South Street Indies. More Than You Could Know!

Standing at the top of this very long street, up on tip-toes trying to see the Queen's Bridge it leads into at the bottom end, I decided the only way I could possibly find time to write about all the wonderful businesses was to pull out the big brands and boring banks (sorry RBS!). What is the real reason that our South Street is different to every other main thoroughfare in Scotland? People of Perth, visitors to our Small City, prepare to meet the South Street Indies!

This fabulous street is abuzz with buses, pedestrians and a huge array of gorgeous shops, restaurants, travel agents, pubs, barbers and nail bars. Boasting some of Perth’s longest standing independent retailers, who in turn boast a dazzling selection of collective awards, I'd be willing to bet this is the only street in Scotland upon which you can buy a Highland Beef Sirloin Steak AND a purple sparkly wig!

Join me on a stroll down one of our favourite streets and we may even stop for a wee Murrays Pie on the way!

Stay Well Groomed…

I am a bit of a girly girl when it comes to my nails and love nothing more than a nice, bright, seasonal polish. South Street has two fabulous nail and beauty bars with both Jennifer Nails & Beauty (pictured here) and Thams Nails & Beauty offering nail extensions, gels and the most amazing nail artwork, alongside more traditional services such as manicures, pedicures, brows and lash extensions.   Both offer drop-in but an appointment is always best!

Of course, it’s not just your nails that you want to look good, and ladies can book into the fab Stars and Stripes for a cut, colour or quick trim. While you're there, have a browse of Linda's extra-special collection of statement jewellery and lovely scarves; they that make great gifts or an extra treat for yourself!

The men of Perth can enjoy an equally relaxing session on the chair with 21st century grooming bringing back the close shave! RG is a huge fan of KF Barbers and one of the first things he does when he gets home from four weeks on the boat is head straight down to see the guys for a razor shave and a haircut. Other barbers on the street include Top Class Bar and Razor Kings all of whom offer a trim, cut and proper close razor shaves.

Are opticians about looking good? I kind of think they straddle the medical / fashion bridge perfectly these days with their amazing choice of styles and frames.  And let’s face it, there’s no point in spending three hours being pampered if YOU can’t see how gorgeous your nails are!  Salmoni Opticians and Robertson Opticians are both longstanding independents in Perth and offer a full service for eye checks, prescriptions and style.

…And Look Sharp!

From your head to your toes, from your undies to your heavy winter coat, there are a fabulous choice of specialist and designer clothing independents along South Street.

Manifesto boasts almost three decades of dressing the young men of Perth and remains as on-trend as ever.  Classic brands including Stone Island, Barbour and Paul Smith sit alongside popular millennium designers such as Tuk Tuk, Pretty Green and Farah. Mums of teenage boys will win major brownie points for gift shopping in here!

If it’s a real flavour of Perthshire’s county style you’re after then look no further than specialist store, Blues and Browns. Offering off-the-shelf clothing and a bespoke, made-to-measure service, Kieran and the team specialise in tweeds, silks and mother of the bride and groom. They also stock a lovely range of Spanish leather boots and accessories to compliment your new, Perthshire inspired outfit.

Pop straight across the road and you will find County Classics, a ladies designer outlet that stocks popular brands for ladies 50+.  Everyday fashions, separates and suits can all be found tucked into the store that bookends the bottom of the street.

Of course nothing helps a well cut suit or dress look even better than properly fitted undies. Miss Forsyth is the city’s only specialist underwear store and has been fitting the ladies of Perth for many, many years.  Jennifer and the team offer amazing advice and a fantastic level of service – leave your nerves at the door and relax into the fact these ladies will adjust your straps, pop a finger down your back, nod knowledgably and then bring you a choice of beautiful bras to suit your exact shape and size.  I’ll say it now - I never knew my boobs could look so good. They also do bikinis and swimwear in cup sizes which is a must for all of us over a B.

If Miss Forsyth does your underwear perfectly then Proudfoot Leather is king of the outerwear!  You will be amazed at the soft, supple and stunning range of jackets and coats that come in all styles and sizes. Fabulous little biker jackets in an array of colours, on-trend suede with sheepskin lining and a whole host of gloves, wallets and handbags to match - you must give this shop a visit!   

Finally, no outfit is complete without a great looking accessory and Raspberry is just the Indie in which to find that finishing touch. Picking up a treat for yourself or an unusual gift for a friend is easy-peasy as this gorgeous little shop is packed full of stylish scarves, beautiful bags and artisan jewellery from Scottish and UK designers.

From Hoola-Hoops to Wedding Gowns

The image of a hoolahooping bride is all I can think of now! This category is one of these Street Life specials that includes a number of very different, very wonderful experts!

