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Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Is this Britain's SMUGGEST high street? Locals in market town boast everyone 'wishes' they had shops like theirs and claim it is 'creative capital of England'
The weather would be a trade-killer for many an embattled town centre – cloudy, drizzly and unseasonably chilly. But this is Totnes, self-declared 'creative capital' of England, scourge of the chain store and home of what one independent retailer describes as a 'Goldilocks high street'. Which is partly why by 11am the historic South Devon town is already thronging with shoppers - locals and visitors alike - and the coffee shops are buzzing. At least, most are. The one representative of a major national café brand, Caffe Nero's Coffee#1, has only a couple of occupied tables in its comparatively spacious premises. In fairness this may be because it stands at the top of the steepish high street, furthest from the main car parks. Yet there can be no doubt that national chains, particularly coffee chains, are about as welcome in Totnes as a cold cappuccino. Costa got the message 12 years when its attempt to launch in the medieval market town resulted in a residents' 6,000-name protest petition, 300 objections to planners and a natty campaign website, ' The company could have gone ahead but pulled out after then managing director Chris Rogers acknowledged that it was 'a town with a long and proud history of independent retailers'. Since the successful revolt, locals in the region have managed to keep most big brands from encroaching on their cherished town centre, with some business owners claiming others 'wish' for a high street like theirs. At Brioche café, front-of-house manager Gavin Brown, remembers Totnes's outrage well. 'The locals got so riled about that,' he said. 'There were fears that every national chain would start eyeing us up. 'People here have a strong sense that this town is the creative capital of England. 'There are lots of artistic retailers, lots of quirky shops. It was felt franchises would diminish the character of the place. 'Independence isn't the only reason Totnes has bucked the trend of run-down town centres. 'We have the coast, the moors, beautiful countryside and amazing history on our doorstep. It all helps attract visitors. But it also helps to look and be different.' At the nearby Green Café, Yorkshireman John Pollard, agrees. He says Totnes is collectively 'a little curiosity shop' and it's a misconception that chains are cheaper. 'Our coffee is cheaper than Costa and our pasties cheaper than our nearest chain rival,' he said. 'Yes, Totnes is successful. I shudder to think what it's like for shops in similar small towns in the north of England. 'But we're also under pressure. Our business energy contract has been crippling. Taxes we pay to local and national government have hit five per cent of turnover. There's no support for family enterprises.' John, 56, launched the business with his wife Sylvia Kerkar after returning from India three years ago. They try to employ young people and encourage entrepreneurship. 'Some are thinking about it,' he added. 'If they've learned one thing it is that you have to work hard and be resourceful.' Across the road at Totnes Wine and Fine Foods owner Simon Moorman, a former investment manager, echoes his words. 'Relatively speaking, we're thriving,' he told Mail Online. 'Visitors all tell me the same thing: 'We wish our high street was like yours'. Pictured: Coffee#1, a subsidiary of Cafe Nero, and the only coffee chain in Totnes centre. The area has a history of fighting against the establishment of chain brands, including campaigning against the opening of a Costa in 2012 'But almost every Totnes trader I know is cutting back on hours or the number of people they employ. 'The notion that this government supports growth is absolute crap. Business rates have doubled, the minimum wage and national insurance contributions have increased and local parking charges have rocketed. 'Why is anyone surprised that high streets are in trouble.' His words ring true but every trader we spoke to agreed that Totnes would be in a whole lot more trouble if its independent stores had to compete with an influx of major chains. At the Fayre Trade Fairy, a mother-and-daughter run fashion store which supports suppliers across the world, 24-year-old Rosie Sage says the town's strong sense of community keeps her in business. 'If H&M moved next door to us we'd be finished,' she said. 'I used to live on a shopping street in Exeter next to the city centre. Premises would change hands every year because no independent trader could compete with the big brands up the road. 'That doesn't happen in Totnes because we have a really strong community willing to fight to protect what it has.' Some of the protection is in-built, as Nigel Jones of the family-run East Gate Bookshop points out. 'Having a medieval high street means that most shop premises are comparatively small – 2,000 sq ft or less,' he said. 'This doesn't work for most major chains who typically want at least 5,000 sqft to fit their business models. 'It helps protect the rest of us. Although we have a few chains such as WHSmith, Mountain Warehouse, Fatface and the like, they have already snapped up the larger premises. There are few opportunities for other big brands to move in. 'It's also important to point out the obvious - we have a beautiful and unique town which is a draw in itself for visitors. 'We're a Goldilocks high street. Not too big, not too small and always tempting. 'But we're not a mini theme park. Locals have butchers, greengrocers and all the other shops they need to stay functional. 'It's old fashioned but it's not Ye Olde Totnes.' Up the road, Conker Shoes proprieter Simon Gwilt is proudly maintaining a trade that has been part of Totnes for hundreds of years. A shoemaker himself, he employs two others full-time using skills that have changed little. 