The Frome Super Market

*We were the guests of the Frome Town Council. 

The weekend that we went to Frome wasn't just a random weekend.  

It coincided nicely with their monthly Frome Super Market which is the first Sunday of each month.
(This means you can go tomorrow September 1st!!)

And it's called Super Market (with a little tongue in cheek) because it basically takes over the whole town centre.

Picture a flea market, farmers market, artisan market, craft sale and suitcase sale all in one.  It stretches all the way from the Cheese and Grain, across the River Frome, along Market Place and up Catherine Hill.  It's open from 10am to 2pm and I'll let the photos do most of the talking on this one.

You'll probably want to plan your trip to coincide with the Frome Super Market.

And don't worry about the shops being closed on Sunday, they open up for this special day.

Be sure to check out the Frome Event Calendar for their many other special events
including the annual Frome Festival and Cobble Wobble.

And I have one more word for you.  Cheese.

Saturday, September 14th is the Frome Agricultural & Cheese Show!

With over 350 trade stands, you can get your fill of cheese and then check out the animals.

I just might see you there.

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 *We were the guests of the Frome Town Council for the purposes of review. 
Meals and accommodation for our stay were complimentary.  All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Made in Frome

*We were the guests of the Frome Town Council.

I spent many years living in the suburbs of San Antonio, Texas.  Thousands of cookie cutter houses around hundreds of cul-de-sacs.  Each with a two car garage and an 8 foot privacy fence.  When it was time to shop, I'd hop in the car and head to the local mega store for everything from groceries to toothpaste to throw pillows.  I purchased clothing in chain stores with barely a word to the person across the counter from me.   

But, there was one year when I moved away from all of that.  I was visiting  a small town in the Texas Hill Country one day and saw a Apartment For Rent sign outside of an old converted hotel.  It was right in the heart of a charming little German/Texas town called New Braunfels.  I moved in less than a week later.  

A coffee shop with big cushy couches was next door.  Downstairs was a cheese shop that I frequented so much that the owners became friends.  On the weekends I would stroll down the main street stopping in little specialty shops.  I'd stop here for my favorite candle or there for a new outfit.   

I got to know the owners and staff at the local wine bar just up the street (shocker).  I met up with girlfriends for craft night at the ceramics studio up the street.  Groceries were purchased at the local farmers market. 
 
It was one of the best years.  There is just something special about living in a small community and building relationships with the local business owners.  The smile you get when you walk in is a smile of friendship and you can't put a price on that.

That is exactly what I found in Frome.  Matt and I were trying to figure how we could be a part of it.  We dream of owning a business someday, we just haven't quite figured it out yet.  We could easily picture owning a shop on Catherine Hill in Frome and living right above it with our two dogs (still working on that).   Someday, maybe. 

We were lucky to meet a few of the business owners in Frome who had made that dream come true through hard work and dedication. Here are some of the places that we visited.

The Owl Gallery is an Art & Craft Gallery on Catherine Hill run by six local artists where you will find ceramics, prints, paintings, wire sculptures, glass work and the most amazing felt masks.   Those felt masks are just amazing.

Just across the cobbles of Catherine Hill you will find Annette Gabbedey's showroom.  Annette designs and creates beautiful jewelry working with precious and semi-precious stones.  She specializes in Australian opals and began her career in London.  She greeted us at the door and talked to us about the passion behind her elegant creations.

Mary Kilvert also started in London.  One day she was exploring the artisan quarter of Frome, spotted a For Sale sign and fell in love.  She soon after opened her first shop on Catherine Hill and now lives and works upstairs.  Her shop is full of charming fairytale illustrations and signature dry-felted sheep clad in hand knitted sweaters.   Little Baatholomew can be found on cards, mugs, linens and more.  We were welcomed into the bright store by Mary, her husband and her cute little spaniel. 

So, remember that drop dead sexy little red number that Nigella wore that caused such a stir?  Guess where she got it.  In Frome at Deadly is the Female. I wanted to grab a handful of clothes and run to the dressing room and come out draped in Hollywood glamour.  The owner of this fabulous shop is Claudia Kapp, who welcomed us (along with the store's mascot).  She went to fashion school and worked in London.  One day while strolling through Frome she spotted a For Sale sign... well you know the rest of this familiar story. 

