No.4 & No.67 Westow Hill

The Triangle's range of fantastic independent shops, cafes and restaurants is one of the reasons I started this blog. And I'm glad to say, that six years on, local businesses seem to be thriving. Smash Bang Wallop has just this week celebrated it's 10th birthday, while Joanna's has reached the grand old age of 39, so congratulations to both! Meanwhile, sadly, Mandy Raven decided to shut shop, and head for new adventures on the south coast. Glitter & Twisted was a local favourite, and will be much missed. 
There seems to have been no shortage of new openings lately, and we will soon be seeing two more. No.67 Westow Hill has changed a few times over the years. When I first moved to the area, it was part of a Budgens store, before becoming Betty's Bakery. Now work is under way on an exciting new venue called Salt & Pickle, a new project for Manish of Good Taste just along the road. It will be a licensed cafe/bar featuring all things pickled and cured. It's scheduled to open at the end of May, and I for one can't wait! You can keep up to date with their plans via Instagram and Twitter @saltandpickle.

At the other end of the street, No.4 is the brainchild of Tine Bladbjerg, the jeweller currently based in Cooper's Yard. She has taken on this former internet cafe next to the Sparrowhawk pub, to house not only her jewellery shop and workshop, but also to serve as a gallery for the work of other local makers. The store is to be called À L'Étage 2, and should also be open very soon. Watch these spaces!

Tine Bladbjerg