Our high streets are struggling but there is an army of independent shopkeepers out there that are working their socks off to try and bring diversity, quality and interest to our towns and cities. The small business community is amazingly resourceful and collaborative and are constantly reinventing themselves and coming up with new ways to surprise and delight their customers.

I live in a rural Lincolnshire village. many of our market towns are really struggling but I wanted to highlight for you a few of my favourite independent shops from around here. So if you ever visit, you’ll know some cracking places to go shopping, and if you’re not heading to these parts but like the sound of them. they all sell online too :)

Welbournes Bakery in Navenby

Is a Traditional bake house & shop in the heart of Navenby village, Lincolnshire.

I love their Sourdough for a treat and harvester seedy sliced for everyday. There’s always a beautiful display of breads and cakes but get there early cos they sell out :)

FOLLOW THEM HERE - @welbournesbakery https://www.welbournesbakery.com/

The Book Fayre in Woodhall Spa

Is a Bookshop, selling a huge range of books, a gift shop, cards and children's books and toys.

Get lost for hours in there choosing new things to read. My kids loved the brilliant kids department too when they were younger.

FOLLOW THEM HERE @the_book_fayre
https://www.thebookfayre.co.uk/shop/

Imperial Teas of Lincoln

On the iconic Steep Hill in Lincoln, this shop is so beautiful architecturally and carries what must be the largest range of specialty tea, coffee & accessories under one roof.

This shop is the source of my expensive tea habit. I started out just getting their Superior English Breakfast Blend for the weekends because it is so delicious but soon nothing else would cut it and now me, my husband and two children all drink it daily - several pots a day!!

FOLLOW THEM HERE @imperial_teas_of_lincoln
https://imperialteas.co.uk

The Fabric Quarter in Lincoln

Is a beautiful fabric shop right at the top of Lincoln’s historic and beautiful Steep Hill.

Inspiring you to stitch & create with a shop stacked to the ceiling with gorgeous ever changing fabrics. Also, My biz bestie (Jennifer Jackson Dolls) works there so always an excuse to pop in.

FOLLOW THEM HERE @the_fabric_quarter https://www.thefabricquarter.com

The Artisan Maker in Lincoln

Sits 2 doors down from The Fabric Quarter and sells Handmade & useful functional goods.

The displays are always beautifully done and I love practical things that also look great

FOLLOW THEM HERE @theartisanmaker
https://www.theartisanmaker.com

These next two are a little away from me, but my time as captain of the Nottingham Etsy Team, meant that I have good links with independent businesses in Nottingham too so these two had to make it in.

Ford & Guy in Beeston, Nottingham

A pink shop, selling sustainable and beautiful products handmade by local artisans .Creative workshops and kits.

It’s also the home of of Ford and Guy clothing founded by Suzie. From the shop she makes the most beautiful hand made, hand painted clothes from sustainably sourced fabrics.

FOLLOW THEM HERE @ fordandguy_beeston https://fordandguy.co.uk

Handmade Nottingham

Bringing you designer makers from across the UK

A fantastic space in Nottingham City centre, curated by Rhea, bringing you designer makers from across the UK You can also learn new skills by attending a craft workshop there too.

FOLLOW THEM HERE @handmadenotts https://www.handmadenottingham.com