4 min readAway from the crowded shopping centres and big-name brands, you'll find a treasure trove of unique and quirky independent businesses on South Gloucestershire's high streets.
We've rounded up a few fantastic local businesses that are definitely worth a visit so grab your shopping bag and let's explore!
Dive into a seafood paradise in Kingswood
If you're a seafood lover, Fresco Fish in Kingswood is a somewhere you won't want to miss. As a traditional fishmonger with an impressive selection of fish and seafood from wild sardines to dressed Cornish crab and even Caribbean parrotfish their range of offerings caters to diverse tastes. Need advice on preparation, storage, or cooking? No worries! Michael, the owner, and his friendly staff are always available to provide expert guidance.
Image: Fresco Fish
Fuel your crafting passion in Downend
Calling all crafters! From quilting and dressmaking to upholstery fabrics, yarn, patterns, haberdashery, and more, Fabrics Plus in Downend has everything you need to bring your creative projects to life. Robin. and his team, all crafters themselves, are on hand to offer advice on fabric or yarn choices and colour matching.
Image: Fabrics Plus
Pedal your way to adventure in Yate
If cycling is your passion, Yate's Bike Station is the place to be. With a vast selection of bikes for adults and children, road bikes, mountain bikes, electric bikes, and accessories, Jude and Pat, the owners with 19 years of experience, can help you find the perfect bike for you and your budget. And, if you need repairs or servicing, their fully equipped workshop and qualified bike mechanic are ready to get you back in the saddle.
Image: Bike Station
A traditional shop that inspired a TV series in Thornbury
One place that hasn’t changed in decades is L E Riddiford, a shop that was once open all hours. It’s a traditional shop where you can buy fresh fruit and veg, dried goods, meats and cheeses, as well as ingredients weighed out on scales. It’s a proper blast from the past.
They always have the produce you can’t get anywhere else. But perhaps the most amazing thing about Riddiford's is that it was the inspiration of the comedy series “Open All Hours” starring Ronnie Barker. But this aside, it is a great shop where you can buy everything from a snack to store cupboard essentials and fantastic locally sourced produce, oh and a bird table for the garden if you’re lucky too.
Showcasing local artist and makers in Hanham
Hanham's Eclectic Gift Shop offers a huge range of Bristol-themed items all under one roof, including locally brewed beer, cider and gin, prints of Bristol landmarks, clothing, jewellery, and more. Owner Nicola is passionate about supporting local artists and makers, making this shop a hub for independent creativity. When you buy something from Eclectic Gift Shop, you're not only getting a one-of-a-kind item but also supporting the vibrant local art scene.
Image: Eclectic Gift Shop
Sustainable parenting solutions in Staple Hill
As a sustainable parenting store, The Friendly Eco specialise in cloth nappies... But that's just the beginning! Owner Freya's dedication to promoting sustainability shines through in their diverse product offerings. From toiletries to reusable sanitary products, plastic-free lunchbox supplies to wooden toys and children's books, they've got it all. They even provide nappy classes to help families make informed decisions on their parenting journey.
Image: The Friendly Eco
Tech trouble-shooters in Filton
Got a broken smartphone, a sluggish computer, or a laptop that's acting up? Owner Graham and the goto iT team are here to save the day! They understand that people want to keep their machines running smoothly for as long as possible, and that's why they offer free diagnostics to identify the root of the problem. You won’t have to deal with confusing jargon, it’s all about plain English so that you understand exactly what they're doing and how they can help.
Image: goto iT
South Gloucestershire Council is committed to working with local high streets to support them and improve the experience for all visitors. So, now that you know about these fantastic local businesses why not plan a visit and explore the high streets and all they have to offer?
Travel sustainably around South Gloucestershire. You can reach all of the high streets listed above by travelling with First Bus, or travel to Yate and Filton by train with GWR. Find out more about cycling routes in the area here.
For more information about getting around the area by public transport, please visit TravelWest or go to our Public Transport page.
Read more:
