When I walked through the tall glazed door at 19 Alexandra Road I was immediately bathed in a calm and serene atmosphere. Unlike the vast majority of vintage emporiums, this shop offers a luxury shopping experience in a gallery style setting, but with vintage bargains to be found.

I found pocket money trinkets to buy as well as an abundance of local, original artwork. Beautifully restored and painted pieces of furniture double as shop fittings and each item for sale was lovingly laid out, ready for me to pick up, feel and enjoy. The owners champion local crafters, makers and illustrators and interspersed amongst all the goodies are beautiful floral arrangements donated by a local floral design studio.

The shop is decorated in a warm colour palette of golds, creams and browns without an overtly feminine feel to the shop and I loved that behind the counter their work space is on show for everyone to see. A huge pin board is crammed full of inspiration, cuttings and postcards, which gave me a real sense of the owners passion and personalities.

Pop down for a potter to the artisan emporium, I guarantee you won’t be able to leave without something!

Images by Lucy Heath