Tatty's - A perfect, huggable little gem on the cobbles!

....and the shop isn't bad either...;-)

Within seconds of arriving to meet Simone the other day, it became apparent that her fab shop has settled into the cobbles like part of the furniture. A host of locals either waved, smiled or tipped their cap as they opened up that morning and no sooner had the door opened a steady stream of new or repeat Customers started drifting in. Even better; I did take note of the fact that without exception everyone that came in actually bought something. One chap in fact had previously bought a 'nodding dog' for a friend 'who had everything' and as a result of the huge appreciation he'd received, was back to buy a couple of others as Christmas presents.

Don't be fooled by the name, Tatty's isn't full of Tat, rather a carefully chosen selection of things predominately for the garden, which you won't find elsewhere. A Pandora's Box of garden ornaments, accessories and just plain fun or silly items, Simone's shop is an absolute must visit. The sister shop in Brockenhurst is bigger I gather, though it was particularly satisfying to see a shop like this on the cobbles which is in my opinion gradually encouraging a more healthy mix of Brighton Lanes type shopping alongside the tradtional tourist related outlets.

I love meeting people like Simone whose infectious smile and genuine warmth immediately makes you feel happier and her totally original shop is an absolute joy. Please, please go and see her, especially now when you're looking for presents for people, because based on my observations when I was there, you will be hard pushed to come away empty handed.

Watch this space too, because I've also hooked up recently with the new Manageress at The Ship on the Quay and whilst I can't reveal much, this will soon be a Mitchells & Butler flagship following a dramatic facelift and will in my opinion change the whole dynamic of the town. After mid December, the Cobbles and Quay which are after all, at the heart of Lymington are going to be unrecognisably transformed and I would venture to suggest that we will all be hanging out there a heck of a lot more. JS

Tatty's (Lymington)
2 Quay Street
Lymington
SO41 3AS

Tel: 01590 676444

Tatty's (Brockenhurst)
51 Brookley Road
Brockenhurst
SO42 7RB

Tel: 01590 624442

www.tattys.co.uk