'Too many high streets look exactly the same, wherever you are in the country,' he said. 'Our shops all look very different. That's what adds to Totnes's character. 'We have locals and visitors as regular customers. They like the idea of hand-made shoes which are properly sustainable. We design them so they can eventually be re-soled.' Shoppers we spoke to were universally enthusiastic about a shopping trip to Totnes. While the town's population is a modest 8,800, it is a retail magnet for residents from surrounding villages. The mayor says the fact there are 300 listed buildings, of which some 280 are on the high street, means that it is an automatic deterrent for chains as it comes with extra costs Pictured: An independent store called Revival. The market town sits within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Beauty and so attracts many visitors to the area Sue Keeler makes a regular 30-mile round trip from Kingsbridge, in the South Hams, precisely because she enjoys the day out. 'I love the place,' she said. 'It's great shopping here, a relaxing experience – you can wander round a beautiful town packed with shops you won't find anywhere else. 'I feel for people who are denied that because their town centre shops are run-down or boarded up.' At Zappa's 'plant-based' café, assistant Kerry Hope says the importance of surrounding villages is key to the local economy. 'We serve regular groups who are on a coffee-shop crawl – like a pub crawl but cheaper, she said. 'Local people do not like the big chains. That applies as much to the natives as those who have come down from London to live here. 'There's no doubt though that visitors sustain our businesses. Some shops would never get through the winter without the summer trade.' Before we leave we call in on Town Mayor Tim Bennett, who proudly dons red robes, white gloves, and a gold chain before advising that he's the 592nd Mayor of Totnes. 'There was a time when you could only be Mayor if you bought another gold link for the chain,' he said. 'My predecessors clearly thought this a good way of keeping out the hoy-palloy. 'What's the secret of our success? There's no single thing. A lot is built up about residents keeping out big chains such as Costa but in truth we aren't really what most chains are looking for. 'There are 300 listed buildings in Totnes and some 280 are on the High Street. So moving in to any of those premises is going to come with costs. 'We have a decent retail mix now. The chains don't dominate and our independent shops have a fair chance to succeed.' Under the town's famous clock tower Tim is spotted by visitors who question whether he is Mayor or Town Crier. Either way, they want a selfie. He's happy to oblige. 'The Town Council knows the importance of holidaymakers,' he said. 'But we can't rely only on our summer trade. 'Street markets are vital. I know of shops which take more money during our three Christmas markets then they do for the whole of the rest of the year. Without that income they would go to the wall. 'We are under no illusion. Totnes lives and dies by its High Street.'
Belfast Telegraph
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Belfast Telegraph
Watch: Local artist paints town red ahead of Armed Forces Day in Newtownards
Artist and Illustrator, Brook-valentine Lorimer, has been busy painting shop windows in Newtownards. Red arrows have been popping up over the town ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday. You can see the artwork on shop windows across Newtownards, including Moda shoes, Caffe Nero, Silk by Sophia, S. Rice pub, Curious Candy and many more.
BBC News
18-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Town centre offices in Reading to be converted into flats
Three floors of town centre offices will be converted into apartments after a planning application was first, second and third floors of St Mary's House in St Mary's Butts, Reading, will be converted to create 31 serviced floor will be built on top of the current building to provide another six apartments but shop units, currently including a Cancer Research charity shop and Caffè Nero, will Borough Council gave the plans permission last week. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Metro
10-06-2025
- Business
- Metro
Waitrose updates popular hot drink loyalty perk — but shoppers face £3 fines
Waitrose is trialling a change to a popular loyalty scheme perk — but customers could face a charge if they don't follow the rules. The middle-class supermarket offers its My Waitrose shoppers a free hot drink, without buying anything in store, as long they bring a reusable cup. Now, in a bid to ensure everyone gets their caffeine fix, customers can borrow a cup if they've forgotten their own. Sounds like a pretty great deal, but it comes with a catch. If shoppers don't bring the cup back to a designated collection point within seven days, they'll face a £3 penalty. The 'Borrow a Free Cup' system aims to reduce plastic waste and is currently being tested at nine branches. It was first spotted in Waitrose's Newark store, according to The Grocer. A Waitrose spokesperson said: 'We're currently conducting a reusable cup trial in nine of our branches – it kicked off this week and is available for MyWaitrose members to use when redeeming their free coffee, or for our cafe customers to use if purchasing one.' Shoppers will need to tap their MyWaitrose card to redeem their free brew. Those who bring in a reusable cup will be able to enjoy the perk as normal. