Staff at a bookshop in Southport enjoyed a remarkable find while they were looking through some old books.  Broadhursts, on Market Street, boasts over 100,000 books which range from just-released bestsellers to an extensive children’s department and no less than eight second-hand book rooms and two large rare book rooms.  They said: “Cataloguing a second-hand book about motor racing published in 1946, and have just found petrol ration coupons tucked inside. “I wonder if the original owner knew that and just didn’t need them, or whether he or she thought they were lost!”  At the outbreak of World War Two in 1939, petrol was the first commodity to be rationed as all petrol had to come from overseas. Then in 1942 petrol for private use was withdrawn completely. It was only available for work deemed essential, and a special permit was needed to obtain it. Cars were therefore absent from the roads. All large cars were confiscated and converted into vans and ambulances. In 1945, after the war finished, petrol for private use did become available, although it remained rationed until 1950. People in Southport would have been enjoying shopping at Broadhurst’s back then, as the iconic shop  – one […]

Should the Stamp Duty holiday be extended? In July 2020, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak scrapped the tax on all homes under £500,000, giving a huge boost to the UK housing market. On Monday (1 February) a petition with 141,952 signatures called for the Stamp Duty holiday to be extended.  Here Alan Jones, Sales Director for Curlett Jones Estates on Lord Street in Southport, shares his expert view:    At Curlett Jones Estates, we are feeling along with our clients and buyers, the pressure of completing house moves before the end of the Stamp Duty tax break on 31st March 2021. Over 140,000 people have now signed a petition to have the Stamp Duty tax break extended to ensure the housing market doesn’t collapse under the immense pressure this has caused. Due to the number of people petitioning their MPs, Parliament held a virtual Petitions Committee debate on 1 February 2021 on the possibility of extending the Stamp Duty holiday, beyond the current deadline of 31 March 2021. MPs lined up to take part and many of them had examples of current transactions which are stuck in a logjam due to Covid-19 restrictions and which are now unlikely to […]

By Sam Tallon If you had asked Southport businessman Steven Lannagan, what would be the biggest problem he’d have to face upon receiving the keys to his new business in January last year, a global pandemic would not have been top of his list. There were whispers of COVID when he first spoke to the landlord about potentially taking over the unit. No-one could have guessed what would happen next. Situated at the bottom of the street that Mr Lannagan lives on, he is hoping his new café and bar, KOPAR, will become the new social hub in Hesketh Bank, Lancashire, when it eventually opens. Mr Lannagan is already the owner of two successful businesses on Lord Street in Southport – the Bottle Room bar and the Copper & Ivy café  – and felt it was the right thing to do to bring the quality of his other businesses to Hesketh Bank, just a few miles away. “There’s not one bar in the village,” he says. The area’s iconic pub, The Becconsall, closed in 2009 to be replaced by a new housing estate. “I wanted to create a place where people could go and meet and just have a good […]

Renowned horticulturist Christine Walkden is to return to Southport Flower Show this year to share her gardening knowledge with visitors. The award-winning TV and radio presenter, who is a firm favourite at Southport, will be at the show on Thursday 19th August. Originally from Lancashire, Christine started growing vegetables on an allotment near her home when she was just ten years old. Her first job after leaving school was in the gardens of her local park and she progressed through a series of posts including a spell at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew before she brought her infectious enthusiasm and passion for plants to wider audiences as a broadcaster and lecturer. She said:  “Southport Flower Show always gives pleasure and interest to gardeners as there is so much to see and do. Great plants and gardens plus lots of entertainment too. It’s a good day out for all and I consider the show to be the Chelsea of the North.” Christine is the resident gardening expert on BBC The One Show and is also a panel member of BBC Radio 4’s Gardener’s Question Time. She has presented BBC’s Gardeners World and her own BBC2 TV series Christine’s Garden, and Glorious […]

