SPRING / SUMMER 2011
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The Indie Shopper
A guide to independent shopping in Chester...
Curioser and Curioser... Tumble down the rabbit hole into Chester’s new vintage emporium
‘MY MUM’S BEEN HOBNOBBING WITH ALEX JAMES!’ The Cheese Shop’s manageress, Ann Faulkner, discusses celebrity brunch
‘It has become tougher to deliver’ A five-minute chat with City Co-ordinator Steven Wundke
PLUS! Victorian perfumes Step inside Penhaligon’s Fashion & Jewellery Why you should visit Nichols & Co. The best of the rest A list of Chester’s best independent shops Events What’s on this summer
NICHOLS & CO.
5 Bridge Street Row Chester
Image courtesy of www.nicholstyle.co.uk
CONTENTS ISSUE 1.
04 - 05 Welcome to Chester 06 - 07 Becnick’s Wonder Emporium 08 - 09 The Cheese Shop Sarah Coles, Editor Hello, and welcome to the first Spring / Summer Chester edition of The Indie Shopper! Now the days are getting warmer, and the nights longer, the city’s vibrancy and beauty really starts to come to life, and most Cextrians can be found lounging down by the River Dee on hot, sultry days. Chester’s independent shopping scene is also blossoming, having survived an unrelenting recession, and local residents and visitors alike are in for a real treat when they spy some of the beautiful boutique products on offer, which proud shoppers can flaunt to admiring family and friends, and admit they didn’t find their purchases on the high-street! The Shopper has also interviewed City Management Co-ordinator, and ex-professional cricketer Steven Wundke, about the eye-opening work he does to promote Chester; and the reasons why he has fallen in love with this beautiful city. So please, sit back and enjoy our new magazine!
10 - 11 5-minutes with Steven Wundke 12 - 13 Gildas Books 14 - 15 Penhaligon’s 16 - 17 Nichols & Co. 18 - 19 Best of the Rest 20 - 21 Events 2011
The Indie Shopper Chester, Cheshire, CH1 1AA. Tel: 01244 000000 Email: info@the indieshopper.co.uk THE INDIE SHOPPER 3
WELCOME TO So, just what makes Chester so
By Sarah Coles Thanks to Cheshire West and Chester Council’s new initiatives to upgrade the city and transform it into a modern cultural hotspot, Chester has never looked better or been more exciting to visit. Boutique shops, bars, restaurants and hotels line the streets, and a twelve month calendar listing a variety of festivals, events and exhibitions has finally enabled Chester to compete with nearby cities Liverpool and Manchester. Whilst Chester may be inching ever closer to achieving its ‘shopper’s paradise’ title, however, it is important to note that the city’s traditional side is still well worth a visit, or even a re-visit. We heartily recommend visitors take time out from their shopping schedules to walk a lap of this walled city especially on a hot summer’s day – when accompanied by a delicious ice cream. A pit-stop break on the banks of the River Dee is also a must (and the place to stock up on refreshments). Alternatively, 4 THE INDIE SHOPPER
the city’s ancient sandstone shopping experience, were cathedral will also provide surprisingly ignorant about a cool sanctuary, come rain the city’s wealth of or shine, in the midst of independent shops and Chester’s bustling centre, admitted they often ‘felt and the roman lost’ when wandering amphitheatre also provides around Chester’s space sit, observe and meandering rows. The reflect. Chester is relatively small size of the fortunate in that it is a city centre also proved to ‘green’ city, and it is be a turn-off, with many possible to amble off the commenting that the ‘I main high wonder what’s street and round this ‘The Indie locate the park, Shopper can corner?’ roman gardens, guarantee that element of or river, in the suprise and you will space of two or adventure was discover three minutes. lost in a place If you fancy as small as something some outer-city Chester. new and exploration, However, exciting’ however, then Chester’s snug cross the river city centre is into also its saving grace (less Handbridge to discover a shopping miles to walk!), quaint, typically English and there are alleged to be village setting, with further more independent riverside walks, parks, cute boutiques dotted around cottages, churches, pubs this city centre than in and cafes. either Liverpool or Uniquely picturesque and Manchester; yet frequent undoubtedly laden with visitors will often dash past history, yet in terms of pro- in favour of pursuing the viding decent retail therapy, high-street trends on offer Chester would appear to in the Grosvenor Centre’s have a lot to prove. Most relatively cramped retail people, when questioned units. The Indie Shopper’s about Chester as an overall mission is to change the
TO CHESTER! special, and why should you visit? negative shopping stereotype that Chester has found itself saddled with, and provide visitors – and even local residents – with an up to date, informative guide to a city that is both beautiful and bountiful. However, in order to get the most out of Chester, it is essential that visitors slow down to a casual stroll, and shun the highstreet stores for just one day (we may be in the midst of a recession, but they’ll cope); and by looking just that little bit closer at a familiar cityscape, us folks here at The Shopper can guarantee that you will discover something new, and potentially exciting, as well as meeting some genuinely warm, friendly and accommodating business owners and sales assistants, who – especially during these dark days of financial doom and gloom – are eager to please, and will provide excellent, professional customer service. And this, we like to think, is the point of shopping; to explore, discover, and then spend, spend, spend!
