Welcome to Retro-On-Sea!                

What a busy week in the shop it has been!

Please keep looking out for new additions -there will be plenty more in the coming weeks!

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Retro-On-Sea

A big thank you to everyone who have become customers - your lovely comments are really great.

Well, to be honest with you all.....

it was so hectic this week that by the time I arrived at Thursday night ...my head was spinning with parcels and yet more parcels...there was only one thing for it...head for the sea air!

So, yesterday morning I drove to the coast - not a million miles from where I live in Somerset. I visited a gem of a coastal town which should certainly not be overlooked on anyones travels to the west country.

Sitting comfortably on the coast between Bristol and Weston-Super-Mare and sign-posted just off the M5 this elegant and increasingly trendy town is in my book definately worth a visit. This blog is dedicated to this delightful town and the hospitible and friendly people that live there!

Clevedon.....

even in winter makes you feel good. It is not too big to be over-whelming, neither too small to feel you have seen it in an hour.

Not only does it have a beautifully restored pier, promenade and very own bandstand, but some gorgeous shops and cafe's.

I parked the car at the top of the hill behind the seafront and walked my way down through shady roads and elegant villas towards the sea.

Both the light and air on luckily a sunny morning were gorgeous !

You can park right at the edge of the seafront, but I definately recommend the walk down the hill. Even the walk back up is enjoyable as the surrondings are relaxed and pretty.

On my travels by foot I found some lovely little shops and cafes - I don't have enough pages here to talk about them all....but...if I have to choose just two favourites on my mornings tour (not an easy task) then I instantly know which ones are on the top of my list.

One of these is a shop - the other a cafe. Each one is at either end of the hill, so there is plently for you to see in between!

Firstly,

The Beach Pottery (Seafront)

If like me you love exploring shops at the end of lanes, then follow the sign to the Pottery. You will not be disappointed. You are greeted by a collection of out-door pottery treasures - all for sale. If this is not enough you can venture indoors for more - including work by local ceramic artists and crafts-people. There is a distinctly nautical feel and I would say for the sea-lovers among us, it is impossible to walk away empty handed.



The owners are quite happy for you to browse and are welcoming and friendly. Their attention to detail is great and the shop not only has the advantage of a great position, but it this has been well utilised and everything is so attractive. There is something for everyone - both gifts and treats for your own home - particularly with that seaside theme.

..and for all you crafty sorts ..

locally made cushions depicting scenes of Clevedon and the surrounding areas.

So having had a good dose of sea air and a spot of arty shopping I headed off in search of a good cup of coffee. It was a close run thing...there is a wonderful coffee shop / restaurant on the seafront...just along from the pottery, called 'Tiffin' I can highly recommend it - lovely food, attention to detail and gorgeous food. I know this because I have visited before and couldn't fault it.

Today though I wanted to explore the trendy 'Hill Road' area of Clevedon - back up at the top of the hill!

I was feeling in 'retro' mood - would there be anything there to match  this feel?

Hill Road is definately fast becoming the trendy part of town with some great shops. Anything from interiors, gifts and a delicious looking deli to a charity shop that looked fairly happening!

...coffee was definately calling and as if it had heard my plea.......


There it was!


Retro heaven was right in front of me in all it's splendour.


So this is where I come to my favourite cafe...


Corrister White...Bespoke Cakes For All Occasions

'Scatter Kindness' 

 Now that is my kind of sign - not to mention the cakes!



I was delighted to see that not only did they make wonderful cakes - but sold them to eat with coffee in their gorgeous cafe. The service lived up to the cakes on display and I was made to feel welcome - the staff happily served mother's with babies right through to retired couples out for the day.

They have included a section of cake icing decorations and baking books for sale - have kept the decoration light, clean and airy and wrapped it all up with some lovely jazz on the sound system.

There are certain days of the week when gluten-free cakes are served - perfect if  you want to meet for coffee with friends who are gluten-free. Cakes are not all - savouries and toasted tea cakes are all included on the menu...the cinnamon hot chocolate sounded great! 

Those in the know were coming through the doors and who could blame them... 

After all.....

the sun was shining....

and this was.....

a best kept secret.....

 Clevedon!

Take time to visit seaside towns out of season - they can be just as lovely and the local traders all value the support.

I will be back with another blog next week.

Catch up with all the Retro-On-Sea shop news on facebook and don't forget about our website too!

www.retro-on-sea.com

Speak to you soon.

Ros.