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What to shop
As the past permeates the town, it is appropriate that there are antiquey places such as the glamorous Spencer Swaffer Antiques and the charms of Arundel Bridge Antiques, Arundel Antiques Market and Nineveh House – with a range of collectables, upcycled pieces and crafts in an old chapel. There is, however, an unexpected shot of fashionable decorative and urban chic homeware stores, elegantly stylish boutiques and cool art galleries among the traditional tea rooms and antiques markets. And there’s not a national name among them. So for individual – even idiosyncratic – independents, this is the place. Tarrant Street and the High Street are best for browsing, but look out for stores hidden in unexpected places. Just a few favourite finds are the French Loft building (an interior design business selling found objects from industrial factory lights to mid-century modern chairs) in a converted brewery, Zimmer Stewart Gallery for striking contemporary artwork, and Sparks Yard for lovely home stuff – a sort of mini-Heals. Meanwhile Vintage Maison, Lavender House & Garden and Rare Rabbit all look as inviting as they sound. A bevy of nearby boutiques includes newcomer Fanny Adams, Senzani with knitwear, jeans and
Where to live
Peter Robson of Jackson-Stops & Staff in Arundel explains that the town attracts second-home owners from London and people who only need to go up to London to work two or three days a week, as well as downsizers who aren’t your usual retirees, looking to tap into Arundel’s active and arty community. ‘There’s a lot to do here,’ Peter explains. ‘People can move here and not know anyone and quickly become part of the town.’ With no room for development, there are just two prime areas to move into: Old Arundel and Torton Hill, a wedged-shape area of desirable detached family houses built post-Second World War on the other side of the A27. Apparently, young singles buy cottages in town, move over to Torton Hill’s family houses when they marry and move back into town to downsize when they’re older. Outside Arundel, a selection of pretty villages and
blooming necklaces, Classix for easy casuals and Envy for that all-important little black dress. Other one-offs range from Squibbly Biskit for cute kids’ togs, and exquisite Catherine Francis Bridal Boutique, to the quirky delights of Arundel Teddy Bears and a walking stick store, both found in a Victorian-style arcade converted from old printing works.
Where to eat
hamlets includes Burpham and Warningcamp to the east, and Madehurst and Slindon (beautiful houses at high prices) to the north. But with no sites to develop in town (and precious few out of town) there’s a squeeze on property. Put simply: Arundel is not cheap.
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www.sussexstyle.com | December 2013
Pallant of Arundel is an upmarket deli that was described to me as being there since the dawn of time. Outside are wicker baskets piled with squashes and apples; inside are displays of fine cheeses, cured meats, pastries, wines and more. Arundel still has a traditional butchers and greengrocers, too. Happy times. Take your pick from a plethora of tea rooms and coffee houses. We stopped for a cappuccino and flapjack