From top left-hand image, clockwise: The famous clock-bridge, Chester’s leafy roman walls, the cathedral, an antique sign for shops near the clock-bridge, and a young family enjoy their riverside walk.
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Tumble down the rabbit hole into...
Becnick’s Wonder Emporium! Friends and business partners Rebecca Cooch and Nicola Freer don’t do things by halves; following an impulse purchase earlier this year, they successfully transformed Ye Olde Wheatsheaf public house into Becnick’s Wonder Emporium, in just five weeks!
By Sarah Coles Following the recent closure of Chester’s vintage clothing store on Watergate Street, fans of classical style and antique accessories were left feeling bereft and unfulfilled; with outings to Liverpool and Manchester seen as the only accessible means for fashion items that were distinctly ‘non highstreet’ and low-price. Step forward into Spring 2011, however, and Chester’s vintage spark has been rekindled. Becnick’s Wonder Emporium, situated in a black and white building – Ye Olde Wheatsheaf - on the city outskirts, was launched by firm friends Rebecca Cooch and Nicola Freer (hence the name ‘Becnick’s’, a combination of their first names), who passed the pub earlier this year and noticed it was up for sale. 6 THE INDIE SHOPPER
After making a wild When asked about impulse purchase (on their decision to open a grand scale!), the a vintage fashion two friends lived in and antiques store the ramshackle build- in Chester, the duo ing for five weeks to are quick to attack prepare for the grand the city’s ‘bland’ high opening. Becnick’s street stores, with Wonder Emporium Rebecca exclaimopened its doors to ing: “Retail-wise, excited shoppers their prices are far and local residents in too high!” Whereas March, and was literNicola explains that ally jam-packed, with there is “too much guests mass“We’re not money produced offered grabbing, and glasses cheap our price ranges of chamstuff, reflect that.” pagne and everyone cupcakes looks the upon their same. eagerly anticipated We want people arrival. to feel good about “The open day was the ethnicity of the very successful!” clothes; it’s nice to comments Rebecca. have clothes with “There was such a history.” mix of age groups and “It’s a nice place, people, it was better where people can than we could have buy nice things,” adds hoped for.” Rebecca, “we’re not “It was a nice atmomoney-grabbing, and sphere,” adds Nithe price ranges cola, “and we’ve had reflect that. We want nothing but positive to make enough feedback about the money to live off and business since then.” maybe expand.”
Situated a 10-minute walk from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, the shop has gone from strength to strength. A heady combination of gorgeous, affordable vintage clothing, hand-made jewellery, belts, shoes and other accessories, alongside fifties crockery, picnic baskets, vintage records, an open art space and a tiny cupcake cafe, the Emporium keeps on expanding at every twist and turn. Despite being located on the city outskirts, Rebecca and Nicola have worked hard to provide a retail service that houses most shoppers needs under one distinct roof. “There are constant events being planned,” reveals Rebecca, “we promote local artists and musicians, so keep checking our website and Facebook page for events!”
From top right-hand image, clockwise: Vintage clothing and ornaments, waitresses at the cupcake cafe, some of the gorgeous antique furniture and decorations, and the Wonder Emporium’s old-fashioned tiled exterior.
