Wow! What a Saturday! With just under 3 weeks until Christmas I am delighted to have spent the day on my local high street volunteering as a steward for the Creative Market. There is no better way to spend a Saturday, enjoying the buzz of the town surrounded by festive cheer. Having only moved to Tenterden in January 2020 (and 9 of those months living in a pandemic), I never thought I would feel so settled and at home as I did today. This beautiful town has made me want to celebrate #SmallBizSatUK! (that’s Small Business Saturday to anyone over 25). So here are a few of my personal favourites to celebrate the joys that small businesses bring to lovely independent high streets such as Tenterden.
Flossy Watts
The lovely Jane, whose hard work and dedication paid off today with the most fantastic Creative Market, owns and runs Flossy Watts. She is based on the high street (2B East Cross to be precise) and specialises in an eclectic mix of items, including antiques, vintage, Retro, weird stuff and the old bit of contemporary. Full of independent treasures, this shop is a real find, and I don’t think I have ever visited without buying something. Jane is the creative brain behind the Creative Market and I cannot wait to see what adventures she has in store over the next year…
For more information about Flossy Watts, take a look at their Website, Facebook or Instagram.
2n6 Sweets
Love, love, LOVE this shop! In fact, it is my sons favourite EVER shop (he is 4 so it’s hardly surprising really)! I mean you’re probably thinking that it is just a sweet shop. And you’re wrong. It is not just a sweet shop, but a sweet shop that is forever changing. The window displays are beautiful and the owners are very welcoming, forever thinking of new ideas and new ways to entice us in. Despite the pandemic, they have kept going throughout and are always there to put a smile on our faces. It is a beautiful addition to the high street!
For more information about 2n6 Sweets, take a look at their Facebook or Instagram.
The Latte Lounge
The Latte Lounge, situated on Coombe Lane in Tenterden is a real hidden gem. Sat behind a pub and next to a car park, you’d be forgiven for not realising it was there. But after a tip off from a friend that they do the BEST hot chocolate in Tenterden (thanks Jo), I wasn’t going to turn down the opportunity to try them out. And I was not disappointed. In fact, I am struggling to think of a time when I had a better hot chocolate. And don’t get me started on their festive sausage rolls (yes, you read that right – sausage rolls with cranberry sauce and stuffing!). They only opened a matter of weeks ago but I am already dreaming of the day when I can sit inside and watch the world go by. But for now I’ll settle for a take away.
For more information about The Latte Lounge, take a look at their Facebook or Instagram.
No 9 Beauty Lounge
What a treat! Tucked away on Sayers Lane, No 9 Beauty Lounge takes you to a place that seems a million miles from the bustling high street. The instant calm as you walk in leaves you feeling relaxed before you’ve even had any treatments. It has recently been taken over by the loveliest owners, whose dedication to No 9 takes it from being just a business to part of an extended Tenterden family. Such a beautiful part of the high street, and one not to be missed.
For more information about No 9 Beauty Lounge, take a look at their Facebook or Instagram or you can make an appointment here.
Rising Star
A gorgeous boutique in the heart of Tenterden, Rising Star is positioned along the high street just as the pavement narrows, meaning you are instantly drawn in to the most fantastic window displays all year round. But as soon as this festive season began, Rising Star played their trump card. And wow, what a display. Without a doubt the best festive shop display on the high street and a real treasure!
For more information about Rising Star, take a look at their Instagram.
So, there you have it, my top picks to celebrate Small Business Saturday. Now more than ever we need to support our local high streets and I for one am so proud to live in such a beautiful place as Tenterden.