Small Business Saturday - Winchester

www.theconsortiumonline.co.uk
39 Jewry Street, Winchester, Hants S021 8RY.

It's Small business Saturday today, and I am championing my home city of Winchester.
Shopping in Winchester like most cities has been dominated by the ever faithful chains we have all come to rely on. Recently there has been a welcome resurgence of the independent store, helping to restore the balance of the city, a city teaming with history on almost every street corner. Winchester was once the old capital of England, and the Cathedral is where Jane Austin was laid to rest.  The Great Hall where King Arthur's Round table is displayed is rumoured to have the wonderful Benedict Cumberbatch inside it's medieval walls, filming "The Hollow Crown" and the list goes on.

Queen of the Independent and a firm fixture in Winchester for many years is The Hambledon a unique store brimming with an eclectic mix of home-ware, fashion, beauty, stationary and books, over three floors this store is a must visit. www.thehambledon.com

More recently independent stores have popped up like The Consortium, a family run business with a second store in Romsey. Owners Mary and J scour the country for a unique array of vintage, antique, retro and industrial home-ware. The store houses four floors of lifestyle with something to catch the eye in every nook and cranny.  It's unlikely you'll escape without a purchase!

Annie Sloane Paint can be found at The Consortium for more information about this paint check out
www.consortiumonline.co.uk

Housed within The Consortium is Mint Tea Boutique run by Louise and Becky a fabulous team of local entrepreneurs who's store supports local artists and craft people. Their carefully curated selection of jewellery, stationary, home and gift wear as well as the London fashion label Louche is not to be missed.

www.mint-teaboutique.com

The Handmade Cyclist another successful local entrepreneur team is housed on the walls of The Consortium. Bike art for bike geeks, the posters and mugs celebrate the stories, the races, the characters, the villains and the legends. It's for all those cycle nuts out there. At the last count there are quite a few!

www.thehandmadecyclist.com

This is just a flavour of what Winchester has to offer in terms of small independant businesses.
If you fancy taking the weight of your feet with a fine coffee, afternoon tea or a glass of wine, check out my top three.

Black White Red - for fine coffee, fine wine and brunch. 28 Jewry Street Winchester SO23 8RY
Caracoli -  for fine coffee, cakes and artisan sandwiches. 100 High Street Winchester SO23 9AH
Ginger Two - boasts the best afternoon tea in the city. 28 and 29 Thomas Street SO23 9HJ

I cannot leave you without mentioning the Winchester Christmas market on until December 21st, packed with small business traders selling their festive wares.  The famous farmers market featured on Rick Stein that runs two Sundays a month and the vintage and antique market on the 1st Sunday of the month. And not forgetting our weekly street market that runs on a Wednesday.

Small business is not just for today but for always, they bring colour and laughter to the monotony of the high street. Lets challenge the domination of the corporate chains, and see if we can redress the balance. Please support small local businesses and they will continue to thrive.

Deborah Campbell has recently launched Deborah Campbell Atelier, a contemporary British made ethical womenswear label. Supporting local communities is at the heart of her values.
www.deborahcampbellatelier.com