Merchant Menswear
Tony at Merchant Menswear
Taunton’s Independent Quarter
Here you will find a fantastic selection of bespoke retail, food, drink and professional services trading within a few steps of each other. From traditional shops that have stood the test of time boasting over 30 years in the business, to brand new, unique businesses opening up within the past year.
The retail offering ranges from traditional stores such as ‘Granny Smiths’ green grocers, ‘Riverside Butchers’ and ‘The Tobacconist’ right through to bespoke stores such as ‘La Belle Boudoir’ and ‘World of Bears’.
There are a number of fashion stores including ‘Coco Blue Boutique’ and ‘Riverside House’ for women’s wear and ‘Astaires’ and ‘Merchant Menswear’ for the men, with ‘Alpha’ offering a selection for both.
Whether you are looking for an original gift, a new outfit, a piece of jewellery, a bottle of wine or a beautiful bunch of flowers, you’ll find it all in Taunton Independent Quarter.
Do you have a wedding coming up?
Rings, Wedding dresses, suits, special occasion hats, flowers, catering, hair and make up…you don’t have to walk far to tick all the boxes for your big day right in this one area of Taunton.
Taunton Independent Quarter also houses a huge selection of salons, therapists, stylists and professionals that can help you look and feel fantastic…whether it’s a manicure, a massage, a facial or a complete restyle you are guaranteed to find the right business to help you here. Have your hair styled at ‘Combers Inside Out Hairdressing’, a family business that has been in The Courtyard for 36 years! Or let personal stylist ‘Style by Louise’ help you feel fabulous with a colour consultation.
The reputation of many of these small businesses proceeds them and customers have long been coming to use the services of businesses such as ‘RJ Phillips Clock & Watch repair’ and ‘The Shoe Doctor’ traditional Cobblers. You will even find a Dressmaker if you look for the giant pink button in Riverside Place!
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat after all that shopping and pampering, you are spoilt for choice here! You could grab a delicious Panini and a coffee from ‘The Wickets’, a burger from ‘eat the Bird’, a pint and a meal from ‘Ring of Bells’ or a glass of wine from ‘The Little Wine shop & Social’ in Foundry road. If you’re looking for an extra special dining experience make sure you book for ‘Augustus’ restaurant in The Courtyard!
The area is popular with new businesses and empty units don’t stay empty for long! Next to well established businesses you will find new and innovative ones opening up all the time. Last year saw the arrival of ‘Rocket and Bird’ in The Courtyard, a unique gift shop selling the work of Somerset Makers and Artists and across the road on Lower Middle Street, vegan restaurant ‘The Mango Tree’ opened its doors, both businesses adding something new to the offering in the area.
Taunton Independent Quarter is an exciting area and one that is set to get even more exciting with the addition of the ‘Riverside at Coal Orchard’ development. Midas construction are currently working on this new project which will see a mix of retail, work space, apartments and restaurants with a plaza and terrace down to the water’s edge, finally making a feature of the River Tone.
There’s no doubt that one of the things that makes independent shops stand out is their unique and personal service. The owners of the independent shops in Taunton Independent Quarter are passionate about their businesses and value their customers both old and new. When you choose to shop with small independent businesses you will receive the best and most personable service.
Now more than ever the independent businesses throughout Taunton need the support of their customers…Shopping small and buying Local has never been more important, and while our high streets continue to change one thing is for certain, the small independent shops and businesses that stand the test of time will help keep our towns interesting, unique and alive.
Written by Susie Thomas.