We aren’t going to lie, even we had to read and re-read the lates round of regulations several times to understand what is allowed and what isn’t (we are also pretty sure that by time you read this blog there may even be more restrictions too).  One thing we do know though, is that our much loved independents are still open, we can still shop, we can still enjoy a meal inside a restaurant or a drink with friends in a beer garden.  Things may well get worse before they get better – and this is why we all need to enjoy what we can, where we can all while keeping each other safe and keeping our Southport independents open through the winter. Here is just a little inspiration as to how you can get out and enjoy our town, all while staying safe:   1. Catch some Autumn sun If you spot some crisp blue skies, make the most of a chance to catch up with friends with a coffee (or gin) on Remedy’s terrace. Their pods are perfect for a little shelter and a safely distanced catch up.  Alternatively, grab a couple of take away flat whites from […]

A business owner has revealed why his love of the Lord Street boulevard led him to opening a stylish new restaurant and bar in Southport.   Nagender Chindam has recently opened Skylight, at 459 Lord Street, opposite Sainsbury’s supermarket.    The venue specialises in speciality coffee, cakes and delicious snacks, while work takes place to open a brand new restaurant and cocktail bar.    The formerly vacant unit has been transformed with the help of Clayton Architecture and other local firms.    Nagender said: “I love Southport, and Lord Street is amazing!    “It’s beautiful – the most amazing street in the UK. Lord Street has stunning architecture, and so many great buildings!”    Nagender has worked as an IT consultant, with 20 years experience. But during the Covid-19 lockdown he decided on a change of career.    He said: “Instead of sitting idle at home, I wanted to get Skylight open. We got a great team together and within four or five weeks we got this palace up and running. It was all thanks to the support of people and workers in Southport. If this was anywhere else, we could not have done this.”      Clayton Architecture has […]

Hoghton Coffee Lounge & Bar, on Hoghton Street in Southport town centre, is hosting the event from 9am this Saturday (September 12).   The venue has been closed since the coronavirus lockdown came into force in March.     They said: “This is the moment you have all been waiting for!   “We will be opening our doors from 9am and running all the way through till late, with the Grand Reopening Party officially commencing from 6pm, with plenty of special offers on drinks – but we hope you can join us at some point throughout the day.   “All our usual hot drinks will be available as well as a temporary food menu, together with loads of new additions including a brand new prestigious selection of wines and prosecco especially selected and supplied for your delight, from local supplier Hidden Vines UK.   “We have carefully taken into consideration social distancing requirements, to ensure that our customers and staff are safe at all times whilst ensuring your enjoyment. We now have extra social-distanced seating available inside and a heated outside area. We hope you will be as excited as we are with the atmosphere we have created!   “We […]

The Government backed ‘Eat out to help out’ scheme ended last week and proved a huge hit with you all!  No one is averse to a good deal and bit of discount, and the added beauty was the support it gave our local, indie restaurants.   After so many nail biting weeks for our passionate small business owners, it has been a relief to see how many of you took advantage of the scheme and to see venues busy.   But now the deal is over, those owners still need your support and custom if they are to continue to survive and thrive. The tourists season is ending, it is up to us now as a community to keep our favourite places alive!   Some of our favourite destinations are trying to keep the momentum going through September with their own discounts, deals and offers. Find out more here (and don’t forget to book!):   Rueters 25% off food Monday to Wednesday 26 Hoghton Street, 01704 544123   Bistro Bar Med 20% off Wednesday evenings, bookings only! 7 Coronation Walk, 01704 512009   Remedy 25% off all hot drinks, cakes and food every Monday 110 Lord Street, 01704 535785   Bold […]

Live music feeds the soul and lifts the spirits, and after nearly six months without it we are more than ready for some!  The good news is that, with restrictions easing, some of our favourite venues are bringing live music back for the Bank Holiday.  There are some great original and tribute acts on across the town all weekend – and even a little opera thrown in! Read on to find out what’s on where with our guide below – but remember, wherever you head to please make sure you are following distancing guidelines and keeping each other safe   Rock on   The Chop House, Southport’s unmissable bar for rock music fans, is back to doing what they do best – outstanding live music. The team have a Bank Holiday packed with amazing live bands for you, all ready to rock! The line up looks something like this:   Friday – Xander & The Peace Pirates Saturday – Bone Shaker The Band. Sunday – Problem Child – North West   Bands on from 10pm, get a space from 8.45pm The Chop House, Scarisbrick Avenue   Or for some vintage ‘Rock & Roll’ – then how about catching the Bravado’s […]

