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One of the wonderful things about shopping in Perth City Centre is that with only a few short turns and a couple of minutes you can be off the main High Street and into one of the many wonderful little lanes and vennels that makes us so unique.
These lanes and vennels were originally named after the trades that were based there but are now home to some of our favourite Perth Indies and their vast array or gorgeous artisan gifts, beautiful art and clothing and some of the city’s most mouth-watering meals.
We’ve started with a little winding loop around Horsecross Plaza. From the High Street, walk down Skinner Gate and take a right up Bridge Lane. From here, cross over the top end of George Street by The Museum and Art Gallery and turn left on Charlotte Street, then left again onto North Port.
The entire loop would take you around five minutes to walk, so it’s not far, but along the way you will find fabulous family owned Indies that are brimming with colour, choice and variety and I can guarantee you will want to pop in for a browse, a chat and perhaps even to enjoy a wee dram or a coffee as you go.
You’ll also find some of Perth’s most established solicitors, estate agents, financial advisors and letting agents in our loop and for those of you who are house hunting, it’s a worthwhile wee circuit!
This pretty little pedestrianised lane cheers you along with colourful bunting and a welcome table or two from both The Old Ship Inn and Nikki’s Lite Bite.
‘The Ship’ as it is affectionately known by locals is thought to be the oldest pub in Perth, dating back to 1625 with no name change! It is a real Perth institution and I would defy you to find a local who has never enjoyed a drink in The Ship! It’s one of those amazing wee pubs that spans generations and offers up a warm welcome to everyone. Its little surprise then that for six years running, Tina and the team have won Gold in the Best Bar None Awards; their smiling service is equalled only by their selection of Real cask Ale and live music dates every few months.
Nikki’s Lite Bite is a fabulous wee coffee shop that opens everyday between 9.30pm and 3.30pm for both sit-in and takeaway options. Owned by Cath, you’ll find handmade, simple food, cooked really well. Delicious soups, proper home-baking like your granny used to make and sandwiches, baguettes and salads, all fill the lunch-time hunger of many a Perth City Centre worker! Cath and the team also do outside catering and can deliver trays of sandwiches and treats to your meetings and events.
I have called upon the services of The Picture Framer many, many times over the years and as my boy heads off to Glasgow School of Art, I’m certain I shall be handing over regular payments to Chris! Showcasing real artisan craftsmanship at its very best, Chris Anderson has been a traditional framer for over twenty years and his shop at the end of Skinner Gate has provided the people of Perth with his bespoke services for over a decade. Chris uses methods that derive from mediaeval times, with everything hand-finished and treated with care. As well as framing new and old photographs and paintings, he also offers a frame restoration service and a gallery showcasing some of the best works from local and Scottish artists.
The very aptly named Pretty Things is that beautiful shop you see while you’re sitting enjoying lunch in Horsecross’s Threshold Cafe! Brimming with gorgeous things, Irene and Katriona’s beautiful shop is ten years old this year (I hear the whole team headed off to the recent Perth Racecourse Ladies Day for a wee celebration!). They specialise in gifts, clothing, jewellery and unusual little trinkets and knick-knacks for your home. They are Perth’s only stockist of Masai Clothing, a Danish brand that does linen and terrific, easy-to-wear everyday items and I would encourage all of you to pop in and have a look at their gorgeous range.
John Ross AV is where the ‘shop local, shop indie’ amongst us go for our electrical equipment. Answering all those questions you can never ask a faceless website, the team here are experts in multi-room audio and entertainment systems (although you can just buy a telly!). Stocking Bose, Panasonic and quality independent hi-fi manufacturers they can advise on your purchase and, should you require, install it into your home and teach you how to control it via your tablet!
Each and every time I am in Precious Sparkle, someone pops in and says “I never knew you were here!” - so let's sort that right now! Dawn Cotton-Fuge’s wonderful little treasure trove started life as an online-bead shop but she outgrew her dining room table and opened her much-loved bricks-and-mortar shop five years ago. As well as her amazing array of beads, semi-precious stones and other jewellery making items, Dawn also offers her own jewellry designs using Scottish hallmarked silver and a bespoke commission service. Finally, her little tardis of a shop spreadds over two floors and she can offer the most beautiful children’s toys (inspired no doubt by her own young family), unusual gifts, cards, soft furnishings and Indian Kantha scarves and bags.
Suzi Bobz Hairdresser is a ladies drop-in or book salon that offers cut, colour and blowdries with great service and a friendly welcome.
Guilds Hair Salon, is one of Perth’s longest standing salons and offers everything from a quick, dry trim to a restyle and colour. Serving both ladies and gents, they recommend you book but encourage last-minute folks to call or drop by as an appointment isn’t always necessary.
One of the happiest shop windows in the city, Celebration Station is now twelve years old and is owned by two sisters who took over the business from their Mum when she retired. (Although she was in there decorating alongside the girls on the day I popped in!). They bake, decorate and create a huge range of cakes on the premises for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and every other celebration you can think of. Themed to suit your Big Day, your kids’ latest obsession or simply to reflect your birthday boy or girl’s Big Personality I am AMAZED at the creative talent bursting from this tasty wee shop! And for the bakers among you, you’ll find all the fancy ribbons and decorations you need to create your own showstoppers at home!
The North Port Restaurant was taken over last summer by husband and wife team Andrew Moss and Karen Milne. Creating menus that work with the seasons, Andrew and the kitchen team source their ingredients from small, local growers, breeders, suppliers and foragers. They have proved to be a big hit with the discerning Perth foodie crowd offering set lunches, pre-theatre and a la carte evening meals packed full of flavour. And they don’t stop at the food! With Scottish artisan gins, an extensive selection of malts, and one of the best wine selections around you will be spoiled for choice. And as the non-drinker at the table on our last visit, I’ll vouch for their interesting and delicious range of soft drinks and mocktails. The service is warm, friendly and welcoming and I just know you will love it!
Those of you who have been paying close attention will realise that all of these wonderful business and shops are independently owned and in my mind that's even more of a reason to visit! Each one is truly unique. So, the next time you’re wandering round Perth City Centre, why not take a step off of the usual streets and spend some time in the sidelines? You’ll be very glad you did!
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