Becnick’s Wonder Emporium is located on Christleton Road in Boughton, on the outskirts of Chester. Visit http://becnicks.com for more information, or to befriend them on Facebook, search ‘Becnicks Wonder-Emporium’.
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More cheese...? Indulge your tastebuds and visit The Cheese Shop to sample a variety of local produce, including ex-Blur musician Alex James’s home-made cheese.
Image courtesy of The Cheese Shop
Image courtesy of The Cheese Shop
From top left-hand , clockwise: Outside The Cheese Shop, a slab of locally made cheese, inside the Cheese Shop (note the huge cheese counter!), and shelves stacked high with delicious, creamy cheeses.
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By Sarah Coles Chester’s Cheese Shop has a huge fan base, and remains popular with a myriad of residents and visitors – even after 26 years! Manageress Ann Faulkner, daughter of owner Carole Faulkner, is grateful for the customer loyalty, commenting: “We have a very faithful fan base, and we also get a lot of visitors as a result of our Cheshire cheese, which is very popular!” Ann also reveals that her mother, Carole, previously owned the Blue Bell restaurant opposite the shop, and frequently made her own cheeses; the result of her being born a farmer’s daughter and making local produce from a young age. “When the shop opposite came up for sale, mum decided to buy it and make and sell cheese,” reveals Ann, adding: “Over the years, cheese makers came to mum and would ask what she thought of their produce.
We rely on our customers for feedback whenever a new cheese is introduced.” The shop’s interior is warm and rustic, with wooden floorboards and walls stocked with a sumptuous variety of delicious produce, from olive oils, crackers, balsamic vinegars, and much more. The vast, glittering cheese counter immediately catches your eye, and the variety is impressive. Staff are more than willing to help answer any queries, and customers can also sample a celebrity cheese; a result of ex-Blur band member Alex James
turning his hand to Ann, like her mother, cheese making. is keen to promote “My mum’s been the wonderful abunhobnobdance of bing “We get a lot Cheshire with produce, of visitors as and the Alex James!” shop has a result of laugh strong our Cheshire connecAnn. “They tions cheese, have this which is very to brunch ‘dairy toether, county’, popular!” along with the with result Juliet Harbutt, who that the Cheshire judges the British cheese is its best Cheese Awards.” seller. The Cheese Shop is “We specialise in also heavily involved so many artisan with a number of cheeses,” concludes local festivals and Ann. “Fifty perevents, such as the cent of which most upcoming Chester people have never Food and Drink Fes- even heard of! It’s a tival, and the Wirral real experience.” For more information Food and Drink www.chesFestival respectively. visit tercheeseshop.co.uk
Corks Out on Watergate Street: Ann recommends food and drink lovers visit this independent specialist, to search for the perfect wine to accompany most dishes. THE INDIE SHOPPER 9
‘It has become tougher to deliver in 2011’
The Indie Shopper’s editor, Sarah Coles, meets Chester City Management’s ‘man with a plan’, Steven Wundke, for a five-minute chat... Q. What are your main duties as Chester City Co-ordinator?
Q. Does Chester City work closely with the council, and Chester Renaissance, to help boost the city’s profile and attract visitors?
A. It is my responsibility to drive the ‘foot fall’ into Chester. My job is to get all the people who could achieve that working together, and working towards attracting more visitors into the city.
A. Yes, the private sector is the mouthpiece of the street and it’s my job to listen and get the things the city lacks. We also work with the racecourse and the media to create a positive image about Chester, that’s the biggest change over the last two years, as the press were not positive about the city before. The editors were getting rubbish information and I did say ‘you’re being too harsh’.
Q. How long have you been working in this position – was your previous job role very different? A. The Chairman David Pickering and myself reinvented Chester City Management two years ago. I have always been involved in marketing, but I’ve owned restaurants and designed golf courses. There aren’t many jobs I haven’t had at some stage!
Q. Do you think seasonal events and festivals are crucial to put Chester ‘on the map’?
Chester City Co-ordinator, Wundke
Q. You are also the festival organiser for Chester’s Food, Drink & Lifestyle Festival A. I live in Chester, but I’m from Australia. I have lived (and the North West in Chester for over 25 years Food Lovers’ Festinow. I used to be a profes- val at Tatton Park). Are there any other sional cricketer and played in the Northwest, and really events that your are liked it, so I decided to stay! closely involved with, or help to organise? Q. Are you from Cheshire?
