16 of our favourite independent craft and design shops across the UK

We are huge supporters of independent craft and design shops selling beautiful, handmade, functional design products, gorgeous homewares and special gifts for our loved ones. We love a proper bricks and mortar shop. We don’t want to see our town centres become uniform. We don’t want to see the same retailers wherever we go. And we certainly don’t want to see our high streets disappear as a place for community and gathering!

There is something wonderful about going into a shop, seeing, picking up, and feeling a unique beautiful item. The connection with the product, the chats with the shop staff and then going home with the purchase in your bag. It’s so satisfying.

Our Business Club Manager Anne-Marie Shepherd has chosen 16 of our favourite independent bricks and mortar lifestyle, craft and design shops from the South of the UK to the North.

We know there are many many more so please add your favourites in the comments box. Let’s spread the word and keep shopping personal!

We are proud supporters of the Just A Card campaign – the voluntary-run campaign supporting independent shops and creatives. If you own your own independent craft shop or gallery or are a creative then get involved, show their shop sticker with pride or wear their pin. And talk to your clients too about the importance of independent shops and retailers.

ATELIER BESIDE THE SEA, BRIGHTON, EAST SUSSEX

A beautiful retail space right on the seafront in Brighton, created by Jon and Sarah from Tutton & Young, organisers of the infamous MADE design and craft fairs. @atelierbrighton

Berylune, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

Cards, gifts, homewares, stationery, children’s goodies, and accessories – an ever-changing range of unique products. @beryluneuk

Brass Monkeys, Hove, East Sussex

Really lovely small jewellery shop and workshop stocking the work of over 40 established and emerging designer-makers. Something for everyone, a haven for jewellery addicts. @brassmonkeysjewellery

Choosing Keeping, Central London

A fabulous store in Convent Garden selling all things stationery. Paper, books, pencil cases, pens, gift wrap, cards, notebooks and a whole lot more. @choosingkeeping

Curiouser & Curiouser, Edinburgh, Scotland

Showcases the best of British and Scandinavian design; illustrative prints, jewellery, homewares and things for kids. The owners work with the creative Edinburgh community to discover artists and designers. @curiousershop

The Hambledon, Winchester, Hampshire

Describing itself as a mini department store housing menswear, womenswear, beauty and bath products, homewares and a fabulous kids department. A beautiful shopping experience @thehambledon

Glos Guild Crafts, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

The shop representing The Gloucestershire Guild of Craftsmen. Exceptional handmade textiles, ceramics, jewellery, furniture, wood, leatherwork and more. Guest makers are often invited too. @glosguild

Leadbetter and Good, Lewes, East Sussex

Gorgeous independent store selling homewares and gifts including British made ceramics, textiles and prints, books, handmade chocolate and vintage accessories. @leadbetterandgood

Lift Store, Southwold, Suffolk

A home accessory and lifestyle store devoted to sourcing and creating well-designed, functional items to wear and for the home. Lots of the stock is Danish or Japanese inspired. @liftstoresuffolk

Made in Hastings, Hastings, East Sussex

A beautiful shop in the old part of town, promoting some of the many talented people in the area by acting as an agent for them through sales of their craft and artwork. Each month sees a stock meeting with decisions made on what to feature. Always worth a visit. @made_in_hastings

Maud and Mabel, Hampstead, London

A carefully curated selection of beautiful everyday objects focussing on ceramics, but also including cloth, wood, and silver with some lovely contemporary art too. @maudandmabellondon

Mulberry Tree Gallery, Swanage, Dorset

A great gallery selling art by nationally and internationally known artists and contemporary makers. Handmade ceramics, jewellery, original artwork, limited edition prints, greetings cards, stationery, lifestyle, and homewares, as well as unique vintage finds. Also a picture framing, and art restoration and conservation service. @mulberrytreegallery

Our Handmade Collective, Leeds, West Yorkshire

Crafters, makers, designers, and artists handpicked to provide a total gift shopping experience. @ourhandmadecollective

PRIOR SHOP, BRISTOL

A not-for-profit, independent shop, workshop space, gallery and community hub in Bristol’s City Centre. Showcasing design-led, handcrafted, contemporary work by 150 sustainable designers and 70% of whom are local to Bristol. @priorshopbristol

STUDER FINE ART, PRESTEIGNE, POWYS

A small and beautiful space in the historic market town of Presteigne in the heart of the Welsh Borders. The shop and gallery hosts a rolling collection of artists, makers and exhibitions throughout the year. @studerfineart

Studio Vault, Settle, North Yorkshire

Gallery and shop space showcasing contemporary craft and fine art in beautiful Settle, North Yorkshire. Fabulous ceramics, woodwork, jewellery, paintings, and prints. @studio_vault

Please let us know your favourite independent craft and design shops in the comments below. All recommendations are very welcome. Let’s share the independents!