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The North end of Perth’s Methven Street starts at the beautiful St Ninian’s Cathedral and runs down to The Lade and Old Mill Street. Only a few minutes’ walk from the High Street and with ample parking, this vibrant little street is the perfect place to start your day's shopping. And as the only street made up exclusively of independent shops, it holds a special place in the heart of us Perthites.
You see, as unlikely as it may sound in a 21st century city, there are no multi-nationals, no big name stores and no androgynous-more-of-the-same chains. Instead you will find a street packed full of the wonderful, family-owned businesses that make Perth unique and galvanise our Scotland-wide reputation as a place for speciality shopping.
I know from speaking to the owners of these fantastic businesses that they pride themselves on their street's outstanding service, family warmth and quality goods.
This vibrant little street is the perfect place to start your day's shopping!They offer everything from life's essentials to truly specialised items - never before have I had to rack my brain for so many variations on the word bespoke!
So, whether you're looking for a commission on a diamond engagement ring, a one-off kitchen design or a cup of great coffee, North Methven Street is worth a second look!
Have a read for the insider’s scoop on everything going down in North Methven Street - and make sure to check out our video where we chat to some of the dedicated local business owners mentioned therein.
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A kilt shop of such distinction that they have their own tartan, Strathearn Kilt Hire are the creators of the beautiful purple and blue 'Pearl Of The Tay' that is one of Perth’s most popular choices for wee boys and grown men! They hire the finest quality kilts using only authentic tartans and can help with Highland dress for corporate events, weddings and private functions.
Named after its colourful owner, Marian’s of Perth celebrates over 45 years in business. They have been stocking a fabulous range of ladies designer fashion brands, Marian and her sister Eileen are known and loved for their attentive service, keen eye and willingness to help. We've featured them both as our only Big Personality duo, EVER! Read their story here >>>
Marian’s of Perth specialises in complete outfits for Mother of the Bride and Groom, evening wear and fantastic everyday fashions for the discerning lady. Next door at The Wardrobe they offer the ladies of Perth stylish fashion choices in sizes 18+. This is a must visit during a day’s shopping!
With over 17 years’ experience behind her, Renata at Needle and Thread is an expert with both! From a quick hem-up to a full wedding dress fitting, Renata offers attention to detail and a precise, neat finish. They also provide a full dressmaking service for unique one-off items guaranteed to help you stand out from the High Street fashion crowd.
Fair City Laundry is a traditional laundrette with coin operated washers, dryers and a service wash facility. They also offer dry cleaning for party dresses, winter coats and every other item you wish you’d checked the label on!
A category that has come together simply because they rhyme, and are specialists in their own fields. WTG Henderson’s the Jewellers and The New Wool Shop sit only a few doors apart and are both well-known in our small city as places of quality goods and knowledgeable, friendly service.
WTG Henderson’s is owned and run by Scott Henderson, his wife Catriona and son Matthew. Matthew is the fourth generation of artisan jewellery maker in the family business which was established in Perth in 1938. He and dad Scott design and produce many commissions and there are more than few of their engagement rings on the fingers of the ladies of Perth! Their highly skilled workshop also offers a repair service for watches and all jewellery. They sell new and antique items, silver gifts for christenings and weddings and my advice to you is go in with some time to spare... It’s well worth a linger!
The New Wool Shop is a crafter's heaven with rows of brightly coloured balls, haberdashery and threads. Kate McGregor has owned and worked in the shop for over 26 years so she has all the expert knowledge you will need. They sell everything you for knitting, needlecraft and crochet and the staff are on hand to help even beginners will feel at home.
Hair and beauty is one of the street’s great strengths with three fantastic hairdressers and three wonderful beauty rooms.
Halo at the top end of North Methven Street starts things off with colour, cuts and blow-dries for men, women and children. Specialising in wedding parties, they will be delighted to chat through your style for your Big Day.
On the opposite side of the road is HairDotComb, a popular Perth salon who stock on-trend brand Fudge and the always popular L’Oreal. The team at HairDotComb bring a wealth of experience to ladies and gents styling, cuts and colour.
Essence (hairstyle pictured to left) links hair with beauty in their unique salon owned by Gillian and Evelyn. They are home to independent stylists Louise and Elaine. Matrix and Wella are their brands of choice and their stylish salon is roomy, bright and modern. Nicole’s Beauty Lounge is located within, where a range of exciting beauty treatments are on offer – from lava shell massages that use naturally heated tiger clam shells to penetrate deep into tight muscles, to luxury facials, chemical peels and more!
In fact, Essence is where Jessica Jay used to work from, before expanding her beauty room into the full-blown salon, Jessica Jay Salon. You can get a beautiful set of gel nails, an exfoliating and relaxing facial treatment, massage or waxing, along with all your other beauty needs. They also host a hairdresser who offers lots of hair treatments, including gorgeous hair extensions – perfect for getting glammed up for a night out, or just to treat yourself. Jessica will make sure you leave looking and feeling fabulous!