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Waitrose first introduced its free hot drink offer in 2013. But in 2017, uproar ensued when the supermarket changed its terms to require members to make a purchase to get their free brew. Then came heartbreak once more when the pandemic hit – the scheme was paused for two whole years. In 2022, it was reintroduced, but with the same terms that a purchase was necessary. Since January this year though, Waitrose customers have been able to pour themselves a cup of Joe (or tea) without paying a penny for anything inside the store, as long as they bring their own cup. Customers can enjoy an americano, cappuccino, latte or tea inside Waitrose and Little Waitrose stores. The drinks are made with Caffe Nero beans, and obviously, oat milk is included. The only requirement to redeem the free perk is that the reusable cup fits under the nozzle of the self-service coffee machine. More Trending When the return of free coffee was announced back in January, fans flocked to X to share their delight. 'Going to Waitrose and getting a free coffee is a form of therapy,' @harry_jrh wrote. 'Can there be anything more full of middle-class tension than a queue at the free coffee machine, with a frisson of fear it might be broken?' @PhilipGlanville said. View More » While @ruth_walshe joked that 'moving north to south is discovering the joy of buying a 30p banana from Waitrose and getting a free coffee.' Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: Price of Freddo increases yet again as popular chocolate suffers shrinkflation MORE: This 28p supermarket Diet Coke is 'so good' a superfan couldn't tell the difference MORE: Sainsbury's aisle change could signal end of an era for classic shopping feature Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Scottish Sun
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
It's the drink everyone's ordering this summer – these are the latest matcha launches you need to try
You don't have to go to a coffee shop to get your matcha fix any more... MATCHA POINT It's the drink everyone's ordering this summer – these are the latest matcha launches you need to try Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WE can't get enough of the green stuff right now - in fact, Caffe Nero stores sell 19 cups of matcha a minute, and Google searches for "matcha near me" have sky-rocketed by over 5000% in the past year! Once the preserve of the wellness world and "clean girls", matcha has made it into the mainstream, thanks to a slew of celebs getting their daily fix, social media feeds filling up with picture-perfect matcha lattes - and, of course, the much-talked-about health benefits from the high level of antioxidants. From Black Sheep to Caffe Nero, the high street's matcha game is on point, with a flavour combo for everyone. Strawberry and vanilla is the perfect drink to watch the tennis at Wimbledon with, while a new peaches and cream twist is a game-changer. 6 Celebs including Hailey Bieber and Dua Lipa love their matcha! Credit: Instagram/Hailey Bieber, Instagram/Dua Lipa But the RTD supermarket options are rapidly expanding, too, and you can now make your matcha iced lattes at home with a few key ingredients. So, if you can't be bothered to wait in the queue every time the green craving hits, we have just the thing... 6 These are all available in your nearest supermarket Grab and go First up, taking to the shelves recently in Sainsbury's are Oat Shaker's gut-friendly oat and fruit shakes - including a Matcha & Pineapple flavour. A tropical twist on the classic, this 100% natural drink is packed with nutrients and fibre and costs only £4 for a 750ml bottle (three servings). Ueshima Coffee Company's Iced Matcha Lattes are also back for summer in a slick on-point can design. Less than 90 cals and low in sugar, these are great for picnics and festivals at £3 a can, just hitting the shelves of a Waitrose near you. Also new out, Califia Farms Matcha Almond Latte is an eye-popping splash of green on the shelves of Sainsbury's at £2.95 for 750ml - just shake and pour over ice, no whisking required. 6 Which Black Sheep flavour will you be ordering? Credit: Black Sheep Join the queue In a new flavour that really grabbed our attention, Leon is smashing summer with its Watermelon Matcha Iced Tea - sweet watermelon green tea topped with matcha and served over ice. Yum! Black Sheep Coffee is clear that it's on a mission to make matcha inclusive, with drinks for everyone from "clean girls" to hairy biker guys and city workers - and we're here for it! Matcha-spiked lemonade is a new offering from Black Sheep and is set to become a cult fave, available in lychee, lavender, passionfruit and peach flavourways, and made with Japanese ceremonial-grade matcha and still lemonade as the ultimate refresher. The Black Sheep Peaches & Cream Matcha Latte is one for the creamy quaffers and tastes just like summer should - best paired with the cafe's Norwegian Matcha Waffles, made with all-new matcha dough and smothered in Nutella and fresh fruit. 6 Caffe Nero has hopped on the matcha trend Credit: Caffe Nero Caffe Nero just added its first-ever matcha drinks to the menu - Vanilla Iced Matcha Latte and Strawberry & Vanilla Iced Matcha Latte - and fans have gone crazy for them. Made with PerfectTed matcha and available hot or iced, the peeps at Nero reckon the rise in matcha love is because: "People are choosing drinks that align with a lifestyle focused on wellness, mindfulness and everyday rituals." 6 These matcha concentrates will save you cash each month Credit: Monin Get in the kitchen If you're looking to save some £££s, but can't quite quit your matcha habit, Monin is coming to the rescue with a range of new concentrates - simply add 25ml to a glass of ice and milk for a delish DIY drink. Choose a straight Matcha Green Tea Concentrate or the Blueberry Matcha Green Tea version for a fiver a bottle in Tesco - delivering a budget-friendly 10 shots of matcha! 6 Whip up barista-style matchas at home with this little beauty Credit: bird & blend tea co And if you're really looking to elevate the at-home experience, check out this latest, first-of-its-kind launch. Bird & Blend Tea Co Matcha Latte Magic Whisk, £99, enables matcha fans to achieve a perfectly silky smooth latte at the press of a button. Who needs a barista when this little gadget will pay for itself if you're a regular cafe queen, plus it will show everyone how serious you are about getting your caffeine fix.
