There have been many changes down at the shops lately and most are for the better, despite all the doom and gloom about retail in the media. Take a trip for yourself around Barnes and see all the changes.
Palmers (the mens' shop) has moved into the High Street (next to The Real Cheese Shop). Just a few shops towards the pond and you'll see Totally Swedish where Annethe is happy to introduce your palette to Scandinavian favorites. Continue on and you will be delighted to discover that we have our very own Greek deli now, called Mara's. Here you will find Mara's home cooking and a chance to try coffee and baklava! Next we find Victoria's is expanding production, particularly of rotisserie chickens and cold products.
Walking on past St Mary's we see that sadly Secrets has closed but Megan from Secrets, has opened Haven Health & Beauty and is offering a wide range of beauty treatments for both men and women at Movers and Shapers in Station Road.
Lastly, Barnes Films (opposite The Red Lion) has closed but many of you know Gary and will be pleased to know that he is still working in Barnes and is looking forward to being involved with the Olympic Cinema, when it opens (see below)
Now hop on a bus to Castelnau, by Hammersmith Bridge and you will find more changes. Angelica's is another new deli with a good selection of European foods to try. Castelnau Post Office is under new management, has more friendly opening hours and offers passport photographs as well as all the other services (including the traditional bale out for those who have left their car tax until too late!) Mandans has taken the old Pizza shop and offers a variety of take aways with fries for when you're in a hurry. Opposite is the Persian Gallery where, among the rugs and carpets are interesting bits of Victoriana.
Now return on the 206 to White Hart Lane and see in the Broadway a lovely new cafe called Dolce Crema, with friendly staff and José as their lead, to welcome you. Marilyn Garrow nearby, has sadly closed after 22 years of trading form this shop, selling beautiful European and Oriental antique textiles. You can still buy from her web site however - www.marilyngarrow.com. Opposite, at last: trendy mens' clothes at Marco's new shop Clear. However women's clothes are here too and Marco's business commits a percentage of profit to an African orphanage.
Last but not least, watch out for a return of The Treat Garden as Liz is looking for a premises before Christmas.
There are also some interesting plans afoot which might change the face of Barnes forever!
Chesterton Humberts would like to move from 133 Church Road to 49 Church Road (formerly the Grafton Gallery). The reason for the planning application (11/2681) is that number 49 is classed as A1 (for sale of goods) and is on key frontage (which should remain as A1use). Chesterton Humberts (being effectively an office) is classed as A2 use. You can view the plans (google Richmond Planning Applications) and submit your views if you wish but hurry as the deadline is mid September.
In the High Street behind Henderson's Restaurant, there are the old ugly and near derelict K.J. garages. Richard Frankel's company (who own about 18 shops in Barnes) have submitted plans (11/0881 and 11/0882) to knock the garages down and rebuild around a central glass roofed atrium. The ground floor will have 8 A1 shop units, the first floor will have 8 more smaller A3 shop units and the top floor will have offices. The first floor is intended to have a cafe/ restaurant and each unit might sell different foods or be amalgamated into one unit. There is that flexibility. This is a really interesting scheme for residents to discuss!
Opposite Henderson's, next to the Coach and Horses, the site (of the old garages) has been given planning permission for redevelopment and Waitrose is apparently totally committed to coming in there. At the moment red tape is holding things up but hopefully only temporarily.
Lastly you must be wondering what on earth has happened to the Olympic Cinema? Poor Lisa and Stephen Burdge are still awaiting for planning permission to go ahead with building (11/0229). The application was submitted on 31 January 2011, the decision due date was 13/05/2011 and they are still waiting.
