
Granny’s Cupboard
This week, I’m looking forward even more than usual to finding out what the headline for this column will be, as I think I’m going to take all the best descriptions here…
I finally managed to get myself to the Old Market on the right day to visit Granny’s Cupboard. It’s a hidden gem, a treasure trove and an Aladdin’s Cave! I loved it. It is packed full to the brim with antiques and collectables, and also plenty of what we now call “vintage”.
Over two floors, it will take you a while to see everything, but you’ll spot plenty of quirky, useful, decorative and interesting objects for your home or as gifts. I found a metal coffee bean grinder, a “Modern Girl” powder compact, still with some powder, and some beautiful keys (see my Instagram account, @redbcreative, for photos).
The shop, and its owner Richard Robbs, have been featured three times on the BBC “Antiques Roadtrip” show, it’s becoming a regular to our town. Richard told me that he gets people calling him up having seen something on the show that they love in the shop, and he’s also had tourists come in who follow the show.
As it says “Antiques and Collectables”, I think I expected higher prices, but everything I looked at was very reasonable, and then there are the bargains on the steps up to the shop! If you like “proper” antiques, you’ll find them here, but there’s plenty to interest everyone. Richard is selective in his purchases, and knowledgeable, so you know you’re getting great quality, original, items. Make sure, unlike me, you remember it’s Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 10.30am until 4pm (3pm on Saturday). Parking is not too difficult in the Old Market, but it’s also not far from Chapel Road Car Park.
As my column is fortnightly, I’d better mention Rose Fair next Wednesday to Saturday. Let me know your favourite arrangement in the churches and favourite shop window – I think most shops are taking part, including those on Union Place and Market Street. I hope you like the Penelope Club’s contribution to this traditional Wisbech event, look out for it!
Thanks so much to those who wrote in last time, it was lovely to hear from you, and you all got it right – it was the door of the Rose and Crown.
Lorena runs Red Barn Creative, a social enterprise for creative people. RedBarnCreative.org.uk