew I just had to have them in my life. Come to mama you little orbs of hand-made loveliness!
“I’d never compiled a shopping list that included hand-blown Egyptian glass baubles, but I had to have them in my life”
Strolling on from Casa Fina I cross the street to treat myself to the handmade artisan chocolates from the English Chocolate Company. My favourites are the little Jackson Pollock-style abstract ‘Splash’ domes, fulfilling both my appreciation of art and chocolate. The India shop satisfies my preferred décor preference for all things ethnic and eclectic, my favourite purchase being an Indian Runner that complements my living room. Then swing a left along Fisherton Street, which is full of indies with a diverse selection of new, retro and antique furnishings, then stop for a break at the Fisherton Warehouse Café and hope that their selection of homemade treats include such delights as their lavender and blackberry cake (not something I’ve seen in the Star-cups-big-Bucks chain consortiums). Fisherton Mill opposite is a beautiful emporium showcasing creative talent. It’s so nice to tread authentic plank floors amidst a repurposed historic building while exploring the nooks of independent retailers, and perusing individual, quirky and often locally-made items. Although I wasn’t born to shop, my enthusiasm would fool onlookers who could be forgiven for assuming otherwise. And if my stroll through this beautiful medieval city is considered a nostalgic search for a bygone shopping experience, then strap my basket to my bicycle, as it’s preferential to the bustle of London. For a daily blast on a life less ordinary; follow Noorie Parvez on Instagram
www.mediaclash.co.uk I SALISBURY LIFE I 45