Today is Small Business Saturday, and to mark the occasion the Echo looks at independent shops, pubs and restaurants that have come or gone this year.
We celebrate some of those that have recently exploded onto the scene and remember those that have sadly closed their doors.
Opened
Sony’s in Shirley
After eight months of preparations, Sony’s cafe bar and bistro lounge opened for business on Shirley Road a little more than a month ago.
Owner of the new sports bar Shiv Darshan, who used to be a construction worker, built the place all by himself.
It not only offers pints and cocktails but also Indian and Caribbean food, along with other cuisines.
Figurati in Ocean Village
Ocean Village Marina received a boost in dining options in May when Chris Schutrups, Richard Gilbert, and their wives Nicola and Sophie opened the Figurati.
The modern restaurant offers sharing-style dining as well as the more traditional large dishes.
The Wine list contains more than 100 types and at the weekends DJs play electronic music to accompany the meals.
Quayside in Woolston
Two colleagues, Mike Lawrence and Paul Nicholson, turned business partners when they opened Quayside in the centre of Woolston’s Centenary Quay in March.
Offering wine, cocktails and tapas, the opening featured music, a balloon arch and even a visit from the city’s mayor.
With pizzas, brunch, and Mediterranean tapas on the menu, the pair hoped to change the menu as often as every three months.Mike
The Duke on the Test near Romsey
Saints legendary FA Cup winning manager Lawrie McMenemy officially reopened the new look Duke on the Test pub near Romsey back in August,
The opening of the much–loved riverside pub, which had been lying empty for more than five years, was attended by hundreds of invited guests, including councillors, mayors, the local MP and even a Duke!
The Duke on The Test was established in 1583 as a hostelry. The pub enjoyed a long history until it closed in 2017.
Hocombe Coffee Co in Hursley
Almost a decade ago, when Paul Taylor started roasting coffee beans in his garage as a hobby, he never thought he would eventually open a business of his own.
But in April, Hocombe Coffee Co started serving walkers, cyclists and villagers, delicious coffee in a new artisan space in Hursley.
Paul still roasts the coffee himself onsite and uses his 20 years of engineering and design experience to create coffee using the best and most efficient equipment in a space that enables customers to relax.
Cedar Rooms in Netley
The Cedar Rooms opened its doors in a newly-revamped space at Royal Victoria Country Park earlier this year.
There is a large selection of handmade sourdough pizzas available from the traditional-style oven at the restaurant.
The eatery, which focuses on running the café in an environmentally friendly way, serves food to customers in compostable coffee cups and reusable pizza boxes.
Whisky Blue in Southampton
Whisky Blue offers laid-back live music, premium drinks and authentic Italian food.
The classy city bar, which opened in March, is a popular choice among Saints fans and over-25s.
Whiskey Blue’s roast dinners go down a storm on Sundays and the menu also includes pizzas, pasta, steaks and street food options like pulled pork and halloumi fries.
Closed
Cotton Bakery in Bitterne Park
After nearly 50 years, owner Graham Cotton closed his Bitterne Park bakery in June.
Due to ill health and the soaring cost of living, the 78-year-old announced he was retiring.
Speaking to the Echo, Graham said: “I’ve been pushing my limit for too long, and in today’s climate it was what I had to do.”
The Little Fryer in Bitterne
Owned by single mum of two Deirdra Cranny, this fish and chip restaurant was popular among residents.
In December 2007, just before Christmas, she opened her shop, but was forced to close in September.
It comes as the store struggled to make ends meet due to rising costs.
Rice Up Wholefoods in Hanover Buildings
Energy bills skyrocketed for this independent shop, so it turned to the public for assistance.
The store raised nearly £12,000 through a fundraiser to cover staff costs and other expenses.
However, the efforts were insufficient and the store closed by the end of August.
Kemptons of Bitterne
Nearly 16 years ago, Mick and Audrey Kempton opened this butcher shop in Bitterne.
Popular for its variety of fresh meat and pastries, locals were surprised to learn of its closure.
The couple who worked side by side all those years closed the shop in October to move to Cyprus, where they bought a new home.
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