Meet the new owner of Uckfield's Courtyard Coffee Shop
Meet the new owner of the Courtyard Coffee Shop in Uckfield High Street.
Esra Baser, pictured below left, has taken over the shop, which is set back from the road next to the Post Office, and is running it with her friend Esmeray.
Esra says her ambition is for them to still be running the shop in 20 to 30 years. "The last owners had been friends for 40 years and I hope we are able to carry on working together in the same way they were," she said.
Popular homemade cakes are still on the menu, from the same supplier as previously, but Esra is hoping to attract more customers by offering traditional hot lunches such as shepherds pie, roasts and casseroles.
She is also hoping to make more of the outside courtyard area during the summer months and planning to stay open later during warm evenings.
Esra is able to offer outside catering for parties and other occasions through another business Delicatessen and people will be able to book the coffee shop premises as a function room.
WH Smith to run two businesses
WH Smith has confirmed it is to run two stationery businesses in Uckfield High Street.
A spokeswoman for the company told Uckfield News that the company would keep the British Bookshops brand running at 17 High Street while continuing to run its own WH Smith store at 33 High Street.
“The British Bookshops shop will have the same look and feel as now. The plan is for everything to stay exactly the same for the foreseeable future,” she said.
Kandey's new handbags are being snapped up
A new line of handbags at fashion store Kandey is proving very popular.
Owner Jenny Brook said LYDC bags were being snapped up as soon as she put them on the shelves.
“The great thing is there are lots of different styles available and so there is always going to be fresh stock. All the bags are £30 and under. It is a really good range.”
These shoes will make feet sparkle
New Topline dance shoes for ballroom, Latin, salsa, le rock and anything else requiring sparkle have arrived at Limelight dance and gymwear shop at the top of Uckfield High Street.
Shop owner Jenny Baker said there were new designs, new fabrics and new colours to mix and match and she is offering 10% off all these shoes until Saturday, March 19.
New gymwear lines including Anniluce and Pure Lime have arrived along with some new Weird Fish stock.
Look for Bohemian style in jewellery
At George Moss jewellers a number of new ranges are arriving. They include the Banyan brand where the jewellery is made of mixed metals and designed in a Bohemian style.
“We also have new surfer charm links to fit on to Pandora type bracelets,” said managing director Robert Suckling.
George Moss is the place to go if you would like to have jewellery created to your own design. Just ask about the My Design service.
Strange mix of flip flops and apre-ski boots
At PipeDreams owner Julie Hobbs has got the latest pretty flip flops sitting beside apre-ski boots in her shop.
“It seems very strange but we are still selling ski-wear as the new summer stock comes in,” said Julie.
A ski-wear sale is planned starting on Friday, March 4, and at least a third is being offered off stock which will include jackets, salopettes, helmets, thermals and accessories.
Make a note of this holiday show date
If you like the idea of getting away from it all and being pampered on a cruise while touring foreign shores then pop in to Uckfield's Co-operative Travel agency to learn more about a special event coming up later this month.
New manager Tutti-Rosa Wooler will be attending a Cruise and Tour Holiday Show, being organised by The Co-operative Travel, at Peacehaven on March 23, in the Meridian Hall, between 6.30pm and 8.30pm.
"People will be able to talk directly to the representatives from many of the leading cruise companies in the world," said Tutti-Rosa. She is pictured here, right, with Uckfield colleagues Georgie Lord and Karina Bowring.
SpecSavers plans Sunday opening
It can be difficult to find the time during the week to have your eyes tested and then choose the right glasses but SpecSavers are hoping to help you overcome this problem.
The store is planning to open on Sundays starting this week, March 6, between 10am and 3pm. Do call in, they will be pleased to see you.
Spring toys on the shelves at Bargain Store
At The Bargain Store new stock includes gardening equipment and spring toys ready for outside play.
Spring and summer ranges are arriving at Chameleon and you might be interested in taking a look at their “previously-owned” rail where customers bringing in never-worn clothes can earn a percentage of the sale price.
Italian brands arrive at Tres Joli
At Tres Joli two new Italian brands have arrived, Sielei and Verdissima. The new lingerie and nightwear is in lighter floral, spring and summer colours.
Bulbs and seed trays ready at All Sorts
Bulbs, seeds, seed trays and plant pots are among gardening essentials on sale at All Sorts. Do call in and see manager Clarissa Linnitt who will do her best to find what you need.
Carvills celebrates a return of vivid colour
At Carvills a return of vivid colour is being celebrated with a special display in one of the windows.
Bright fabrics and wallpapers with striking patterns, reminiscent of the '50s, can be seen and many customers are surprised to find they are by Sanderson.
“Mention Sanderson and many people think of flowers,” said Mark Arno. “But they were producing patterns just like these when they first came out.
“We complete the look with lava lamps, one of the few British-made products in constant production over the last 45 years,” said Mark.
PC Home and Office now repairs computers
PC Home and Office, set back from the High Street between Uckfield Electrics and the Post Office, has teamed up with Knibbs Computer Services to offer computer and laptop repairs.
Mark Dopson who runs the shop with his wife Anne said they were also stocking more PC accessories, such as keyboards and mice.
If there is anything you need they will do their best to help.
Fresh stock arrives at Sew N Sew
More stock is arriving at Sew N Sew & Haberdashery in the Market Hall where Trevor Brown and Lydia Prentice took over recently.
Lydia said there were a variety of cross stitch, tapestry, embroidery and latch hook rug kits with more choice available from catalogues. Trevor said he would be out and about at shows soon selling the Sweepa mop which is available at Sew N Sews for £5 and which is good for indoor and outdoor use.
Bargains available at Noble Wines
A new range of wine from Australia has been delivered to Noble Wines.
Shop owner Charles Mears-Lamb said there were three whites and three reds carrying the Runamok label. “For those who know their wine it is comparable to McGuigan’s Black Label. We’re selling for £6.99 a bottle and it is on offer at two for £12."
Charles also recommends Saint-Emilion Grand Cru which has been reduced from £17.99 to £15.99.
“It is a young and fruity wine and ready now but will lay down for another ten years with no problem at all.”
Look out too for Budweiser pint cans on offer at four for £5.
New charity shop opens
A new charity shop has taken over premises vacated when estate agents Dixon Vince moved to the corner of High Street and Church Street.
Ufosa, which helps people living in the UK and South Africa has opened at 168 High Street.
Ufosa donates books and toys to UK hospices and contributes books to schools in South Africa. The charity’s headquarters is at Battle.
Re-fit under way at card shop
A re-fit was under way at the card shop Best Wishes in Uckfield High Street last week. It is understood that it is becoming a Hallmark franchise.
See also:
Business Scene: These businesses can help yours stand out from the crowd
24-hour nursing offered at Manor Gardens care home
(Added to site Tuesday, March 1st, 2011)
