The Southampton high street full of independent shops

Beyond the hustle and bustle of Westquay is Bedford Place, a street boasting several shops, cafes, and restaurants.

A stone’s throw away from Southampton Central Station and only a short walk from Above Bar Street, the area provides an escape for those wishing to shop small.

But many people – from Southampton or otherwise – often do not realise this Aladdin’s Cave exists.

And in a time where high streets across the country are dwindling, business owners are keen to shout about Bedford Place.

Caroline French, manager of the well-loved shoe shop WJ French & Son, said customers receive a unique experience when they shop independent.

Caroline French of WJ French & Son (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “I get fed up with chain stores in town, and independent shops have better customer service as they are run by passionate owners.

“The products sold are different and more unique than what you would find on the high street.

“After working here 10 years myself, I would encourage people to shop local as you are putting money back into the community which makes it a nicer place to live in.”

Although the iconic shoe shop has been putting heart and ‘sole’ into Southampton for over 200 years, independent shops can often be ‘forgotten about’, said Caroline.

READ MORE: New takeaway brings flavours of Jamaica and Trinidad to Bedford Place

In turn, this makes the business owners even more determined to shine a light on their offering.

Cecilia Abert opened her shop in Bedford Place last year after operating her business Made In Here (MIH) from a milk float.

With an emphasis on locally sourced products and Hampshire-made gifts, Cecilia thought there would be no better place for MIH than this area of Southampton.

She and shop dog Zola enthusiastically greet customers from all over the world.

Cecilia Abert of Made In Here with shop dog Zola (Image: Newsquest)

Cecilia said: “I like the fact Bedford Place boasts a lot of independent businesses and it has a lot of spirit.

“A lot of tourists come here and it’s not just cruise ship tourists, but people who are visiting loved ones, watching the football, coming for the boat shows, and more.

“People want to learn about the city and this area is full of heritage.

“We are trying to make Bedford Place a centric location where people can buy everything they need.”

Likened not only to Cornwall but Notting Hill too, Happy Bean cafe owner Jo Goulding is proud of the community that has been created.

Jo, who opened the cafe in 2021, said: “There is so much in Bedford Place and I don’t know if people have realised. It really is special.

“I have only been here two and a half years and in that time, it feels like family.

“People are passionate about it being a lovely place.

“We have so many returning customers and so many people who live locally who visit us.”

Simon Beer of Bridge Gallery (Image: Newsquest)

For Simon Beer, Bridge Gallery partner, there is nowhere else like this in the city.

He said: “Most of the businesses here are independent, so we are all on the same ship – if you survive, you thrive.

"Bedford Place is the Cornwall of Southampton.

“It’s a nice community that we have.

“People here do things that are beyond the high street remit.”