Let’s start with those hoola-hoops and introduce the wonderful Carters Toy Shop. This fabulous wee shop is one of my favourite in the city largely due to the fact that my son’s very first Christmas gift was bought from here. A little sit-in, wooden rocking horse with red and white checked seat led the way for me sourcing many more wonderful gifts from their beautiful range. As a child of the seventies I adore the fishing nets and hoola-hoops at the door and inside you'll find Lego, Playmobile and KNex among the popular well-known brand toys that they stock. With that said, I would urge you to look a little further into this treasure trove and explore the many traditional toys for boys and girls of all ages.

Alison Kirk brings a romantic end to the street with her stunning choice in Bridal Gowns and Bridesmaids Dresses.   This wonderful store has been shortlisted in many of the prestigious Bridal awards and with warm friendly service, a relaxed environment and top end bridal designer brands such as Ellis Bridals, Naomi Neoh and Justin Alexander, it’s easy to see why.

Bus before the wedding comes the Hen-Do! If it’s fun wigs, fancy dress and a little bit of nonsense you’re looking for then check out Souvenirs and Fancy Dress. With lots of fun costumes and jokes this shop is loved by kids and adults alike. Although it does make me hanker after a long, pink, Lil Kim style wig!

House of Blinds is a family run business that manufactures, supplies and installs their own beautiful blinds from their factory in Bonnybridge.  And for those of you who are used to a plain old roller, do drop in and check out the great range of pleated, roller, roman, vertical, venetian and perfect fit blinds and shutters! (PHEW!). From small windows in the spare room to complete home refurbishments and commercial shop space, the team at House of Blinds will be happy to help you find exactly what you need.

Perth’s Mountain Supplies has been selling everything you need for a weekend in the wild for over eighteen years and has a wealth of specialist knowledge. Alex and his team are all keen outdoors types and can give you first-hand advice on clothing, footwear, tents and all the bits of kit that I know nothing about!  Stocking brands that offer the best value and quality, such as Parmo and Jottnar, outdoor enthusiasts will be spoiled for choice!

Head straight over the road and you will find Little Treasures, a watch specialist offering value watches, straps, battery replacements and small clocks. I popped in recently with my son who chose a new strap that was fitted perfectly while we browsed - quick and efficient service always gets the thumbs up from us!

Don't let the name fool you, The Giraffe Cafe is more than just cake and tea! With an art gallery and gift shop selling local artisan and eco-gifts this social enterprise has become a popular destination in Perth city centre. They also sell the hand-reared plants from their greenhouses and garden at Perth's ladeside and you will find a stunning range, all perfectly nurtured for a Perthshire garden.

Find out more about the Giraffe Cafe and South Street's award-winning Food and Drink specialists, Exel Wine Shop and Murrays Pies, on our South Street Eat, Drink and Be Merry page.

Can We Fix It?

We can on South Street!   Let’s kick off with Mr Mobile, who as well as selling phone-cases, chargers and the quirky fun phone accessories we’ve all come to love, also fixes mobile screens (how many times have you dropped that phone now?!) and unlocks previous networks from your phone.

Two of my can’t-live-without shops are based on South Street and although outwardly they may not appear to be the most exciting, they are essential to this 5ft 4inch fashion victim!  The Master Tailor is a wizard with a needle and thread and has taken up more pairs of my trousers than I can remember! I know he is also the man that Lori from Eva Lucia trusts with her customer’s alterations and he recently transformed a va-va-voom, daring, thigh-high split number into a gorgeous everyday dress for me!

Equally important is Robertson Shoe Repair! I am hard and harsh on my heels and these guys can have your old shoes looking good as new. They also offer winter soles and other services including key cutting (always handy with a teenager in the house!) and engraving.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry!

We did stop for a Murrays Pie on route – of course we did! But such is the length and breadth of the South Street Indies, I’ve had to split them into two and bring you a seperate Eat, Drink and Be Merry Street Life Blog! Pubs, restaurants, cafes, take-aways and late night revelling can all be found here >>>

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As well as the great mix of Indies, you’ll also find newsagents, supermarkets, discount stores, travel agents and banks along this busy main thoroughfare.  St John's Shopping Centre also has a main entrance onto this bustling street.

You can park off-road at Canal Street Multi Storey which opens out onto South Street and is managed by Perth and Kinross Council. 1 hour: 90p, 2 hours: £1.80, 3 hours: £2.70, 4 hours: £3.50, 6 hours: £5.30, 10 hours: £9.00.  The PKAVS Shopmobility service is also run from this car park.