Mrs Jones
Mrs Jones.
7 Fish Hill, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 6BD.
Tel: 01263 715 935.
Mrs Jones in Holt is so much more than simply a boutique for clothes, accessories and footwear for the astute middle-youth woman (call it mid-thirties to mid-seventies, but who’s really counting?). Rather, Mrs Jones offers a unique and rounded shopping experience.
Mrs Jones specialises in classic investment pieces, ideally by British brands (although you’ll find lines carefully sourced from further a field as well). Be it bold handbags by the exciting Brit designer Anya Hindmarch (exclusively sold in Norfolk at Mrs Jones), elegant ballet pumps from Pretty Ballerinas or practical-and-oh-so-comfortable-yet-oh-so-stylish denim by J Brand, it is clear to see that the buzzword here is quality.
Alongside clothes and accessories for every occasion, Mrs Jones also stocks a formidable range of gorgeous toiletries and spa products. The natural Green & Spring body and skincare for example (“handmade in the British countryside”), is divine with its bird-adorned packaging and blends for relaxing, indulging or revitalising.
Despite the fabulous brands and emphasis on quality, Mrs Jones is a relaxed and friendly boutique (unlike similar outlets which frequently come across as snobbish and cold). Claire and Nell are happy to advise if you need inspiration.
Designers stocked at Mrs Jones include:
ANYA HINDMARCH
ANNINA VOGEL
APC MADRAS
BABY CEYLON
BEAUTIFUL BOTTOMS (fabulous award winning lingerie and nightwear with roots right here in North Norfolk)
BLAUER
BOBBIE
GREEN & SPRING
HAVAIANAS
J BRAND
JUCCA
PAIGE
PRETTY BALLERINAS
PRINGLE 1815
RETROSUN
SCHUMACHER
SEE BY CHLOE
SPLENDID
VANESSA BRUNO ATHE
YUMMIE TUMMIES
Doric Arts
Doric Arts.
Gallery:
4 Albert Street, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 6HX.
Framing Studio:
1B Market Place, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 6BE.
Tel: 01263 711084.
If 20th Century Contemporary art is your thing, or if you’re looking for inspiration for a great piece to enhance your home or give as a gift, then a visit to Doric Arts in Holt is essential.
Packed with a wide selection of international 20th Century prints, paintings, photography, sculpture and design classic furniture, you’ll find the well-known (the last 3 exhibitions have featured Matisse, Eric Gill and David Hockney) alongside new and up and coming artists. We love the stuff by designer G. H. Holt.
Over two floors, this light, open gallery is deceptively concentrated with a feast of 20th Century fine and modern art. The index of gallery artists quite literally ranges from A to Z. You’ll be amazed at what fabulous pieces you can find within.
Doric Arts also operates a professional framing service, for both contemporary and traditional work and a restoration service of frames, artwork (oil or work on paper) or both.
Anna – Holt
Anna.
1 Pound House, Market Place, Holt, Norfolk, NR25 6BW.
Tel: 01263 710665.
The latest addition to this rather fantastic little family of independent women’s boutiques, Anna in Holtopened at the beginning of November 2010.
Anna specialises in fresh & innovative clothing, shoes, accessories and bags, and prides itself on offering excellent customer service. The shops achieve the unique combination of a laid-back, accessible ambience within a chic, elegant setting. It is little wonder that it is a darling destination of some of the World’s most fabulous women.
Designers stocked include:
- Odd Molly
- Selected Femme
- Velvet
- Farhi
- Ann Louise Roswald
- J Brand
- Joseph
- Milly
- All My Love
- Lavenham
- Ralph Lauren
- James
- Twinset
- Anna
- Day
- By Malene
- Birger
- Penelope Chilvers
- Paige
- Rutzou
- Hudson
As if we needed another excuse to visit Holt (well worth a look for its eclectic collection of independent boutiques, specialist stores and places to eat) it seems this new addition to the Market Place may well be it.
Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. Closed Sundays.
Bells and Whistles
Bells & Whistles.
Studio G, Creake Abbey Studios, North Creake
Norfolk, NR21 9LF.
Tel: 01485 543173.
Found in the lovely Creak Abbey Studios, Bells & Whistles is self-described as ‘a collection of unique and special children’s clothing and gifts with a nostalgic twist for imaginative and spirited boys and girls up to about 10 years’. Think Christopher Robin, Huck Finn and perhaps the Famous Five. In really lovely clothes.
Inside (and online) are divine items for every occasion, from beach to party wear. The only drawback is that they’re just for kids. Boo.
Designers housed within include:
- D’Arcy Brown (stylish, practical lines from this London-based brand)
- Their Nibs (Retro, contemporary and lots of fun)
- Mitty James (Fab Brit beachwear for all outdoor adventurers!)
- Little Davis (Customised, vintage items underpinned by strong ethical standards. Utterly unique)
- ilovegorgeous (a celebration of fun, fashion and feminity for girls by Harry Enfield’s other half)
As well as sumptuous wardrobe-candy, Bells & Whistles has a selection of night lights, soft furnishings such as cushions, prints and gifts. Some items are locally made here in Norfolk, making them extra-special souvenirs of a much loved summer holiday or a magical Christmas escape.
