Why Your Money Means More For Small And Local Business And Some Recommendations For Ely!
We need to stop being quite so extra with these blog titles. It’s getting out of hand now.
Welcome to your weekly dose of ramblings from the FRESH. team! So we’re going local this week, it’s time to give our little pocket of the world a shout out!
Ely, full of wondrous independents, beautiful scenery and some REALLY old buildings. It’s a beaute. If you’re reading this and you’ve never visited, I highly recommend you book in a visit once the world gets back to normal.
Image by Phil Bird.
With the lockdown rules relaxing a little more each month, and the shops/restaurants slowly beginning to trickle open, we want to highlight the real heroes of our local area. Yes the big chains might entice you with a large menu and fancy marketing BUT the most important stores to support right now are the ones owned and run by your neighbours. By the people who make up your community. That’s where you should be splashing your cash. Not to be bossy but… it’s true.
So in case you’re not completely au fait with what’s on offer we thought we’d give you a little run down of our fave hot spots in town (soz, city - tiny city). Give us a shout if you don’t see a worthy business on the list & we’ll be sure to add it in… once we’ve sampled the goods of course!
Image from The Times.
Here’s a brief round up of each category but scroll down to get the full deets of each hang out!
For a daytime stroll & treat…
Grain Culture
Prospects Trust Unwrapped
For shopping retail therapy & shopping essentials…
Ely Market
The Eel Catcher’s Daughter
Burrows Newsagents
For a cheeky weekend takeaway…
Le Spice
The Power Plant
Eat Thai
Slow Dough Pizza Co
The Brook
For the boozers…
Drayman’s
For all your gardening needs…
Sharman’s Garden Centre
The Garden of Ely
For skincare & beauty advice…
Ruby & Rose Beauty
The one for baked goodies
No doubt you’ve heard us harp on about the legendary Grain Culture bake shop but please, PLEASE don’t just take our word for it. They are open Tuesday-Saturday, 8.30am-1pm (or until they sell out) and the shop is packed with the best sourdough we’ve eaten & an array of delicious pastries. We highly recommend grabbing some Kanelbullar on the way to…
The one for takeaway coffee (and loads more)
Yeah I know all the big chains are opening and you like whipped cream on your latte (y tho) BUT this social enterprise provides Ely with fantastic produce, in a sustainable way whilst providing work for people with disabilities. So I’m pretty sure that wins over cinnamonspicedmochachoccabigbloccaunnecessaryamountsofsugarfrappacino. Right? Prospects Trust Unwrapped is serving Tuesday-Saturday, opening at 11am. Plus you can get a refill of pretty much any essentials while you’re there.
The one for the necessary bits
PRAISE THE COUNCIL! For Ely Market is opening again today! Hurrah! To begin with you will only be able to purchase essential items and you are asked to move on once you’ve finished. But this is still all kinds of magic for us… fresh fruit & veg, dry goods, more bakery bits! The list goes on. Plus, when we’re not in a global pandemic this place is absolutely POPPIN’ so make sure you schedule in a sunny Thursday or Saturday in the future.
The one for beautiful gifts
Set within the beautiful walls of the sacristy building, The Eel Catcher’s Daughter is like a treasure trove of beauty. You will find candles, clothing, jewellery and so much more (currently online only). The stock changes regularly and is all handpicked by the loveliest owners, a local family with friends often behind the counter too. Oh and they’re dog friendly! Win!
The one for your morning paper
Essentially a historical landmark in Ely, Burrows Newsagents has been providing all your fave magazines & sweets since before anyone can remember. Still run by the Burrows, it has that kind of feel of times gone by once you step inside. You’ll feel like you’re in your local village shop without knowing a single soul.
NOTE: We can’t put a link for this one because they’re old school but you will find them on the high street!
The one for your Friday night curry
Okay, so I know this will ruffle some feathers because there are some amazing curry places locally but Le Spice has always been a personal fave of Sara’s… mainly because she visits so much they treat her like a local celeb and we all know how much she loves that! But in all honesty, what’s not to love?! Amazing fresh food & exquisite service, ALWAYS.
The one for vegan picnics & cake
We have recently discovered this absolute gem, The Power Plant would usually be found at various markets nearby with cakes galore but during lockdown they’ve flipped the game. Each week they announce their weekly offering and open for orders before their all sold out then your box of goodness is delivered at the weekend. Brownie boxes, picnic hampers & curry have all been on the menu so far. But get in there quick as they are in high demand!
The one for tasty Thai food
A firm favourite for, well, everyone surely?! Eat Thai has been gracing Ely with it’s culinary delights for a long time & they’re still open now for takeaway & deliveries. With a super varied menu of tasty options and friendly service, you’re bound to fall in love. Oh and they have an app now so it’s EASY PEASY to order.
The one for handmade pizza
New kid on the block, Slow Dough Pizza Co is cooking up a storm in Wilburton. Starting as a hobbie, the passion shines through with every care & attention taken on each dish. Not only are they serving up banging pizza but also adding in amazing sides, you don’t want to miss out. And if you don’t keen an eye on their Instagram closely enough each Wednesday there is a chance you will!
The one for vegan ready meals
So not technically local right now but… The Brook started life here in the fens & now you lucky lot can have their award winning dishes delivered to your door! All meals are frozen to ensure ultimate freshness when they arrive at your house, genius. Choose from mac’n’cheese, jackfruit rendang, brownies, juices and more; get yourself a plant based feast & see what all the fuss is about.
The one for locally brewed beer & cider
Another little trinket in town is the micropub, Drayman’s Son. This place is always rammed during non-lockdown weekends and they’ve been sure to keep their punters happy by selling their beers & ciders by the 2 litre bottle at the door. Support local businesses while you get boozed in your own home… What a plan!
The one for literally anything garden related
Best known for their INSANE selection of cut flowers at bargain prices on the market… Sharman’s Garden Centre is still alive & popping in Littleport. Simply call the up to place an order pretty much anything you need for the garden & it will be delivered to your door in just a few days by a friendly face! The dream.
The one for pretty shrubs
Another newly founded lockdown side hustle, The Garden of Ely is adorning many a house & garden with beautiful flowers & shrubs. Either swing by & choose your plants from outside their house (just off Barton Square) or find them on Facebook to look through the full range. Speedy service from a lovely family.
The one for your face
Again, if you’re a follower of FRESH. you will have heard us shout about Ruby & Rose Beauty before… because we LOVE them. Usually operating a full menu of facials, treatments & therapies, they’ve quickly adapted to the online world. You can now book skin consultations with knowledgeable (and super lovely) dermatologists or order high quality products that are recommended specifically for you.
Now in reality this is only a handful of the incredible local, independent services you can find in and around Ely but we’re trying to stick with retail & hospitality available during lockdown. If you want any recommendations for other businesses - drop us a message or leave a comment below, we’d be happy to gush over other stuff we love!
Happy shopping!
Alice & Sara xx