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A. Yes, I invented the Fashion Festival, and Chestival, which will take place this summer for five weeks. I was also responsible for arranging the Christmas Fair and ‘big wheel’ for Christmas 2010, which Chester will continue to host for a few years.
A. If you’re going to market the city, we need to provide a reason to visit. Saying ‘we’re a nice city’ is not good enough anymore, we need events that make people say ‘wow!’. Ideally, I would like all of the city’s 90,000 residents to get on the phone and say to their friends and family: ‘You need to come to Chester!’
“We also work with the media to create a positive image about Chester, that’s the biggest change.”
Chester city centre and the Grosvenor Shopping Centre: Is the high-street still haunted by a receding recession?
Q. Since planning for the regeneration of Chester began (to make the city a ‘must-see’ destination), would you say that the city was in desperate need of a cultural make-over? A. Absolutely. It’s the reason why people go to towns and cities now. There is an expectation to back this beautiful city with culture. We’re not there yet, because there is no theatre, which is why we are putting on so many events. Q. Has the recession had an impact on Chester’s plans for regeneration? A. Not yet – no, but it has become tougher to deliver in 2011.
Q. Do you think that Chester is well on its way to becoming a ‘must-see’ city? A. That’s a tough one. We’ve got the asset base to deliver that, but this year the private sector will dictate if that will happen. If they believe I can make a difference then there needs to be more funding, because the public purse cannot afford it. Q. Finally, why work for a company that promotes Chester’s culture and tourism? A. If I was asked to use one word to describe the city I would say ‘beauty’. I have fallen in love with Chester, and never underestimate how lucky I am to be doing my job. THE INDIE SHOPPER 11
Climb the ancient steps to enter the realm of...
Gildas Books
By Sarah Coles Climb the crumbling steps up to City Walls, and you’ll enter book heaven. Although Gildas Books has suffered from a series of misguided purchases and unfortunate business blunders, the bookshop commands an impressive viewpoint, seated on one of the roman wall’s highest vantage points, and featuring an array of impressive, secondhand books and antique literature. Timothy Youdell, one of the bookshop’s volunteer workers, has known and visited the bookshop for 20 years; he started working for the business just five months ago. “We have books you can’t find in a charity shop,” he says, before adding: “We are the last second-hand bookshop in Chester. But this is a siesta business, we incurred debt again through the winter season,
and the recession has and is dotted with made it suffer.” odd chairs and After 25 years, it stools; should the would be a shame if eager reader fancy Gildas Books were to a sit-down in order close its doors, with to seriously sample many residents and and contemplate the visitors alike familiar purchase of a new with the old book(or rather, new-old), shop situated ‘just up book. the steps’. However, “Shoppers are likely the summer months to find something in are responsible for here they can’t find yielding a higher anywhere else in profit margin, and Chester,” comments despite Timothy. some “We’re always “We do bad have willing to business some negotiate on antiquardecisions being ian books a price!” made and following some a series of blunders first editions, (apparently made by including a firstnew edition Virginia Woolf, owners who “didn’t which costs £850.” have a clue”), The Virginia Woolf Timothy is hopeful novel, ‘Monday or that business will Tuesday’, is an improve. “And we’re exquisite, delicatealways willing to looking book, which negotiate on a price!” also features he quickly adds. woodcuts made by The bookshop has a her sister. The book cosy, retrois one of only a 1000 atmosphere, comever made, and was plete with a working printed in the aufireplace, thor’s home.
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“We are always on the lookout for interesting items, single or collections,” adds Timothy, “so people can also come here to buy and sell.” Whilst the book shop’s future remains uncertain, Timothy is keen to talk about his own plans for the business, if he were ever put in charge! “This could be turned into an antiquarian bookshop,” he comments, excitedly. “I would also sell books on the internet, and the rarer ones would go to book dealers. However, buying books has dropped in recent years, so we would need to combine selling books with providing teas, coffees and sweets.” In the meantime, Gildas Books stocks a series of good quality second-hand books, and is romantically placed on the walls. The staff are also friendly and chatty, and happy to help with any enquiries.
