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Hard-working Princes Street is a constant throng of people and cars, joining our compact city centre to the wonderful green space of the South Inch and its all-day car park.
Of course, what happens is we’re always in a hurry to get somewhere – city centre, work, Inch to grab the first and last of the summer’s sun – and we forget to stop, browse, wander and enjoy the amazing little independents and stunning aspirational stores of this wonderful shopping street.
As I wandered around, chatting to the shop owners and finding out more about what is surely Perth’s interiors hub, it struck me that just a stone’s throw from St John’s Kirk and the Café Quarter you will find everything from original art, and a vintage bookshelf to a new style upgrade. Diverse, oozing quality and right on Perth’s beaten track, it’s time we all looked up and had a proper browse around this fabulous street.
Bookended by two of Perth’s favourite food stops, Princes Street is nothing if not diverse. Starting nearest to the South Inch we have The Weigh Inn which is one of our favourite stop overs for a cuppa on the go or a proper Scottish square sausage butty! I love walking by and never failing to see a queue of people waiting for their treat at the wee window in the wall that’s been there since 1995. Doesn’t matter if it’s truckers, businesswomen between meetings or all the skateboarders and BMXers the South Inch serves so well.sometimes all you need is simple home baking and hot filled rolls just like your Granny made!
Half-way up is another great takeaway, Sizzlers, with the perfect combination of Indian and pizza; who hasn’t ended up here after a night on the tiles? The food may be fast but it’s also fresh and cooked to order which makes it one of Perth’s favourite guilty pleasures. It’s the perfect place to stop and grab dinner on your way home from a day on the South Inch.
If sizzling hot and spiced to perfection chicken is more your thing then the Sizzlers Chicken Hut is the perfect place to grab a big bucket for the whole family to enjoy – treat yo' self!
The Malt House is a traditional pub with friendly service and a great selection of beers, draught, spirits and wines. With your traditional pub grub (we recommend the outstanding steak pie with gravy that envelopes you like a warm hug), a snooker table, and a friendly atmosphere, this is the perfect place to grab a pint with your pals and have a catch up.
Sweet treats, freshly baked…Mila’s Bakery is the cutest little stop to take a break from your busy shopping trip and catch up over a coffee or two. This Mum and Son duo have got it all going on. From blueberry lemon muffins, strawberry tarts, and even pizza slices… everything is freshly baked first thing in the morning, and you can always be guaranteed service with a smile!
Pop into Latino for all your delicatessen needs! Meats, treats, and all manner of delicious foods are available here.
Next stop is the Perth institution that is The Italian Corner. Owned by Marcello and Claire, this wonderful restaurant serving up authentic Italian food has been part of the fabric of our small city for over 25 years. Their longevity stands testament to the quality of food and great service that you’ll enjoy when walking through their doors. Everyone is part of the family, everyone is welcomed in with wide open arms. If you’ve not been for a while, then plan a date night and treat yourself to the devilishly sinful but gloriously delicious ice cream whilst you're there – thank us later!
And last but by no means least we have Cardo - essentially the love child of Pig’Halle and Duo. Paula and Herve have combined these two favourite restaurants to bring one fantastically authentic and contemporary Mediterranean restaurant with more influence from Paula's Portuguese and Herve's French backgrounds.
And don’t worry, they still have the piece de resistance – their melt in your mouth Chardons Macarons - I always go in for one and leave with ten. How can you choose from all those flavours?
If you’re planning a redesign, then Princes Street is the place to visit. Leading brands have gathered to make your work light and when you consider the expertise and top end range available you won’t want to go anywhere else.
Fired Earth brings a selection of baths, tiles, and paints that make me want to strip off and jump in every time I pass the window! A superb range of quality, top end interiors they help you realise the bathroom of your dreams. Worth a gaze in the window and a proper look round – Now, how do I make room for the freestanding beauty I’ve fallen in love with?!
Ashley Ann also offer kitchen, bedroom and bathroom design to suit all budgets – whether you’re just spending a little to jazz up your place, or would like to go all out. Because they offer the complete service from measure up to manufacture, they are regarded as experts in tricky spaces! The designers here will help you realise the potential your space has and design it to suit your very specific needs.
Sculleries of Stockbridge work on a very simple principle. They engage with their clients and let them have a large say in how things are done. Every Sculleries kitchen is ‘a unique marriage between client and designer’ and with this they believe they have created a finish which is second to none. They work mainly in wood, and offer natural native, American wide grained and European light - and that’s just the oak!
If unique one-off pieces of furniture, with sustainability at the forefront are something that intrigues you, then you're definitely going to need to stop by Sarah's Attic. On offer are a fun, funky and fresh range of refurbished and upcycled pieces created by none other than Sarah herself - her workshop is right through the back of the shop! And if you're after something completely-one-of-a-kind, she also takes commission work...just pop in with your vision and have a chat!
My favourite little shops on Princes Street are also among my favourite little shops in Perth. Four of our best Perth Indies open their doors here and the top-notch quality, warm service and friendly advice you’ve come to expect from Perth’s shop owners can all be found right here.
