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 […]

Over 200 local businesses already feature on the site, which launched this weekend. More will  join them over the coming weeks. The Southport Indies campaign is designed to support and highlight local independent firms that are the beating heart of Southport. The southportindependents.co.uk website will allow people to enjoy a great way to discover new businesses and find just how much Southport has to offer. Southport BID Business Engagement Manager Sarah Rodriguez said: “We want to celebrate the amazing shops, gorgeous cafes, vibrant bars and the wealth of small but often hidden businesses that make our town exciting and interesting.   “The website is designed to make it easy to search and explore and help view shopping, eating and socialising in Southport in a whole new light. “There is so much more to offer in Southport then people often believe. We have some absolutely amazing businesses here, from shops that have been here for generations to exciting new cafés and bars. Now more than ever these independent businesses need all of our support. As the town begins recovering from the impact of lockdown, we wanted to bring initiatives to help highlight these businesses and put them at the forefront. We hope […]

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 […]

Find all the #SouthportIndies restaurants and cafes continuing to deliver or be open for take aways. If you know of any we have missed or that are no longer operating – please just email us and we will keep this page updated.   Please click the links to individual businesses socials and websites for details. Whilst you are there, give them a follow or like and share. They are there for us through this crisis and we need to all be there for them when it is over   #southportindies #standupforsouthport #shoplocal #staysafe   TAKE AWAY OR DELIVERY   Italian, French and Mediterranean   Chez Moi Bistro – One of Southport’s best loved French bistros are delivering via Just Eat Deli Volare – Volare’s Italian meals to your door and deli items to order Bistro Bar Med – Mediterranean tapas to your door Trattoria 51 – Fresh Italian pizza, pasta and more   Fish and Chips   The Sandgrounder – Available for take away from their Nevill Street shop The Swan – Fresh burgers, loaded fries, cocktails and more Diva Cafe – Fresh fish and chips on Lord Street                     Burgers, […]

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 […]

It’s absolutely amazing what can be achieved when we work together. Southport Indies have done us proud once again, not only adapting to the current crisis but also being there for the front line staff.   The sense of community is really shining through the grey mist of this pandemic and it’s wonderful to be able to support those businesses who want to give something back. Here are few lovely ideas we caught via social media, so peruse through our amazing list of independent businesses that are adding that little some extra for NHS and frontline staff.   if you want to get involved or added to our hero’s list, please message the team.   Pilates Works are offering online classes   Seeing great businesses like Pilates Works adapting to the isolation nation inspires us all to redeem some sort of normality. Classes are now available online and and are free to NHS Heroes.   Book in online at pilatesworks.uk com or call 07958 983535   Hidden Vines and Gas Monitor Point   Paul and the team at Gas Monitor Point wanted to find a way to give back to our frontline workers and what better way then FREE wine! […]

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 […]

Find all the #SouthportIndies open, delivering or trading online during this Covid crisis. If you know of any we have missed or that are no longer operating – please just email us and we will keep this page updated.   Please click the links to individual businesses socials and websites for details and dates on deliveries. Whilst you are there, give them a follow or like and share. They are there for us through this crisis and we need to all be there for them when it is over   #southportindies #standupforsouthport #shoplocal #stayhome   TAKE AWAY OR DELIVERY   Restaurants Delivering The Vincent Hotel – Sushi, hot plates and nibbles Chez Moi Bistro – One of Southport’s best loved French bistros are delivering via Just Eat Deli Volare – Volare’s Italian meals to your door and deli items to order Bistro Bar Med – Mediterranean tapas to your door The Bold Hotel – Afternoon Teas and roast dinners The Firepit – Fresh burgers, loaded fries, cocktails and more Trattoria 51 – Fresh Italian pizza, pasta and more Voodoo Vegan Takeaway – Vegan burgers and more from Megafauna cafe   Fish, Chips, Burgers and Wings   Gyros House – Superb […]

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. […]

Gin became a new found love for us and Susannah at Remedy is almost entirely to blame for it for educating us on what we were missing.   It isn’t just us that caught the gin bug and Remedy have earned a well-deserved place in Southport’s physical and metaphorical heart with their huge range of gins and knowledgeable staff. Owners Sarah & Susannah have made a huge impact in Southport’s night times since opening five years ago. Bringing something unique and new to the town with a concept gin & whisky bar, they have led the ‘gin revolution’ in Southport, with style.   But in this month of food and drink, we thought we would celebrate some of the other great specialist drinking destinations that are taking Southport by storm.   Real Ale Revolution   It’s not all about gin. Real ales have steadily regained popularity over the last decade. Never ones to be behind the trend, Southport has embraced the movement wholeheartedly. The long-established Inn Beer Shop on North Lord Street has built a brilliant reputation for its relaxed atmosphere and huge range of ales. Their success is evident from their decision last year to open a world beer […]

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 […]

The votes are in and the best brew in Southport, as voted by you, is……Tapper’s café on Union Street! It is a timely win as this week Tapper’s celebrates 7 glorious years on Southport and they have gone from strength and earned a place in people’s hearts.   Tappers   The ballot papers were counted and the winner came out as this brilliant café, run by sisters Sarah and Catherine. Celebrating seven successful years in Southport, Tapper’s has become a much-loved hidden gem that deserves a place in your heart! They serve a brilliant cup of coffee in a gorgeous setting, with a friendly welcoming team. Aside from the great coffee, what else can you expect? A menu packed with delicious food cooked fresh using local ingredients including their trademark bagels (which are something else) and wonderful, fresh, filling salads. Did we mention the cakes? Oh the cakes. Just take a look at their Facebook photo feed or Instagram and we defy you not to want to head straight round there​​   …and the runners up are: A Great Little Place   A close second in the vote was A Great Little Place. This award-winning café works to make a positive […]