Sponsored post in partnership with American Express®
As one of the youngest cities in Europe, Birmingham has a lot to offer – over 1 million inspiring people live here, more than 50 cultural events and festivals take place in the city every year… and a plethora of unique small shops are right on your doorstep! I would like to introduce you to eight of my favourite small shops in the Birmingham area, all of which offer something truly special – their signature products and services are creative and unique. The shops are all places that you will want to visit on your next visit to Birmingham.We’re coming up to Small Business Saturday this week, a day when people across the country are encouraged to get out support their local small business. That’s why I’m working with American Express – founder and ongoing supporter of the initiative – to bring you a few of my favourite independent businesses in Birmingham.
For the musician
Fair Deal Music is the longest established music shop in Birmingham offering everything a musician could possibly need. Its large range of musical instruments includes unique rarities and pre-loved pieces and a great range of ukuleles – from basic Mahalos to ornate Lunas and banjoleles.
To pamper, to treat, to indulge
That’s what chouchoute means in French, and that’s the feeling you get when you enter Chouchoute Chocolaterie. Located in the stunning Victorian Great Western Arcade, the shop offers its very own handmade range of intensely and deliciously flavoured luxurious French chocolates. Founded by Pierre Soualah, this artisan confiserie has been introducing Birmingham locals to French sweets and chocolate for more than 14 years now. My favourite is Miel Montaigne – a dark ganache blended with mountain honey but whichever truffle, praline or bonbon you pick, you’ll likely be back for more.
For the indecisive one
Loki Wine has won more than 11 major national awards in the past three years. It’s also the only fine wine merchant in the business district of Birmingham. You can find over 600 fine wines and spirits in the wine shop. To make the exploring of various wines more memorable, you can purchase the Wine Tasting Card. This way you will be able to taste a number of wines by the glass and find your favourite one.
Your Grandad’s watch
Roy Hancocks Watch & Clock was founded by master watchmaker Roy G Hancocks in 1948. Roy has trained over 15 watchmakers over the years and has established the shop as one of the most acclaimed watchmakers in the whole of Birmingham. Apart from supplying, servicing and repairing watches, clocks and jewellery, the shop also specialises in rejuvenating, restoring and expertly polishing old vintage pieces using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques.
Homemade ale
Harris Moore’s Art Shop is located in the city’s creative quarter – Digbeth. Apart from an excellent selection of well-known brands, Harris Moore specialises in artisan and handmade artists’ materials – one of them being bespoke canvases in various shapes including rare round canvases with a range of canvas fabrics from Italian linen and jute to grain linen.
Creative floristry with exotic elements
A bespoke floral design company From Me to You can be found in Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield. With many years of experience, From Me to You offer tailor-made bouquets for all occasions, from birthdays to weddings. For creative customers who are looking for bespoke floral design the florists can also create unique, bespoke pieces such as bouquets made in the shape of cats and sewing machines.
Ta very much!
Wishes & Kisses can be found on Boldmere’s bustling high street offering a range of gifts for any occasion, particularly great for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and more. Wishes & Kisses stocks a range of unique cards with slogans in the signature Brummie dialect – which will make you laugh so much that you’ll want to pick up a few for your friends and family, they are brilliant!
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about some of my favourite small shops in Birmingham. To get some more inspiration and ideas for your Christmas shopping, and find out more about ‘shopping small’, visit amexshopsmall.co.uk.
What’s more, if you’re an American Express Cardmember you could be rewarded for supporting your local high street. When you spend £10 or more in a single transaction at a participating small business with your American Express Card during the campaign period (3 to 18 December 2016) you will receive a £5 statement credit and there is no limit to the number of participating businesses you can receive your £5 statement credit from. However, you can only claim this offer once in each small business you visit, terms apply.
Promoter: American Express Services Europe Limited has its registered office at Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9AX, United Kingdom. It is registered in England and Wales with Company Number 1833139 and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