It’s official!  One of the UK’s best gift retailers is right here in Southport. Medusa Gems Gift Shop, set in the stunning Wayfarer’s Arcade, has been selected as a finalist in The Greats Gift Retailer Awards 2020! Whilst we, of course, believe without any doubt that there are brilliant independents businesses of all kinds in Southport, businesses that make Southport worthy of recognition as a destination for good boutique shopping and eating, it makes us proud to see someone recognised Nationally.  Owner Helen is excited to see her dedication and passion for her business recognised at this level. The Greats Awards, now in their 18th year, were launched by Progressive Gifts & Home magazine to recognise and reward the UK’s very best gift retailers across the retail spectrum. “These dedicated awards for gift retailers have risen immeasurably in status over the years and are now universally acknowledged as being true accolades of excellence,” commented Sue Marks, Editor of Progressive Gifts & Home. “Being selected as a finalist was a fantastic achievement. There was a huge entry this year, with some outstanding, first class entries.”     All retail finalists were decided as a result of an industrywide poll of gift […]

Restaurants Auberge Bliss Kitchen Bistro Bar Med Chez Moi Duke’s Folly Bistrot Pierre Fuegos Gusto Trattoria Le Boulevard Pizzeria Mamma Mia The Landsdowne Bistro The Firepit Grill Trattoria 51 The Warwick Volare V-Cafe   Pubs/Bars Lord Street Hotel Medhito Cuban Lounge RA Bar Rueters The Windmill The Bold Hotel The Office The Hungry Monk The Guesthouse The Pheonix   Cafes/Coffee Shops A Great Little Place Caffe Dolce Cleveland Cafe Cranberry’s Coffee Shop Delivolare Love to Eat Lucy’s Coffee Shop Megafauna New Thistle Cafe Nostalgia Tea Rooms Pam’s Pantry Remedy Starbuck’s The Whistle Stop Cafe The Gallary Walker’s on Wesley St 92 Degrees   Indian/Chinese Belash China City Great Himalayas Kasturi Lings on Kings Shamraat Taj Mahal   Fish & Chips/Kebabs Gyros House Silcocks The Kings Plaice The Swan

The Government’s ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme launches next week.  The scheme offers up to £10 per person off food and non-alcoholic drinks, Monday to Wednesday in participating restaurants. Now we love a discount, but why we love this scheme a little more, is it’s aims to help protect businesses and jobs by giving us added incentive to dine out right now. We can’t stress how much we support anything that gives you more reason to get out and support these exceptional businesses right now Once you see just how great the restaurants, cafes and pubs taking part though, our guess is you will want to go, discount or not!   Great British Pubs If it is home cooked, traditional pub food you have been hankering for during lock down then both The Cheshire Lines or The Windmill are excellent choices.  The Guest House has great meals you can wash down with great cask ale.   For a family feast with some great food or a Sunday roast how about The Hungry Monk, The Office or Rueters?  Full carvery?  Then The Bold is where you need to be. Lunch with friends Craving a proper English breakfast or bit of lunch […]

Southport is awash with superb independent restaurants and bars, owned and operated by passionate and dedicated people. After three long months we are more then a little excited to see our favourites start to open this weekend.   Here is the list of which of our indies have confirmed so far they will be reopening their doors. Let us know if you don’t see your business on here or if you know something we don’t and we will update.   If you are out this weekend, we know they will appreciate your support. Please though make sure you respect the rules in place and be understanding   Bars & Pubs                                Restaurants & Cafes Copper and Ivy                                                     Auberge Cooper’s Bar                                                         Fuegos Enelle’s Glass House                      […]

Our independent businesses have been at the centre of our community throughout lockdown, staying open to serve us the essentials the big stores ran out of and delivering to us as we shielded. Our local bars, restaurants and cafes have been a lifeline for most of us.   They adapted themselves and adjusted quickly to be able to get meals to people isolating. They created whole new menus and ways of working just to lift our spirits with amazing meals and treats. They even brought us ready made cocktails and organised gin nights for when we just needed to enjoy virtual time with friends.   So now, as they all prepare to reopen from next weekend, what should you expect and how can you support them in return?   New rules of engagement   The hospitality industry has been given over 30 steps from the Government that they have to take to reopen. These are rules and measures to keep everyone of us safe and for their teams to be safe in their work. These are not arbitrary measures they have been over zealous about putting in place. They are mandatory   Some key changes include:   Most venues will […]

