A Happy High Street
You know that phrase "up and coming". Well I have never really been able to use it about somewhere I know, until now. This weekend we stayed in Southbourne, near Bournemouth, which, when I first visited at just 4 weeks old, was bursting with charity shops and a few tea shops.
Now the charity shops are nestled between boutique cafés, independent fishmongers and coastal art galleries.
The high street is lined with alfresco dining chairs and tables but the heart of Southbourne shines through. My favourite haberdashery is thriving (it's been in the high street 80 years) as is the butchers and the bakers, Elizabeth's, where, without fail we but a poppyseed plait and a cottage loaf. If only there was a candlestick maker!
I adore the greengrocers, but mostly for the amazing flowers which almost out do the fruit and veg! 3 bunches for £5 - amazing!
Luckily Mum offered to play with the boys at our family flat, which meant that I got to potter in my most favourite shop. Coastal Creatives. The passion of two wonderful women who remember me when I visit and who have built up a boutique, seaside wonder! Not only do they stock the most curious handmade and beautiful unique gifts they have an envious hire business of the most eclectic and superb wedding props for the ultimate seaside wedding extravaganza.
We tried to get into a new bistro The Larder House but they were fully booked! I had a sneak peek at the menu (oh how cute is the rolling pin) and put it straight on our to do list for the summer. We are back for a week in August with baby b for it's first holiday!
If you get the chance to visit his quaint little town, snap up the opportunity! We have seen it grow into a thriving town with equal amounts of retired seniors and young pups sipping cappuccinos and glasses of red at 3pm!
I did pick up a couple of bargains in the charity shops, but I will save them for next week!