A market was held on Abbeydale Road over the weekend to celebrate the many independent businesses in the area.
Shops and bars in the area took part in the initiative on Sunday 23 April to show off the vibrant culture of the street, including Coles Corner, an independent record store and cafe bar.
Nicole Jewitt, manager of Coles Corner, said: “Market’s like this are important as they help drive footfall to the road and showcase all the interesting independent businesses that are here.
“At the moment, that’s crucial because everybody’s feeling the pinch of the cost of living crisis.”
Nicole also spoke of the unique nature of shopping down Abbeydale Road.
She said: “If people come here, they’re going to find one offs and things by local makers that they won’t find in the High Street.”
This was the first market since the Christmas period and there are plans to have more regular events.
Ms Jewitt added: “We’re working as the whole of Abbeydale road traders on a funding application, which we hope will make us grow the market.
“We’re looking to have music and stalls in the car park behind Mensa Printers and in the Abbeydale Picture House car park so over the next couple of markets we hope to see expanding with a bit more entertainment as well as the stools.”
Another venue which took part in the market was The Bear, a craft beer shop and bar.
The venue put on a gin tasting session, a BBQ outside and a DJ session later on in the evening.
The BBQ was organised by Pipers Artisan Sausage, a Crosspool based business, who spoke of how events like this can benefit local businesses.
Owner of Pipers Artisan Sausage, Nick Piper said: “We have a lot of locals and familiar faces who go to our shop in Crosspool.
“So coming down to events like this helps us out as people who don’t shop in Crosspool, can try our stuff out and hopefully enjoy it and come up to our shop in the future.”