It seemed a minute ago it was March and yet here we are in early Summer with Father’s Day suddenly around the corner. The shops are likely to be open in the week before for some last minute buying, but let’s keep ourselves and others safe and not crowd our high street.   That being said, your local independents need you more than ever. Don’t head online to the big boys, pick Dad something personal from one of our amazing indies for the perfect lockdown gift.   Drinks on you   For a craft beer loving Dad, may we recommend Tap and Bottles? Each week their shop goes live with guest craft ales available for home delivery on the Saturday – perfect for a pre-Father’s Day drink or for enjoying with a family garden visit (all nicely distanced of course).   Collect from them between 12-2pm Saturday’s. Deliveries available to PR8 & PR9. The store goes live each week with the latest breweries: tap-and-bottles.myshopify.com   Is wine his drink rather then beer? Then The Barbours Parlour & Fine Wines is your destination of choice. If there was ever a time to spoil someone it is now, so give the supermarket […]

Southport was founded in 1792 when one William Sutton opened a small hotel where Lord Street and Duke Street meet. The town slowly flourished from there and shops and houses were built, creating what became the now iconic Lord Street.   Independent businesses have always flourished in the town, with Southport enjoying a reputation for exclusive stores in the glory days of high street shopping. Times have changed, the internet has taken over, landscapes have evolved and exciting new businesses and entrepreneurs make Southport their home still – but who has lasted the distance?   Read about some of Southport’s oldest indies here, including the original Duke’s hotel!   Connards Jewellers   Now in its fourth generation of family owners this iconic shop and stunning building was opened by Walter Connard in 1883. Still in its original location with many of it’s original fixtures, Connard’s remains Southport’s oldest family run firm – 137 years and counting! Daughter Elizabeth also owns and runs the successful neighbouring business Lilibets.   Where: 421 Lord Street Find out more: connards.co.uk   June’s Florist   One of Southport’s longest standing family run businesses, June’s opened in it’s iconic corner premises and has been blooming in […]

With the recent announcement of the lockdown potentially lasting until mid-May, it is important to make sure we keep looking after our physical and mental well being.   Many of us will be worrying about how forced solitude will be effecting our families anxiety (or the opposite and being trapped with small children 24/7). But we know that our diet and well-being are crucial to keeping calm and mentally positive enough to get us to the light at the end of this tunnel (and there will be one soon).   With that in mind, the brilliant and imaginative independent business owners in Southport have been doing their very best to come up with ideas to help you or to continue getting well-being products to you throughout it all.   Find out more in our guide to a little self-care below.   Keep sparkling   Both Beauty Beyond Belief are Dorothy Mae Salon have been sharing some great beauty tips and advice including Dorothy Mae’s homemade sugar scrub.   BBB are also making deliveries of Dermalogica products, based on clients needs and sharing some excellent advice too. Call them on 07874 300565 for advice.   Thinking Forward   To give yourself, […]

Easter is one of the few times in the year that we can spend time with our friends and family and with the current pandemic, this holiday makes it more important.   Most supermarkets are still open and adding more stock to their shelves by the day, but if you’re not wishing to queue and even venture out due to the lockdown, then the Southport Independents have got your back.   The team have reached out to the local area to see what’s on offer over Easter and have compiled a list of traders who got back to us with some holiday specials!   However, you need to be quick and get your book your delivery time.   Good Friday wrapped up   If you’re following tradition and opting for fish on Good Friday then our Southport Indies are in full support with super delivery deals. Wesley’s Fish Mongers on Tulketh Street will be open on Friday morning and are also offering a FREE delivery service with orders over £10. They have lots of stock including; fresh cod, haddock, salmon, seabass, sea bream, mackerel, halibut, turbot and scallops. However, for us, nothing beats fish and chips from the chippy! This […]