North Methven is a street packed full of the wonderful, family-owned businesses that make Perth unique.
LIKA Hair – which stands for Lisa and Katie hair – launched in 2017 and since then have only been on the rise – last year winning the Perth Business Award for Best New Hair Salon, and being re-nominated again this year! From stunning hair colouring and more at LIKA, to the expert services of Amy at be.YOU.tiful nail and beauty salon located therein, this is the perfect place to hit up to achieve the style make-over of your dreams.
ibrowz threading across the road offers everything from gel nails to eyebrow threading and their small, inviting shop front leads the way to a series of therapy rooms. They have been shortlisted for best brows 3 years in a row, and offer a wide range of treatments - from make up, gel nails and brows!
Finally, Simply Brows which is owned and run by experienced therapist Raj is a well-renowned lash and brow bar. In fact, when I stepped inside to have a chat with them, a customer who overheard us stopped me to tell me how fabulous Raj is! Opened in 2013, they’ve got plenty of returning customers and have been shortlisted for, and won some amazing awards – most recently having been a finalist in the Scottish Hair and Beauty awards in two separate categories.
One of the city’s longest-standing and most loved takeaways has their home on North Methven Street and many a Perthite will tell you tales of piping-hot, fish and chips or Chinese takeaway from Watson’s after a night on the tiles!
My other half will often experience a wave of nostalgia for Watson's. As teenagers, we’d pile out of the teatime shows at Perth Playhouse and head round the corner to Watson’s sit-in for sausage suppers, white bread and butter, and cups of tea. Late shows would mean a takeaway, sharing chips on the bus home and chattering loudly about the movie. Little has changed; you can still do exactly the same today and enjoy every second of it just as much!
Now, Must Eat is a go-to eatery for all your take-away and comfort food needs. They offer a full range of the take-away classics - burgers, pizzas, kebabs - as well as set meals and their own take on the now famous munchie box! If you don't fancy trekking out for food, Must Eat deliver, and you can even place your order on their website. Convenience does make it all taste better!
Of course, it’s not just about the ready to eat food. DG Lindsay’s is a Perth Institution selling only the very best in locally sourced meat. Run by fifth generation butcher Beaton Lindsay (a previous Big Personality of ours!) you will find award-winning steak pies, ready to cook stir fries and every cut of quality meat you could possible imagine. They are now one of only three independent family-owned butchers in Perth City Centre.
If you’ve been shopping and fancy taking the weight off your feet or if you need a great cup of coffee to keep you fuelled as you go, Pino’s Italy is an authentic Italian Coffee Bar serving up Italian cakes, soup and paninis alongside ‘Perth’s Best Coffee’. (It was Pino who told me this although my double espresso was VERY good!).
For a drop of the stronger stuff, The Half Moon Pub across the road is great for pint or a nip! A down to earth pub with warm and friendly staff – with great banter! – reasonably priced drinks, and sports channels to watch the big match, it’s a great place to catch up with friends at the end of a long day.
Perth Kitchen Centre on the corner of North Methven Street and Atholl Street has kept true their original ideals of great products and great service and with this they have built an enviable reputation that has given them generations of repeat business.
Stocking sophisticated German engineering with sleek lines and a stylish finish alongside British Made Kitchens for the more traditional clientele, they pride themselves on offering something for everyone. They offer a full design service, installation and handle everything from construction to final decoration. You can also buy off the shelf, choose from branded appliances such as Siemens, Neff and Miele and one-off items such as a new oven or dishwasher.
Just a couple of shops along, Bryan Steele Carpets is holding up the street’s reputation for quality, family-owned shops with their 30 year old, second generation business. Stocking quality brands in carpets and vinyl they offer free estimates, a free carpet fitting service and free local delivery! They have seen many trends in flooring over the years but I’m reliably informed by a friendly Alan that 'Grey is the new Beige' in the world of carpets! What a great line!
Darren Conway is the owner of Fireplaces Direct, a one-stop shop for fires and wood-burning stoves. He welcomes everyone in to browse through their range and as well as the models in the store, they also offer a bespoke design service. Darren tells me that wood-burning stoves have grown in popularity due to their stylish, modern look and environmentally friendly, energy efficient fuel.
BJ Domestics sells and repairs appliances such as hoovers, washing machines and dishwashers. As a little side note, due to a Henry hoover that sat in the window for my entire childhood, it is one of my favourite little shop fronts in Perth!
Newspapers, magazines, pints of milk, lottery tickets, chocolate bars and penny chews – I love a good newsagents! In North Methven Street you will find Minas, Bailies and Hodges dotted along the street all ready to help you out with life’s essentials.
Browns the Chemist are an independent pharmacy with over 100 years experience! They pride themselves on their heritage, knowledge and high quality service. Offering a range of services such as NHS and private prescription dispensary, sales of mobility aids and courses to help quit smoking, you’re going to find highly qualified staff and friendly, personal service.
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Look out for our South Methven Street article coming next week!
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