Top left-hand picture, clockwise: A mix of stacked books and old-fashioned telephone, the £850 first edition Virginia Woolf novel, climbing the ‘book worm’ steps, and a collection of second-hand specialist books.
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Image courtesy of Penhaligon’s
From top left-hand picture, clockwise: The Royal Wedding window display, Jill Parry (right) takes part in a fragrance profiling, the variety of luxurious candles on shelves, the fragrance profiling perfume bottles, and LP perfume - one of the shop’s top-sellers.
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Victorian splendour... Fancy smelling like one of your 19th century ancestors? If so, step into Penhaligon’s and be overwhelmed by the sensuous sprays and luxurious soaps in a sumptuous boutique setting
By Sarah Coles Situated on Eastgate Row, up on the city’s historical rows, Penhaligon’s perfumery is a treat for the eyes as well as the nose. Established over 135 years ago, when the founder William Penhaligon opened a barbershop in Victorian London, Penhaligon’s is not strictly an independent shop, in that there are a number of boutiques situated in London, and also in department stores worldwide. However, what makes this particular branch notable is its decision to open in Chester city centre, when so many other cities across the country have been shunned. “A lot of local people still don’t know we’re here!” complains manageress Jill Parry. “But Chester was perceived to be ‘upmarket’, which suited the profile of the company.” However, don’t mistake highclass goods for snobbery, Jill and all her staff are friendly, helpful individuals, who readily offer their customers a chance to take part in a ‘fragrance profiling’, in which a person’s signature scent can be determined based on their favourite fashions and smells.
Set back from other shops Despite many of the with a relatively small perfumes costing a pretty window display, I happened penny (or two), it is possible upon Penhaligon’s one cold to purchase quality scented winters day, candles and “We’re an before Christmas soaps for just last year, and was internationally over £20, with drawn inside by smaller (and recognised the dim-lighting cheaper) samples brand.” and dark wood of the perfumes panelling, which also available; makes the light shimmer and alongside luxurious shaving sparkle off an array of magic- kits and scents for the man in looking potion bottles and your life (it is Father’s Day in polished silver. One friend June…). My advice would be commented that the interior to visit Penhaligon’s pronto, reminded her of “a Harry even if you can hardly afford Potter film”, and she’s not the gorgeous produce inside, it’s definitely one of Chester wrong. Victorian eccentricity more fabulously elegant, is rife throughout the store, and reminds many people of exotic shops, with a great a mad, if wonderfully sense of fun. scented, chemists shop. For more information about “We’re going to open one the history of Penhaligon’s, more UK store,” Jill reveals, as well as where to find other “but I don’t know where! It’s UK-based stores, visit all very secret. There are www.penhaligons.com also two stores in Paris, and Internet browsers can also one in Tokyo, Dubai, South take part in an online Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore fragrance profiling test, by and Dublin, although most of answering a set of our products are located in questions and providing their department stores. We’re an email addresses. Sign-up for internationally recognised the online newsletter to brand, and we also run a mail receive special offers and order service from Chester, information about upcoming covering the UK and Europe.” events in your nearest store. THE INDIE SHOPPER 15
“We offer a great shopping experience!”
Ronnie Nichols, owner of NICHOLS & CO.
By Sarah Coles Nichols & Co. is a gorgeous shop, and a fantastic appendage to Chester’s wealth of independent, elegant shops. From the outside, the shop looks modest in size, with a table and shelves groaning under the weight of gold, silver and colourful glass jewellery (all very reasonably priced, some bangles are only £5), but the building is a real labyrinth of designer clothes, shoes, handbags, and even crockery sets and antique furniture (complete with antique nutcrackers and corkscrews). Ronnie Nichols, the company’s managing director, started the business in 2002 with his partner Jean. Since then, the couple have moved the 16 THE INDIE SHOPPER
business around Grundahl, it tranChester, and its spires, is a Danish current location, on fashion designer, Bridge Street Row, but Ronnie is eager was sourced three to point out that the years ago when the business sells more property was recognisable fashion available to let. At labels, such as that time, Ronnie Vivienne Westwood was running two re- shoes and a variety tail businesses, but of leather handbags decided to close made by a young both of designthem and ers, which focus on have also combining starred in fashion a recent clothing, issue of jewellery, Vogue. furniture “We sold and other out of household those odds and handbags Danish fashion designer, Ivan ends, all within Grundahl’s label under days, after one roof, the Vogue in one impressive issue came out!” shop. “We offer cus- recalls Ronnie. “All tomers individuality,” our stock is says Ronnie, who exclusive, that’s why has launched Planet we offer a great & Glow Worm shopping experiFashion Agency. ence. We tend “We are the only UK to be 6-8 months shop to stock forahead of a trend, eign designer labels and champion new like Ivan Grundahl.” designers.”
