Independent arts, retailers and culinary delights – New Street has it all!

New Street, which runs parallel to Worcester’s Shambles and on from Friar Street continues the historic story of the city with the King Charles house at the far end.  In November/December, New Street is the foodie heart of the Victorian Market and during the rest of the year, the businesses enjoy footfall from locals and tourists shopping in the independent businesses and recharging in the bars and food on offer in the street.

Terry Goodwin-Jones jointly owns The King’s Gallery and Mangojuice Gallery: “New Street has been increasingly busy generally, not just with locals but visitors from all over and also return visitors which is good.   People are buying as well as browsing and the street feels full of life again.   We are excited to take part in the Big Parade: it brings more people down to the street as part of the Art Trail.  The King’s Gallery has been here over 20 years and some people are visiting us for the first time which is wonderful.  Our window created by my colleague Popi has a beautiful baby elephant in as well as our products, so people are now elephant spotting along New Street!”

Hannah Webb from Bottles Wine Bar says; ‘Over at bottles we’ve been working hard on taking a positive approach despite all the chops and changes we’ve been subjected to over the last 18 months. Our local collaboration with strong indie restaurant Chester’s is back with a vengeance! Order take out from Chesters to eat with your wine at our gorgeous little bar, as well as their late night burritos returning 10pm-2am Fridays and Saturdays.

Supporting other independent businesses is so important in city’s like Worcester and the more we can support each other the better.’

‘It’s been a tough road to navigate but allowed us to develop parts of our business that we otherwise were struggling to find the time for like our delivery service and wholesale.

We’ll be opening our brand new shop in reindeer court amongst some other developments, so keep your eyes peeled. And as always a huge thank you and cheers to our staff and customers, without whom we could never be where we are!’

Bottles wine bar are back open until 2am Friday and Saturdays now, and as of August will be back to DJ both nights.

Insider secrets:  Be the Change have recently made their debut to the street with their second restaurant location in Worcester. This is a must to visit!

Worcester BID’s priorities and objectives are to promote, support and enhance BID businesses within the City.

www.worcesterbid.com

by BID Team

Family run businesses to major retailers Broad Street is the ideal shopping location

Linking the river bridge to the top of the High Street at Worcester Cross, Broad Street is an important thoroughfare for the city centre. With a mixture of national chains and independent retailers, Broad Street sees a lot of people walk up and down as both a destination and passing through.

Gill Barnett is manager at Cook Mate, an independent cookshop that has been in Broad Street for 40 years and is now a firm favourite in the city.  “Broad Street is always busy,” Gill says.  “There are an increasing number of pedestrians around, especially when the football was on.  We are in a very positive position: here in Cook Mate, we have lots of new lines in stock and are adding more each week. We feel that people are out spending more when they come into our shop, and footfall is increasing as the weeks go by. Celebrating our 40th anniversary is important too - we will be celebrating with the local community and cementing our position as an established face in Broad Street.”

New England is another independent retailer based further along Broad Street towards the bridge.  Rachael Evans is the owner.  “We have lots of fabulous new stock from our favourite brands including Seasalt, Gisela Graham and Cath Kidson which are always popular with shoppers as great gifts or stylish clothing. As the restrictions ease, footfall is slowly getting busier again but despite that people are spending more when they come into the shop which is positive to see.”

The team at Toys and Games of Worcester said ‘We are very much part of the Worcester community having lived, schooled and worked in the city for decades. We love the city. We have had a shop in Worcester for 25 years and enjoy it now as much as we did when we started. We have masses of stock. Lego, Pokemon, Tamiya, Airfix, Brio, Playmobil, Silvanian Families, toy cars, fidget toys, board games, card games, summer toys, plush toys.’

‘We are situated on Broad Street and open every day, it’s a great location a main entry point to the city and close enough to the centre that people can come wherever they are. Come and see us and meet the team. Vicky, Sue, Sophie, Annie & Tim’

With access from Broad Street to the High Street, The Cross, the River Severn and

main city bridge as well as Deansway, Crowngate and Angel Place with the bus station, it’s not hard to see why Broad Street is such a hub.

Worcester BID’s priorities and objectives are to promote, support and enhance BID businesses within the City.

www.worcesterbid.com

by BID Team

From brunch with friends, to cocktails with colleagues indulge in Worcester’s eclectic mix of venues

Foregate, as the name suggests, marks where the city gate would once have been, and then during the 18th century the street was known as the Mall and Tymbs. It’s now best known for the city centre train station and routes heading out of the city towards the parks and residential areas but take a closer look.

