High Street Update
Mackenzie Gallery closed it’s doors for the last time on Easter weekend after hosting a platform for artists to provide art to locals for seven years. A note was left on the door thanking their customers and artists they have worked with or sold to over the years.
Some art pieces were sold to anyone who made a reasonable offer, proceeds from this went to Help for Heroes charity. The artistic pedigree will continue at this spot though, 1of1Design will be opening here in the summer – selling work of local designers and artists, including contemporary jewellery, fashion & textiles, also providing courses for children and adults.
At the license hearing last week, the alcohol license for the proposed Sainsbury’s was granted after arguments from both sides and an acceptance from local Police that alcohol trading hours would be revised to 8am-10pm. Amongst the 14 stipulations also included joining the local PubWatch scheme and helping clean nearby Udney Hall Gardens twice daily.
This is separately decided from the planning permission which is still to be debated. Owners have discussed with some protesters longer terms plans for the site that would be much more feasible with a tenant such as a national supermarket – the building does need repair and has an asbestos roof. If Sainsbury’s does open here, a ‘phase 2’ plan could then see the building demolished and rebuild with flats above.
Due to objections to the plans, Sainsbury’s has created a leaflet, distributed to nearby roads that lists how it would provide responsible retailing, support the high street and contribute to the conservation area. This and other information about the plans and licensing protest and meeting with Vince Cable can be found on sainsburysteddington.wordpress.com and statement from Calligaris via the TBC.
To the dismay of loyal regulars, The Nearest Cafe in Church Road has now closed for business and a note in the window teases with some info about the business that will be opening here in its place: “A new breed of coffee shop. Some of the best coffee and fresh organic food you’re likely to try. Watch this space.” Simply Skin are this week celebrating their 7th anniversary in Teddington with 7 days of special offers.
Well-known Adelaide landlord Dermot will be hanging up his bar towel this month to retire and hand over the reins to a familiar face. If you haven’t already checked out Caffe Toscana on Stanley Road then definitely visit to try their delicious lunches, coffee and range of desserts.
The grand opening of Mary Portas ‘Living and Giving‘ will be happening on Saturday 20th of April at midday – designer labels at discount prices and a free goody bag if you bring a bag of donations (limited offer). There will be also be information about volunteering opportunities for the shop that supports Save the Children. Flying Cloud Cafe has recently re-opened after hibernating for the winter and will again be serving tea, coffee, cakes and ice-cream next to Teddington footbridge.
From today, the Totally Locally Teddington “Amazing April Draw” will starts, lasting two weeks. At participating traders, every spend of at least £5 will make you eligible to receive a draw ticket to win one of three great prizes in the form of vouchers to spend right here on your high street in Teddington!
First prize is £240, second is £100 and third £60. See the Totally Locally Teddington site for more detail and list of participating traders and keep an eye out for posters in windows that will tell you your £5 purchases will result in another chance of winning a prize – the more you spend, the greater the chance!