Ronnie’s larger than life Liverpudlian accent makes his reasons for setting up a business in Chester, and not his native city, all the more notable. Ronnie however, reveals his decisions were down to practical business acumen and profits: “Because of the architecture, Chester can’t demand high rents,” he says, “as a result, there are a higher number of independent businesses here. And I can’t afford £100,000 per annum to rent a unit in Liverpool!” Located in a beautiful Victorian building, and hidden from view as a result of the ancient shopping row location, Nichols & Co. is the perfect place to visit for unsual, quality gifts.
All images courtesy of www.nicholstyle.co.uk
From top left-hand image, clockwise: A designer bag, made in Germany (from antique sacking), Nichols & Co’s fashion wall, a £250 hand-made glass bead necklace, £5 bangles (the top-sellers), and more fashion-friendly jewellery items.
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the best o
A list of other fantastic independent shops i Think we’ve missed your favourite shop, or are y appear in our magazine? Then pleas
As mentioned in our Cheese Shop feature, Ann Faulkner rates Corks Out, and highly recommends ‘foodies’ investigate this wine specialist before cooking a delicious, home-made meal. Corks Out is situated on Watergate Street, and for more information go to: www.corksout.com Joseph Benjamen Deli lingers at the bottom of the City Wall book shop steps, so what better way to relax with your new book than to visit this popular deli bar and coffee house? The Deli is also a twominute walk away from the main city centre, so is perfect for a relaxing tea-break before further shopping ensues. Visit www.josephbenjamin.co.uk Specialising in Single Malt Scotch, American, Irish and Japanese, English and Welsh whisky, Chester’s boutique shop literally offers you the world in a (whisky) bottle. With over 150 liqueurs, including the full range from My Gineration, a Cheshire based company; the owner is always happy to impart his whisky knowledge with eager shoppers. Visit www.chesterwhisky.com for more information and offers. Although the Indie Shopper doesn’t really encourage smoking... we like to think you trendy shoppers are capable of making your own minds up. Turmeaus Tobacconist (Est. 1817), on Watergate Street, is a fascinating shop, and offers a real sense of history. The store was completely refurbished in 2004, and suits Chester’s roman / medieval / Victorian style; it’s easy to imagine the pipe and cigar smokers of days gone prowling streets, leaving a stench of tobacco behind! 18 THE INDIE SHOPPER
of the rest
in and around Chester’s bustling city centre. you an independent business owner and want to se email info@theindieshopper.co.uk
A favourite of Ronnie Nichols (see pages 16 & 17), The Antiques Shop, nestled on Watergate Street, is another independent business perfectly suited to Chester’s historical backdrop. Tourists, mainly Americains, are found outside marvelling over the eccentric collections of old English knick-knacks. One of Chester’s most popular shops, Back Alley Music (on Northgate Street), is a music lovers paradise, especially keen guitarists. The shop boasts over 400 guitars, amongst a number of other, smaller instruments (anyone for a ukulele?), all at reasonable prices. Visit www.backalleymusic. co.uk for more information. With the date for the Royal Wedding set for Friday 29th April, it’s likely we’ll all need a fancy hat smart enough to wear in Westminster Abbey (because we’ll definitely be getting an invite...). The Hat Company on Northgate Street ranges from the expensive, to the cheap, cheerful and chic. The winter months usually produce more suitable head candy, especially if need a woolly hat to keep out the cold! For the DIY nut in your life, we recommend sending them off to Hoole Hardware store, on Faulkner Street, a mere 10-minute walk from the city centre. The Hardware store is fond of a ‘does what it says on the tin’ policy, and all the items are very reasonably priced. Faulkner Street itself is a bright, vibrant road with a real sense of community spirit. There are numerous cafes, florists, bakers and the odd fashion shop, so we recommend you take a stroll that way if you fancy experiencing something new. THE INDIE SHOPPER 19
Spring and Summer: Fu Chesh 201 The Indie Shopper’s
Chester Food, Drink & Lifestyle Festival, 23rd – 25th April Cheshire is renowned for being a rich, dairy country, with delicious ice-creams, cheeses and butters readily produced all year round. So what better way to celebrate Chester’s produce, than to play host to one of the country’s biggest and best food festivals, hosted at the racecourse? Featuring a celebrity chef line-up with live cooking demonstrations, as well as all the county’s best ‘foodie’ shops, restaurants, ice-cream farms and even hotels, proudly displaying their home-made produce; it’s tempting to ditch the diet for one weekend and sample the array of heavenly Cheshire delights.
