New shop in St Martins Walk?
I walked through St Martins Walk today and noticed that there appears to be a new shop being fitted out, where Mr Pipps once was (opposite Saffron). I have no idea what it is yet but no doubt it will appear on here soon.
posted by The Cockerel @ 1:24 AM
4 Comments:
Yes -- the new unit in St. Martins Walk (SMW) that is opening up will be a coffee shop. It is not going to be a Costa, Caffe Nero, Strabucks etc. though! The coffee shop is going to be run by the person as Chimes. Chimes will remain open thank goodness. It is good move for SMW, as Dorking is in dire need of a good meeting place for Mum's, teenagers etc. Other news on the retail front, the smaller of the two Unwins has re-opened under new management by Threshers. The former Unwins next to the White Horse Hotel, has been generating a lot of interest and should be occupied in the not too distant future. The high rent on that premises could be a stumbling block though. The nail salon (next to Music 4 U) disappeared before Christmas due to NOT paying the rent. Walked around round West Street last night and there are two antique shops with closing down signs in their front window. One of them, Dolphin Antiques has been recently sold. So, there should be a quick turn around there. Apparently 2006 will be an interesting year for West Street, as the antique shops will get much smaller in number and a lot of interesting new shops will open up there. One last thing, the new tea/coffee shop at the back of the antique shop at 11 West Street, is very good. The sandwiches are very nice, well presented and the cappacinos are to die for!
A wealth of interesting facts there. I am glad that the current Chimes is remaining in St Martins Walk as in the Summer the outside seating provides a great atmosphere and really enhances the square.
I hope the old Unwins unit, next to the White Horse, is 'usefully' utilised. Although high rents have always been a problem in Dorking.
I really like the way West Street is shaping up. Some interesting, up-market clothes shops and restaurants which have appeared in the last few years provide some diversity to this quaint and important street.
I will also have to check out the tea/coffee shop in West Steet. Thanks for that!
Have noticed that Lockeys (Bags etc.) has been put on the market now. It is part of St. Martins Walk so, the rent is very high - in the region of £30,000pa and additionally, they will have to pay business rates and a service charge. The unit is about 2,000 square foot. Dorking, week by week, seems to have something else closing down. Reigate, on the other hand, has very little empty units - why is that? I guess the two hour free Morrisons helps attract people to the High Street etc. Walked through Epsom yesterday afternoon and it seems to be in a worse state than Dorking - imagine that!! It has loads of shops closing down on the High Street and inside in the Ashley Centre.
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