 
 

At the Black Swan Arts Centre (another must see in Frome) you will find Seed, a design emporium established by Sinead Foley.  A chance visit led her to Frome and well, you know.  Here you will find unique designs and products from British designers and artists.  She offers an eclectic range of products that you may not find anywhere else. 





Frome is also home to Silk Mill Studios, a multi-purpose venue that was recently shortlisted in 'The Best Rescue of a Historic Industrial Building or Site' category in the English Heritage Angel 2013 awards.  Along with exhibitions, concerts, and workshops, the preserved former textile mill houses studios for local artists and craftspeople. 

We were able to snoop around one of the studios used by Raggedy.  The first thing I saw was a sign saying "Dress like nobody's judging."  How fabulous is that?  Hayley Trezise works her magic in this studio turning old and vintage fabrics into "quirky couture" which she makes available online or in selected boutiques.  

And don't worry, it's not only art, jewelry, clothes and housewares that are created in Frome.  Here's something for the guys.  Just go to the local pub and order a pint of "Beer".  Or maybe your prefer "The Usual."  Because as they say at Milk Street Brewery... "It's all about the beer."

If I've convinced you to visit Frome, you might find these two apps helpful:  Frome App or  Shop in Frome App. Be sure to check opening hours also.  Many of the shops are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Frome is just a hub of creation and entrepreneur spirit.  As you can see, it sucks people in.  But, it's not just about the new 'Froomies'.  It's the people who were born and raised in Frome that have created this wonderful atmosphere that attracts and nurtures that spirit.  More about Frome... Super Market and where to eat & stay.

What about you?  Do you dream of opening up your own shop someday?

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 *We were the guests of the Frome Town Council for the purposes of review.   Meals and accommodation for our stay were complimentary.  All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Frome, a quirky little town in Somerset

*We were the guests of the Frome Town Council.


Great Britain is so much more than London and as I've said many times before,  I want to see ALL of it.  We try to get out of London at least once a month to explore.  (You can find some of our other trips on my Travel Destinations page.) 

When I came across an invitation in my inbox to spend a weekend in Frome, I'll admit I had to Google the town. (It rhymes with broom, by the way.)   It wasn't yet on my radar, but I'm so glad we had the chance to spend a weekend exploring this beautiful market town. 

It's only a few hours from London and just 13 miles from Bath in the county of Somerset.  It's location makes it a great base to stay and explore the area, a less expensive and less crowded option than Bath with Stonehenge only 25 miles away.   

Most of our English city breaks have been all about history but Frome is all about the present day.  It still has loads of history and charm.  In fact, it has more listed buildings than any other town in Somerset.  But, what really makes Frome stand out is the community of people.  It's a fun, quirky place and has become a hub for arts and crafts in the area.   

The people of Frome pride themselves on their diverse and distinctive town. The market was mentioned in the Doomsday Book and the town had a thriving clothing industry beginning in the 14th Century.  At one time, it was even "larger and more important than Bath".  The clothing industry in the area started to decline in the 19th Century and the population of Frome remained the same for 100 years until the mid-60's when it suddenly doubled.  

Of its current population of about 27,000, many of them seem to be artists, craftspeople and entrepreneurs.   The town is home to galleries, theaters, craft centers and workshops.  In a time when media is bemoaning the death of High Street (Main Street), Frome has a thriving town centre full of independent businesses and boutique shops.  And there is definitely a tight community feel in Frome. It was obvious from everyone that we had the pleasure to meet, Frome is all about community. 

 

We spent some time strolling along Cheap Street, window shopping and following the leet or runnel which is a spring that runs along the medieval  street.  The spring led us to Parish Church of St. John the Baptist.  There has been a church in this spot since about 685 AD.  The current church has been heavily restored.  Frome is also home to many non-conformists churches. 

I also just have to mention their Community Toilet Scheme.  Can I just tell you as the owner of a 46 year old bladder how comforting it was to know that I had access to clean, safe toilets no matter where I was?  Seriously.  Participating businesses have decided that they will allow the public to use their loos without having to make a purchase.  (Paris, are you listening here?  I was once denied the toilet in a Paris cafe because we only ordered drinks and no food.  Not good.) 

We had a great weekend exploring this interesting city.  In my next few posts, I'll tell you a little more about some of the small businesses in Frome, where to eat and stay when you visit and also about their Super Market (and nope, that's not a grocery store).  

Have you visited Frome?  What did you think?

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 *We were the guests of the Frome Town Council.  Meals and accommodation for our stay were complimentary.  All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.