Chester Charity Beer Festival 12th, 13th & 14th May Fancy a boozy weekend, all in the name of charity? With 70 plus ‘real’ ales, ciders and perries, live entertainment, pub games, commemorative glass and programme, the Chester Charity Beer Festival is the drinking event of the year! Tickets have a reputation of selling out fast, so to get yours early, visit www.chesterontheweb.com. The event will also provide food, if you’re feeling peckish; and organisers promise there will be a variety of delicious hot and cold pies and pasties, sausage rolls, pork pies and a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches. Cheers!
Chester Mid-Summer Watch Parade, 18th - 19th June One of Britain’s oldest festivals, the Mid-Summer Watch Parade is a tradition that reflects over 500 years of the Chester’s history, featuring pageants, hobby horses, musicians, guildsmen, fire-eaters, fools, children in costume dressed as angels, goblins and green men. There are also enormous moving floats called the ‘Mounts’ which will move around the city in a live display. If you fancy celebrating something different, and attending a festival steeped in history, this is the event for you. Visit http://midsummerwatch.co.uk for more information. 20 THE INDIE SHOPPER
un Festivals & Events in hire 11 ‘What better way to Guide to what’s hot
Chester Rocks, 2-3rd July
celebrate Chester’s produce, than to play host to one of the country’s biggest and best food festivals?’
Chester’s very own brand, spanking new summer music festival, located at the racecourse, has a great line-up featuring The Saturdays, McFly, The Wanted, Eliza Doolittle, and many, many more. To buy tickets, visit www.chesterrocks.com
Chestival, 4th June – 16th July Launched only last year, Chestival is a festival designed to celebrate ‘all of Chester’s best bits’ and runs for over a month. This year’s key acts and events have yet to be confirmed, but if last year’s entertaining (if slightly random!) mix of romans, rhinos, BMX riders, show jumpers, international and local musicians, actors, town criers and giants, are anything to go by then visitors are guaranteed to enjoy themselves, whilst learning more about the history of Chester. Visit www.chesterfestivals.co.uk for more event information.
Chester Summer Music Festival, 1st – 16th July In keeping with Chester’s Rocks’ musical theme, the city’s biggest and longest running musical festival begins the same weekend, and features an array of fantastic bands, singers and performers. Musicians who have travelled from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Italy, Norway, Belarus and Russia, will perform at various events and concerts throughout the festival, culminating in a big, British finale on the evening of the last day. For more information about performers and tickets, visit www.chesterfestivals.co.uk
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Next issue... Autumn / Winter 2011 Whatever happened to The Twilight Zone? Rumours of midnight tea parties persist, yet fixed ‘closed’ sign confuses vintage shoppers...
Autumn / Winter Style Nichols & Co. invite The Indie Shopper to their in-store fashion show... cue onslaught of images!
PLUS!
Images courtesy of www.nicholstyle.co.uk
Chester’s Top Ten Bars: We give you the countdown to the city’s coolest watering holes ‘I used to get lost in Chester!’ We help one Liver bird find her way to the city’s top shops. Fruit and veg: Food, glorious food! A guide to Chester’s best greengrocers, for fresh fruit ‘n’ veg. For more information, visit www.theindieshopper.co.uk
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Image courtesy of becnick.com
Image courtesy of www.nicholstyle.co.uk
NICHOLS & CO.
5 Bridge Street Row Chester