did a day trip to whitstable today to sort out cottage – its amazing how quickly the high street changes; maybe its the recession, but new businesses come and go, and fortunately the end of the high street that is nearer seasalter is finally re opening with more interesting shops. obviously this end is cheaper rent, as the other end already has the cute gift shops and delis and is more established. so among the essential amenities (which i hope never go) such as butchers, vegetable and fruit stalls, you will find a great mixture of other interesting shops. valentines vintage is a new bric and brac store, selling anything from stools, sideboards to ceramics – at the moment they have a lot of affordable 60′s and 70′s furniture – reminiscing of my childhood days with melamine fronted kitchen cupboards with counters that drop down. bridge house art has a good supply of artists materials, so if you get inspired to sit on the beach and paint a sunset, then you can pick everything you need to satisfy that creative whim, buzz 4 wool has a good range of wool and embroidery materials. L’image has french style shabby chic furniture and accesories – its been here a while, but as it is situated as you arrive into whitstable, i think it gets overlooked. not forgetting that the high street also has a haberdashery shop, hardwear and kitchen shop, so its the perfect place to find all those useful everyday things that you always need, but have to drag miles to find whilst in london.
i always seem to find a vintage dress in vintage on sea – i bought a lovely 1940′s checked dress for £22 – much cheaper than anywhere else and in perfect condition. its got to be worth the drive down, if not to savour the wonderful oysters, view the windswept sea, but to buy a piece of vintage.