Open Tues-Sat 11am-4.30pm (and on Sun days during school holidays).
Black Sheep Ltd
Black Sheep Ltd.
9 Penfold Street, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6ET.
Tel: 01263 733142
Found in the historic Market Town of Aylsham, Black Sheep is a fabulous shop selling Men’s and Women’s clothing, accessories and footwear. Stylish, original and of the highest quality, Black Sheep’s varied selection covers everything from nightshirts (yes, the authentic, old-fashioned variety, which I am informed are incredibly popular and comfortable) to outdoor wear designed to compliment and withstand an active lifestyle.
The name ‘Black Sheep’ refers to the own-brand jumpers, jerseys and accessories handmade locally from speciality black, dark and light grey wools. Pure, natural and oiled, these are derived from the Ingworth and Blickling Welsh Mountain Flocks, found here in Norfolk. As well as this lovely knitwear, Black Sheep also stocks beloved and designer brands such as Weird Fish, Mat de Misaine and Keen footwear (hard to find in England, but purported to be one of the best outdoor footwear brands to be found).
Although a trip to the shop itself is ideal, allowing you to browse the full range (which extends to gifts and accessories), Black Sheep also offers you the facility to shop online from the comfort of your own home. With a secure ordering system (and the ability to call the friendly people at Black Sheep if you have any questions or need any help), check out the website and start shopping now!
Open Mon-Fri 9am-5.30pm. Sat 10am-5pm.
Closed Sun.
Open Bank Holiday Mondays, but NOT Good Friday.
Standard House Chandlery
Standard House Chandlery.
East Quay, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1JY.
Tel: 01328 710593.
Conveniently located on the East Quay in Wells, just a short distance from the main quay, the pontoons, long term moorings and the Harbour Masters office, Standard House Chandlery has pretty much everything you need when it comes to staying afloat and coming back to shore! Inside you’ll find a huge array of nauticalia, marine products, sailing accessories, footwear and clothing. When we say everything, we mean just that – from clothing by Henri Lloyd and Helly Hanson to a Suzuki outboard engine, you’ll find it here. Proprietor John Crook is an experienced marine engineer able to offer storage, maintenance and repair services for all types of inboard or outboard engines. You’ll even find new and used craft for sale.
Standard House Chandlery also offers a full rigging service, boat repairs and boat and trailer storage – ideal when holidaying in North Norfolk.
The Chandlery building itself is worth a visit purely on its historical merit. In the 18th Century it housed The Royal Standard Inn, a lively haunt frequented by a young Nelson that doubled as the first rural Post Office in Norfolk.
A family business run for over 20 years by John and Marion Crook, Standard House Chandlery is a must-visit destination for anyone with a passion for boats, whether you’re a dedicated sailor with bona fide ‘sea legs’, a holidaymaker sailing on the North Norfolk coast, or simply a fan of the lifestyle who prefers to remain on land.
Clothing brands stocked at Standard House Chandlery include: Musto, Helly Hanson, Henri Lloyd, Joules, Weird Fish, Saint James, original Blues Nautical Knitwear.
The Chandlery is an agent for Suzuki outboard engines and also stocks English Braids ropes, Plastimo and Crewsaver.
Urban Armour
Urban Armour.
The Old Chapel, North Street, Burnham Market,
Norfolk, PE31 8HG.
Tel: 01328 738880.
- John Rocha
- Deco Echo
- Pandora*
- Luxenter
- Monica Vinader
- Bjorg
- Dower & Hall
- Flash Jordan
Stiffkey Antiques & Stiffkey Period Lighting
Stiffkey Antiques & Stiffkey Period Lighting.
The Old Chapel, Wells Road, Stiffkey, Norfolk, NR23 1AJ.
Tel: 01328 830099 (The Old Chapel)
01328 830690 / 07855 371779 (Antiques)
01328 830460 (Lighting).
The Real Ale Shop
The Real Ale Shop.
Branthill Farm, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1SB.
Tel: 01328 710810.
Recent accolades include ‘Off Licence News Independent Beer Retailer of the Year 2009’ and ‘CAMRA Bottle Online Sales Awards 2008’, so if you’re a Real Ale fan, you must take the signposted detour on the Fakenham-Wells road to visit this unique off-licence.
The Shop at Cley Windmill
The Shop at Cley Windmill.
Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR25 7RP.
Tel: 01263 740209.
Historic Cley Windmill is arguably one of the most memorable and delightful places to visit in Norfolk.
An imposing early 18th Century windmill in the heart of the charming coastal village of Cley, it offers an unrivalled experience in accommodation and dining due to its unique nature and super high-quality standards. As if these were not reason enough to call, the recent addition of an on-site ‘Windmill shop’ only increases the draw of the place.
The shop specialises in locally sourced gifts, souvenirs and general loveliness alongside thoroughly useful items such as Ordinance survey maps and wildlife guides.
The ‘Cley Windmill’ own-branded items including ‘Juicy Jelly’ preserve and gorgeous handmade soap are just adorable. Our personal favourites are the ‘I’d Rather Be At Cley Windmill’ china mugs.
Gorgeous jewellery that is exclusively stocked within the shop is handmade by a local Cley resident. What better reminder of a fantastic visit to the Norfolk coast?