I do adore the dynamite combination of Louise and Sarah at Tayberry Gallery and their bright, airy shop is one of my go-to places when I’m looking for something that little bit different. They stock a stunning range of British and Scottish artisan designers creating all manner of products; from jewellery to scarves, pottery to traditional artwork this is a haven of beautiful things.
Wander a little further and get yourself into Underneath The Arches for a treasure trove of delights! Stocking vintage, pre-loved and new this is where on-trend upcycling meets traditional artisan. Handmade soaps, hand painted furniture and a range of craft classes that will teach you how to create beautiful crafts yourself, my only problem is I didn’t find it sooner. I LOVE this shop!
Having opened their doors in September 2018, Vectran Vintage have built a solid name for themselves as one of Perth’s go-to places for unique vintage finds. Sprawling across two floors, the ground floor has everything you could imagine – stage lights re-purposed as unique floor lamps, all manner of refurbished instruments, silverwares, jewellery, and furniture that will have your guests dying to know just where you found your statement pieces!
Upstairs, they offer hand-picked vintage garms, a huge range of guitars, and bits and pieces that just stuck out to me – from a musical photo album sourced from Japan, to an excellently curated record collection. I’m not going to lie – I couldn’t resist picking up a vintage film camera and a Grace Jones record when I popped in! Come along – you won’t regret it.
Frames Gallery sits just around the corner of Princes Street; we asked the wonderful Hugh Goring to be the star of our Princes Street video and we just had to have him be a part of the article. A staple of Perth since 1979, their aim is to present work from artists around Scotland and the wider UK in as friendly and welcoming enviromment as possible. They succeed!
Princes Street has a fantastic choice of hair and beauty experts, ready to help you look good and feel great for a night out in Perth!
Sharon’s Hair Design is that gorgeous little house on the corner of Princes Street and Marshall Place! They have been trading for over twenty five years and enjoy a loyal and happy clientele. They offer cuts, colour, restyling and bridal; thanks to their professional reputation and consistency in delivering great service, their business may well run another 30 years!
Red Earth are an independent beauty salon who, thanks to customer demand, moved from their smaller premises on St John Street to their larger Princes St shop! A popular choice, they offer beauty services to make you feel good from head to toes – quite literally! HD Brows, massage, facials, spray tans, pedicures and so much more.
If you’re looking for a fresh new do, Liza Konu Hair is where you want to get yourself to! A salon who specialise in L'Oréal Professionnel products, your hair will be looking vibrant and revitalised with their expertise.
There’s a reason they’re called Obsession Hair and Make-up: we’re already a little bit obsessed with this creative space just walking in the front door! Eclectic duo Squeaky Scissors and Hair & Makeup Artistry by Chloe have paired together to create a vibrant, fun space to get the style upgrade of your dreams – think electric blue and shocking green hair colours, and statement make-up with a fresh vibe! Oh – and there’s a selfie wall, complete with studio lighting and floral décor to get the perfect IG shot of your new do. #obsessed
One of the two iconic Joshua John branches in Perthshire is conveniently nestled right into Princes Street too! Offering a free 15 minute consultation service prior to your appointment, the expert stylists can create and tailor a dream look to fit your vision. They offer a huge range of services, too – from your classic blow-dry and style, to vibrant colours, waxing, men’s grooming, and nails too! Word on the street is they’re the place to visit for wedding make-up…you heard it here!
At Studio 13 Tattoo you can allow your creativity to run wild! Offering custom one-off tattoos in any style, with both colour and black and grey catered for, the artists here will make sure you walk away with an eye-catching artwork adorning yourself, in their private, clean and secure tattooing environment.
The friendly tattoo studio, Perth Tattoo Company host a range of artists who create work in any style you like! Oh – and every Thursday they do walk-ins – check out their Facebook for designs available and just pop along on the day. Laser treatment is offered too, in their professional, clean studio.
In just one small street you can choose from Farmers Autocare, Kwik Fit and Target Tyres to help you with your car and vans. Offering MOT, tyre sales and repairs these big brand services all come with fully trained mechanics and peace of mind.
When the street is this diverse and packed full of independent shops you will always find a handful sitting in a class of their own.
Although their front door is around the corner, we’re giving them a pass… Culley and McAlpine are our resident law keepers on the corner of Princes Street. These legal eagles have a reputation for high quality legal work and outstanding client service so it’s no surprise they are one of the leading solicitor firms in Perth!
For something a little bit different…Blazed specialise in collectable ornaments in various eye-catching colours. They also offer up American candy treats - yum!
Finishing us off is the wonderful South Inch Osteopaths (we prefer to call them miracle workers). If you’ve ever woken up with a back so sore that getting out of bed is a struggle or suffer from poor posture or misalignment then this is where you need to be. Give them a call and get ready to get your life back - bold statement but they can 'back' it up.
Go on, take yourself down Princes Street and find a whole new shopping experience just waiting to be enjoyed.
Nicki headed North for a three night break at the stunning Mains of Taymouth in Kenmore, in Highland Perthshire.
January 31st Friday 2020
Where is the best place for autism friendly and relaxed cinema screenings? Why Perth Playhouse of course!
June 3rd Monday 2019
We love Tippermuir Books here at Small City. Based in Perth, they publish books on a number of subjects including poetry, true crime and fiction.
May 10th Friday 2019
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