Cheap Street feature:Layout 1
25/10/12
17:56
Page 77
FOCUS ON CHEAP STREET
Explore Cheap Street in Frome – a traditional place to shop A stroll along Frome’s Cheap Street is not only a walk through history but a chance to discover some fiercely independent businesses where quality and service come first. Famous for the stream – or leat – which runs through the middle of the street, Cheap Street is one of the best-preserved medieval lanes in the country. Cheap Street was the original shopping street of Frome, leading from the Market Place to St John’s Church in King Street, where the same independenceof-spirit can also be found. The well by the church feeds the stream. There can be few streets anywhere which offer such a range of shops in such a short distance, which makes Cheap Street an ideal place to stroll and discover what’s on offer. It’s worth a visit on its own. The varied businesses which line the street sum up much of the unique character of Frome itself; many of them are nationally renowned but retain the charm and personality of their owners. They are at the heart of independence in the town. Mark Adler met some of them.
Mint shrimps BRACENDS Sweet Shop prides itself on offering everything from the traditional to the unusual. Run by Tony Bond and Pete Starr, Bracends opened eight years ago. Its name harks back to a former business: Bric-abrac & Odds & Ends. The jars that line the walls are a dream for sweet-lovers young and old: Somerset Mint Shrimps date from midVictorian times; a range of Dutch liquorice are the gourmet items and Tony and Pete will be stocking Belgian chocolates in time for Christmas. Much of their range also comes from the Cheddar Sweet Cottage and there is also a variety of sugar-free sweets. Tony said: “Sweets go in and out of fashion. If people have watched a film where someone is eating a particular sweet, then we will get a rush of people wanting them as well. That happened when the Harry Potter films came out. “Customers come in and say they haven’t seen a particular sweet for years and we have it!” Bracends’ Pete Starr
Cheap Street: the independent heart of Frome
Lyn is growing up LITTLE Squirts is a nearly new baby and toddler shop which is growing up fast. Opened by Lyn Obern – or Linney as she is known – in May 2011, the shop offers a 50/50 split on proceeds to people who sell their unwanted items through the business. Lyn came up with the idea when she was pregnant and wanted to do something for families who were seeing their own little ones grow out of
Lyn in her Cheap Street shop
their clothes and toys. Now Lyn is planning to launch a range of brand new clothing and accessories.
Little Squirts
BRACENDS
Traditional Sweetshop
Nearly new baby & toddler shop
Over 200 varieties of oldfashioned and Sugar Free sweets. Wedding Favours and Party Bags a speciality Tony and Pete 18 Cheap Street, Frome, Somerset, BA11 1BN. Tel: 01373 455062
20a Cheap Street, Frome, BA11 1BN. Tel: 01373 462079 or 07704 249897
MENDIP TIMES • NOVEMBER 2012 • PAGE 77