As 20 odd years removed, ex Richmond Hill residents, that lived in sin, the Longhair and I have quite an affinity for the old houses and relaxed living that the area offers.
We have watched with interest just how the area has experienced ups and downs – currently the Richmond Hill area is hot, hot, hot.
There has been quite a buzz around the trendy restaurants, coffee bars and eatery’s in, especially, the Stanley Street area. I remember that the only entertainment in Stanley Street many years ago was watching the Longhair and I exchange empty bottles for bread!
Anyway – we asked Richmond Hill resident and Willow Cottage Guest House owner, Amanda, if she would do a little sleuthing for us to see just what the Richmond Hill Night Shopping was all about.
Amanda writes;
Received the advertisement for “Night Shopping in Richmond Hill” yesterday, while reading this I thought to myself, “myself here I live in Richmond Hill, own a bed and breakfast in Richmond Hill and I haven’t even seen some of these shops”. So, this morning I decided that today is the day that I am going to explore my neighbourhood’s shopping experience since I will be admitting and entertaining guests on Wednesday night.
Printed map in hand Dumpling and I set off. Dumpling is my orange car, named so as she looks like one of those little dumplings floating in tomato soup. My word, was I amazed at the wares on offer in trendy little Richmond Hill! Meeting the owners made me realize I need to get out more and network with these amazing and dynamic business people.
My first stop took me to Cupboard Love in Somerset Street, an old house filled with clothing, art, pottery, gifts and a little deli all under one roof. Everything sourced locally or from somewhere in South Africa a little shop with a big heart and assured by owner Carryn that there will be something new every time I visit.
The it was off to Camden in Raleigh Street, featuring retro furniture, jewellery, homeware and lots more in this shabby chic funky shop. Donne, the owner, explained that the idea of ‘Night Shopping in Richmond Hill’ came about when she realized that people who work during the day, don’t have the opportunity to visit one of the many interesting and trendy shops in our area and this night shopping experience was created a couple of months ago.
House on the Hill was a little further away but Dumpling and I found the owner, Sam, outside on her step ladder painting her signage in gold paint. This is not just Sam and Pixie the cat’s home but also a section of the house is a Vintage Home Décor shop with many beautiful pieces of furniture that made me happy that I had left my money at home. We took a walk through the kitchen to the outside area, available for hire for private parties and functions. I left and I knew this is one little shop that I will most definitely visit again and this time with jingling purse in my handbag!
Down Bain Street we battled to find parking during the lunch hour and, on the third time around the block, just as was I was about to give up, the parking area fairies showed me a space to rest a weary Dumpling for a few minutes. I have walked past Melvill and Moon a couple of times but had never really looked inside as I thought this was a place where only men would shop. I asked the very friendly lady how she would describe their particular style of furniture on sale as I looked around. Her answer “Colonial Antique look alike Safari gear, furniture and décor in the style of ‘The Romance of the age before’ very practical and very up market” somewhat surprised this old lady. Still not sure who or if anybody still goes on Safari in this modern day and age but I liked what I saw and that was good enough for me.
Opposite the very famous Vovo Telo coffee shop and bakery is the newly opened Décor on Irvine. The old house beautifully restored with a modern touch here and there, offering everything and anything from interior decorating, gorgeous furniture, clothing, to gifts and sweets. Their motto ‘Making your life beautiful’ describes exactly what they do, I left with a packet of sweets in hand, very grateful that I had found a couple of stray Rand in the bottom of my bag.
Back to Campbell Street on my way back to Willow Cottage, I made a quick stop at 48th on Campbell to say hello to Gideon and his pearl wearing dog, Cleopatra. Unfortunately I had already spent more money than what my little purse would allow and I know for a fact that I am going to spend some more in the future. Why? Because Antiques are my thing and Gideon sells Antiques that make my mouth drool and the bank manager hate me with a vengeance.
Time ran out before I could visit all the shops open from 5 to 9m every first Wednesday of the month. Looking back on my day I realize that today I had so much fun, I met more people in one day than what I had for the last couple of months but what impressed me the most is the affordability of these fine shops. Hats off to these dynamic business people, you go guys and girls. The antie will be back!
Richmond Hill Night Shopping takes place today from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. Do your man a favour and drop him off at a local pub and then go off for a bit of a shop.
Alan Straton
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Love the article, now I just need to get there on the 1st Wednesday of the month.
Checked it out – the area was definitely buzzing last night. Would be great if this was every Wednesday. Also good to see an initiative that is not liquor-driven…