My Canterbury My CanterburyWe meet some of the faces behind the businesses you know and love. What makes Canterbury special for them?
Miles Shuttleworth, General Manager at The Falstaff Hotel, St Dunstans
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The Falstaff was built in 1403 and is an original pilgrim's rest. The Falstaff was believed to have been built to accommodate travellers and pilgrims who arrived after curfew. Canterbury would close its gates every night to protect the city from raiders and thieves. Therefore, anyone arriving after the gates closed would require accommodation and hence our location just outside the Westgate Towers and ancient town walls. Today, we cherish our historic connection to Canterbury's ancient pilgrim history and keep the memories very much alive throughout the hotel.
Wojtek Skibin, Owner of Tiny Tim’s Tearoom, St Margaret’s Street
I'm not being original when I say that Canterbury is a place where tradition meets modernity. It's where residents, students and tourists alike create an amazing atmosphere and melting pot. Canterbury is buzzing, thrilling and a great place not just to do business but to live. On the high street you have amazing independent shops, eateries, and ‘big’ names, there is something for everyone. Put simply, this is the ‘jewel’ of Kent.
Lea Walters, Stone Hairdressing, Marlowe Avenue
I opened Stone Hairdressing in 1999. Originally from Maidstone, I fell in love with Canterbury and its quaint lanes and independent shops. I stumbled across the shop and knew it would make the perfect salon with its big windows and parking directly opposite, my dream was realised.
Sam Scott, The Marlowe Theatre
There has been a Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury since 1949, when the Central Picture Theatre in St Margaret’s Street was turned into a theatre. Our current Marlowe Theatre is approaching its 11th birthday in October of this year, so we are very much looking forward to celebrating this with our local community. Our whole team can’t wait to welcome audiences back into our theatre.
Maxine Carney, The Camomile Rooms, St Margaret’s Street
I opened the salon with my mother in 1990. On her retirement, I expanded the business and focused more on beauty. Subsequently, a long-standing employee Alex, became a partner in the salon. We chose Canterbury to situate our salon as it has always been a vibrant city with a large, diverse population. We are enthusiastic to get back to normal, not only to offer our treatments, but to catch up with our clients. Coming to the salon is as much about mental health as the beauty treatment. Clients can talk in a safe space and for some clients at the moment, it is the only physical contact they have. 27
Luke Underdown, Garage Coffee, Sun Street
Canterbury is a brilliant, vibrant city and was the obvious choice for our first shop. Our (normal) customer base is so varied from workers to tourists, but over the last year it’s been really lovely to get to know some more residents who’d usually be on a daily commute. Plus, our shop is in such a fabulous location, steeped in history and are proud to be serving up such a high quality product amongst other great local businesses. Sitting down for coffee and cake is one of life’s greatest pleasures, right?
Emma Smith, The Lady Luck Pub, St Peter’s Street
I have been Landlady of Lady Luck since it opened in 2009. I wanted to own a pub somewhere vibrant and diverse with a wide range of customers. Students and tourists keep Canterbury a thriving city. We have missed everyone so much. I can't wait to sit in the beer garden in summer with an ice cold cider!
