Forget mining, what really put the Derbyshire town of Swadlincote on the map was the inspirational idea to turn an unsightly spoil heap into a swanky dry ski slope. Pronounced ‘very good’ by none other than Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards, it was safe to assume the former pit town had reached its peak.
Far from it. Our very own Swad’ is on the map for the Alpine-set and – get this – it’s fast becoming the place for the discerning vintage-lover.
It is a surprising development. You can see why Tetbury in Gloucestershire is a natural spot for fine bric-a-brac shops – it’s all gastro pubs, merchant houses and fluttering bunting – but it’s hard to picture Swadlincote as a mecca for Hermes headscarf-wearing hordes wanting to buy antique lace bobbins and silver soup tureens.
Bumper bags of crisps – yes; a chippy paint armoire? No.
And yet…
Put aside all your preconceptions about Swadlincote. It may be a stretch to say the town has been subject to gentrification – although grants have done much to restore the historic heart of the centre – but there are signs of ‘vintrification’; the up-market swing an area takes when it boasts a few exciting vintage venues.
And there’s more to come. When Emma Ramm vacated her small but beautifully formed The Vintage Kiosk (above) the tiny space was immediately taken by a fellow enthusiast and there’s talk of a new venture coming to the town*.
Things are snowballing…but while we wait developments; here’s three good reasons for vintage lovers to go off-piste from the well-known shops and markets in nearby Lichfield and Leek.
Venue one; Curly Magpie & Friends, 61-63 High Street, Swadlincote
What to buy: It’s a veritable emporium of vintage finds. Owner Leanne Mace founded the shop alongside fellow vintage enthusiasts Jane Carswell and Clare Chalmers.
There’s 22 traders in-store so expect to find vintage clothes nestled beside granny’s tea sets and boxes of postcards vying for space alongside old vinyl. If a whole Welsh dresser is too little big for the boot of your Micra – the shop is crammed with mini curios and cute vintage toys.
Why Swadlincote? “I live here,” laughs Leanne Mace who relocated the shop from nearby Ashby.
“Opening in Swadlincote means we can keep our items reasonably priced. We sell to older people, collectors and young couples who want a bit of vintage in their homes. The stock is constantly changing which means people are happy to travel here knowing they’ll find something different.”
Curly Magpie also hosts vintage events at historic Derbyshire venues throughout the summer months and regular workshops in the store.
Venue two: The Vintage Kiosk, High Street, Swadlincote
What to buy: Emma Ramm’s store is the place to find gorgeous pieces of painted furniture and classic homewares. You can also drool over her antique cash register which is, sadly, not for sale.
The shop so stylish and sanely-priced it really is pot-luck what will still be in stock when you visit but recent items include vintage birdcages, 1950s dolls, enamel ware, old signs and vintage-inspired cushions made by Emma’s mum.
Why Swadlincote? “It’s just a really friendly town and the Swadlincote Town Team do so much to help the traders,” says Emma.
Venue three; Salts, 26a High Street, Swadlincote
What to buy: Up some stairs you’ll find an extremely up-market (but inexpensive) mix of antiques, vintage denim, industrial inspired homewares and works by local artists. There are ten concessions all offering something to catch the eye from funky Edison bulb lamps to a pair of Staffordshire flat back Spaniels for your fire-side.
There’s also a steam-punk inspired cafe to come…
Why Swadlincote: “Salts was an up-market department store which many of our older customers remember so it’s great to be bring some life back into the town,” says owner Jacqui Sidwells.
“People come here knowing they’ll find something quirky and different.”
Other illuminating attractions…
If you have time, slide along to the many charity stores and take in Sharpe’s Pottery Museum (West Street) before ending up on one of the many cafes or pubs. Vintage lovers will adore The Bluebell Tearoom on Belmont Street. It’s the place to get a real cup of tea and crumpets with butter and jam, all served on delightful vintage crockery.
If you have a fella in tow, send him for a traditional hair cut at the tastefully retro REE-style barber on West Street. In additional to a Turkish shave; ask nicely and they’ll wax his earlobes.
And best of all, the town is surrounded by a cluster of car parks providing free parking for up to two hours.
*Newsflash: The new shop is called Down Memory Lane, appropriately. It is behind the blue door on Midland Road.
The man behind the door, and the business, is Chris Bailey (pictured).
For details of this business and other new (and old) ventures in Swadlincote, visit the Swadlincote Town Team Facebook page.
Find more Swadlincote photographs on Pinterest.
