A L'Etage 2

2017 is shaping up to be a bumper year on the Triangle, with, it would seem, more new openings than the previous 5 years I've been writing this blog, put together. One of the most recent is, A L'Etage 2, a new project by local/Danish jeweller, Tine Bladbjerg. As she explains, 
"A friend once asked my sister and I what games we liked to play as children. We looked at each other and then replied that we made stuff and played shop. I guess some things never change…"
Up until recently, the sisters, Tine and Lene shared a studio in Coopers Yard, but Tine always hoped to fulfil the second half of her childhood dream, and open a shop. That wish finally came to pass when she took on the lease of No.4 Westow Hill, formerly an internet cafe, and began to turn it into, not only a shop for her jewellery designs, but also a gallery space showcasing the work of other artists and makers, including her sister, Lene. The undertaking proved bigger than expected, when dry rot was found in part of the flooring, which had to be replaced. Fortunately she had the help of a very supportive landlord in carrying out the works. The long narrow premises also allowed Tine to move her studio across the road from nearby Coopers Yard, but due to the shop's location and the one way system, transporting the contents of the studio had to be done by hand by Tine's husband, Dominic, as a van would have entailed an almost complete circuit of the Triangle for each load.
The finished gallery, gives space to talented artists and makers, some local and familiar, selling high quality handmade products, ranging from jewellery by a number of different designers, to accessories, homewares and fine art, at a range of prices to suit all. And thanks to the existing success of A L'Etage online, Tine has been inundated with people hoping to showcase their work in her gallery.
Meanwhile beyond the counter at the back of the shop, Tine continues to work on her own exquisite designs in her new studio, where she also plans to hold classes and workshops. She is also preparing for Art Unequalled, a show taking place in Ely in November.

Tine Bladbjerg

Woven scarves by Kate Williams, belts by Melissa Simpson

Art by Lene Bladbjerg

Glass vase by Christiaan D Maas

Cookie Scottorn Ceramics

Jewellery

Rings by Tine Bladbjerg

Pendant by Tine Bladbjerg

Necklace by Sabine Konig

Pendant by Tine Bladbjerg

Pendant by Gill Laverick

Necklace by Deborah Kelly-Hopkins

Earings by Karen Faulkner-Dunkley

The Studio

A L'Etage 2

4 Westow Hill

info@aletage2.com

@aletage2 (instagram)

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