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Perth’s Old High Street and the adjoining New Row is one of the City’s hidden gems; bookended by St Paul’s Church and Thimblerow Car Park people often overlook it in favour of the larger, busier main streets. Well, we’re here to say ‘take another look!’. Just a short, two-minute walk from the pedestrianised centre you will find a fantastic range of Perth's independent retailers all offering a quality alternative to the big name, High Street multiples.
And when I say everything I mean everything! A gift for new babies? Got it! Specialised flies for fishing? Yep! Haircuts, Canadian Maple Syrup and sculptures of Orangutans - it doesn’t get more indie than that!
The street is also home to some of Perth’s longest-standing bespoke retailers in the form of Jewellery Workshop and Acorn Fabrics and it is perhaps this promise of success that has tempted some new kids to the block. Maple & Thistle and Rae Peacock Hair, have both livened up New Row with their fabulous store fronts and warm, friendly service. (Not to mention the cocktails and homebaking!)
'Mon with me for a wander and you'll find out why it’s worth another look at two of Perth’s oldest and best streets.
The Old Street and New Row have a total of nine hairdressers and barbers, offering everything from a quick-drop-in-trim to a luxurious two hours of pampering and style. The newest of these is Rae Peacock Hair on New Row who has wowed the women of Perth with his homemade chocolate brownies and amazing cocktails; we’ve heard the cut and colour is a big hit too!
An experienced stylist, Rae carried out his initial training at John Gillespie Hair and further training at Vidal Sassoon. He spent many years working between Harvey Nicholls and Harrods in London and was involved in various photo shoots and catwalk events. In fact his magic hands have styled many famous heads including supermodels Yasmin Le Bon and Jodie Kidd! Rae and his husband Craig are excited to bring their vision to Perth and aim to have every person LOVING their new hair when they leave the salon.
That elusive ‘perfect gift’ that we are all searching frantically for may be sitting right in front of your Old High Street-bound feet!
Starting with the lovely people who are yet to arrive, Baby Bears is bursting with beautiful gifts for newborns. Their terrific toys and clothes range also goes up to babies and toddlers and with prices starting at under £10 you’ll find something for every budget.
Sticking to the little ones, my all-time favourite Toy Shop in Perth has to be the magical Fun Junction. Follow their facebook page for a daily burst of happiness! Pocket money toys, unusual and educational items and the big favourites such as Lego are all under on colourful roof!
Experience, style and a wide range of designer jewellery and gifts lie behind the shop on the corner of both streets. The Jewellery Workshop has been trading for over twenty years and specialises in Scottish, British and mainland European designers including the wonderful Joanna Thomson. As well as running the shop and buying, Kathleen also takes commissions for bespoke pieces and is a wealth of knowledge and advice if you’re looking for inspiration for that extra-special gift. They also offer a jewellery repair service.
Unusual, quirky, something unique… If your gift falls into this description then drop into say hello to Maple & Thistle.
This wonderful Scottish Trading Post stocks a fabulous range of artisan gifts and high quality crafts from some of Scotland’s best loved artists.
Tulepo Tree is their florist-in-residence and creator of their stunning, hand-tied wreathes. You can also pick up a freshly cold-pressed juice to enjoy while you browse. A must-visit!
Julian Jardine’s stunning art gallery could just as easily have slotted into our gift section but we decided his was just the shop you needed to bring personality to your home. Featuring his own original work which focuses on breath-taking animal sculptures he also shows work by other sculptors and jewellery, paintings and prints from some of Scotland and the UK’s leading artists. The shop as a distinct creative vibe to it and you will find quality artisan products for all budgets and interior styles. Julian also offers art and pottery classes for children and adults in his studio on New Row.
When it comes to interiors in Perth, there is one name that comes to everyone’s lips. Acorn Fabrics. Pam Finchen has been supplying beautiful fabrics for all of our interior wants and needs for almost 25 years! Four years ago they branched into paint and paper, stocking the gorgeous Little Greene range of luxury colours and designs. Everyone from local businesses to homeowners has taking advantage of their superb curtain making service and for a shining example of their work, check out The Parklands Hotel!
I know nothing about the Perthshire pursuits of fishing, hunting and shooting but I do know that when I need a gift for my fishing-obsessed Dad then PD Malloch is my first stop! In 1871 Peter Duncan Malloch opened his first one-room shop for fishing supplies and taxidermy in Perth’s High Street and after a couple of moves they are now established on The Old High Street. That’s over 140 years of family history and experience sitting waiting on the keen outdoor sportsmen and women (or their gift-buying loved ones!).
An award-winning butcher of national acclaim, Simon Howie’s home on Perth’s Old High Street has become something of an institution in our city centre. All that you’d expect from a family-run butcher, with the added extra of their own-brand, quality ready-meals and all the tasty little mustard and chutney side accompaniments your tastebuds desire!
Perth City Kilts is certainly an expert in the area of quality highlandwear for men, women and children. They offer a hire service for weddings and other occasions and their choice covers both traditional and international tartans through to modern, contemporary weaves. As you’d expect from an expert you can ask for all the advice you require to ensure you’re wearing your Highland Outfit correctly! An extensive range of highland wear accessories, shirts, mini kilts and shawls make this a little slice of Scottish heaven.
The street has a fantastic range of coffee shops that all offer warm friendly service and a great choice of hot snacks, sit down meals and delicious homebaking.
The Manna House is a long established favourite in Perth and is run by volunteers providing the only city centre based Christian Book Shop and Café. They offer soup, homebaking and coffees as well as Christian books and wide ranging gifts.
If you need something a bit more substantial then pull up a chair in the One-O-One Fish Tearoom where you can tuck into a freshly battered fish supper with tea, bread and plenty of salt of vinegar. Their full menu is available as a sit down option but you can also nip into their takeaway for chips on the go! Food of The Gods!
Owned by a band of friends whose aim is to ‘make your day’, Blend Coffee Shop is warm, friendly mix of hipster chic, quirky surroundings and big comfy couches. You can dro pin for a hot drink – they serve up real, loose-leaf tea, freshly ground coffee and divine hot chocolate – or stay a wee while and enjoy soup, paninis, pastries and mouthwatering homebaking.
The Bellflower is a new addition to Perth’s snack bars, offering hot filled rolls, hot drinks and cheerful service. They also do takeaway for busy folks on the go.
Finally, keep walking up to the top of the street and you will find a Thai Therapeutic Massage specialist - this is deep massage at the experienced hands of a true expert and the perfect way to end a day in the city!
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Remember, if you’re out shopping for steaks, gifts, curtains or a haircut then snap a photograph and share it on social media with the hashtag #PerthLoveFest! It could win you £50 of vouchers to spend in one of Perth’s independent retailers. More >>>
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