Well we put it out there – we asked for your votes on the best place to get a great beer in Southport in honour of yesterday’s #internationalbeerday and the votes were overwhelmingly in favour of…. *drum roll*…. The Cheshire Lines.   And what a worthy winner! Nestled among the houses down on King Street, if you haven’t ever stumbled upon it (or indeed out of it) then you really must make a point to venture there this weekend. The oldest pub in Southport, dating back nearly 200 years and is a listed building. it brings all the charm of a country pub in the town centre. Taken over this year by Vicky and her team, it has been given some love and is looking better than ever.   Reviews on Trip Advisor and Facebook gush with words such as “quintessential” “Friendly, inviting” and regularly describe the ‘Chesh’ as “a beautiful little pub with great ale and food” and they aren’t a bit wrong. The Cheshire Lines certainly hits all the right notes and is a British pub exactly how it should be.   Friendly, warm, local and with staff more than happy to help recommended a great beer, The Cheshire […]

A month of foodie heaven might be coming to an end but despair not! There is still so many amazing options in Southport for all lovers of exciting food. Recent Visit Southport research revealed there are more independent restaurants per capita in Southport then London. With that astounding fact in mind, here is our guide to some of the best of them   North African: Fig Bistro Fig Bistro is a wonderful little bistro on Eastbank Street that serves up authentic North African and Middle Eastern cuisine, all hand cooked by owner Janine. It is one of those perfect little hidden away gems that once you visit will immediately become a favourite. Enjoy a meze of hot and cold starters with friends (the Fatayer are to die for – little parcels of feta & spinach. Nom) or enjoy one of the beautiful kebabs with fresh tender meat. To take you truly back to that Egyptian holiday take advantage of their tobacco free Arabic Shisha area!   South American: Churrasco Grill The latest edition to Southport’s expanding foodie scene, Churrasco opened this month and is already receiving great reviews. A meat eaters heaven they serve up the best quality Angus steaks. […]

It’s Father’s Day this Sunday (yes that’s right – did you forget?). If you are scratching around on Amazon looking for whatever looks half decent and is on next day delivery – STOP. Cease. Desist. Have a word with yourself, read this blog and venture into one of the amazing shops here in Southport bursting with great things that will earn you far more brownie points then that personalised mug you just nearly clicked on in desperation…..   For the style king… Reputation, Man to Man and Lapel all stock huge ranges of brands and designer clothes and shoes for all styles to keep him looking as slick as and handsome as ever (or to subtly influence a style upgrade if he falls somewhat short in that department). New Hugo Boss t-shirt for the summer? Time to change that same tie he has been wearing for 10 years? All three stores have you covered.   Make a clean shave of it…. Is the man in your life sporting the full hipster beard? Does Grandad sport a proud head of hair? Pampering isn’t just for women these days. Treat him to a clean shave or a beard trim or just a […]

Our aim is to help you discover and explore the hidden corners of Southport and unearth the wealth of brilliant, character-full businesses to be found there. As such, we spent a happy Friday afternoon meandering in and out of the delightful shops along Market Street and we were both surprised and delighted at who we met and the great places we found. Here is our little guide to what is waiting for you there!   We started at the newly reopened Natures Remedies (they swapped sides of the streets to expand). With its eye catching purple frontage & Mum and daughter team on hand to help – it is packed with health food, herbal remedies and teas and you will be greeted with warmth and personal service.   Next door, we were utterly blown away by the absolute heaven that is Broadhurst’s bookshop. We confess to never having ventured upstairs, despite our love of books. Oh, how we have been missing out. Books line the walls from floor to ceiling with a huge range of new and rare. Owner Laurie, who took it over from the original owners over 30 years ago, told us from his book lined office that […]

It’s not too late!   For those who may have *ahem* forgotten or just been far too busy to buy yet – Mother’s Day is on Sunday. But don’t go panic buying online… there is a world of amazing gifts right here in Southport that would make the perfect way to say ‘You’re special’. Here is our top ideas for last minute gift.     1. Pamper them Could there be anything more wonderful for a busy Mum than an hour or two of peace and tranquillity? Be it a spa day, a massage or facial or a relaxing hair cut or nail treatment. A voucher or booking for one of the great spa’s and salons in town is an easy win! Our picks are Gentle Cosmetics, Beauty Beyond Belief, Portland Hall Spa or G Style but there are too many to share so discover more here.   2. Ask them to pose! Record the moment with a gorgeous photo shoot! Whether it be a family shot, Mother and daughter or just a stunning individual shots to make her feel like a film star booking a photography session is a wonderful treat. Lunia and Yaffe Photography both offer unique, stunning work […]