Look up as you walk along Foregate Street to enjoy the historic architecture that many of the buildings boast. The entrance to the Hopmarket (head inside for more independents in a pretty courtyard setting) was a hotel and bank, dated around 1900 with later additions, with stunning French chateau and Tudor style elements. Dates and writing are still visible on the frontages, which includes Black & White bar and kitchen. The owner there is Rebaz Tahir who worked hard during lockdown to develop his site, tripling the space and extending downstairs. Since restrictions have been easing, he feels that things started slowly in the street but says it’s noticeably been getting steadily busier. “We are getting really positive feedback about our expansion and are very happy to be welcoming a mix of locals but also tourists,” he said.

Amid the historic architecture, today’s Foregate Street is thriving. There’s a excellent mix of businesses along Foregate Street either side of the train station, bringing locals and visitors to the city. Bodega Cantina is a popular foodie spot close to the station. Liam Bradford is the general manager: “We are really happy that Foregate Street is getting busier all the time now. Things are buzzing here in the restaurant both with walk-in's and bookings which is great to see. It's a mix of couples, friends and families who seem happy to be out and about again, enjoying food, drink and relaxation here in the city centre.”

In A-Plan Insurance Katey Smith, insurance consultant is in a type of business that adapted to telephone contact during lockdown. She is however delighted that more and more customers are being welcomed back to the branch: “For example, our older customers prefer the reassurance of getting in front of people to deal with their insurance,” Katey says. “We can tell that the street is getting busier - for us it’s wonderful to see the other businesses including many independents around us who are getting busier all the time. For example, Steam House opposite us is so popular! Foregate Street is a key route for people walking in and out of the city centre, maybe on their way to work and back. We feel at central to the city, but love being surrounded by history.”

Insider Secret: Looking for a city retreat? Did you know the Worcester Whitehouse hotel have a leisure club with a heated indoor swimming pool and whirlpool spa.

Worcester BID’s priorities and objectives are to promote, support and enhance BID businesses within the City.
www.worcesterbid.com

by BID Team

Explore, Shop, Dine in one of Worcester’s Historic Independent Streets

Not only is Friar Street the historic heart of Worcester but it is also a beating heart and soul of independent businesses in the city. Walk along the city’s oldest street and soak up the Tudor framed buildings within which the deep-rooted history of the city can still be enjoyed. Tudor House museum contains much of that still today for you to learn and absorb. National Trust owned Greyfriars is a serene space with a stunning secret garden to just sit and enjoy a quiet coffee and be with your own thoughts. It’s this vibe that the independent businesses in Friar Street love: a sense of a community within the city.

The Meeting Place opened after first lockdown and is family run by Edward & Nancy Little-Jones and Edward’s sister. They run their business around 4 core values: community, sustainability, ethics and people, so they fit right into Friar Street. “It’s essential to us to support local,” says Edward. “We buy our beers from Hoplords around the corner in Pump Street and get ingredients from Three Counties Produce and The Butcheress who are all local. We like using suppliers from the city and close by. We are seeing lots of new faces coming in from Friar Street and are enjoying seeing local people come back in through our doors.”

Trio is this month celebrating 12 months since opening its beauty salon in Friar Street. “We love being a part of such a traditional street, full of wonderful independent businesses. There’s a real sense of community and we feel proud to be here with such lovely people!” says Jade Dixon co-owner of Trio.

Further along towards Greyfriars, jeweler Anja Potze agrees: “People buy from people, and like the other independent businesses along Friar Street, we offer a personal service and experience that you can’t get online. We value the loyalty our customers have shown us over the last 18 months and have been delighted to be able meet new customers along the way.

Next door Kate Page, owner of Friar Street Kitchen: “It’s an amazing community: we all get together and support each other and the neighbouring streets too: I use Bottles in New Street for my wine and we and Tortuga borrow ingredients back and forth when we need to! People seem happier than before lockdown, it’s a really positive feeling to being back open and busy here on Friar Street.”

Insider secret: did you know there is a secret garden located in Friar Street within Greyfriars. Where you can relax and enjoy a slice of cake with cup of tea for that little bit of escapism.

by BID Team

Broad Street is Open4Business

The last year has been a challenging year for us all personally and professionally. It is great to see our city back open for business. The simple pleasures of being able to pop back into your favourite store, look and touch the products that you want or desire instead of scrolling through a device hoping it will be as good as it looks when it finally arrives.

The team at Worcester BID have been out and about speaking with the owners and managers of some of Broad Streets thriving businesses. During lockdown parents around Worcestershire relied on the team at Toys & Games of Worcester to ensure their children were kept entertained and put smiles on families faces during the hardest of time.

The team at Toys and Games of Worcester said ‘We are very much part of the Worcester community having lived, schooled and worked in the city for decades. We love the city. We have had a shop in Worcester for 25 years and enjoy it now as much as we did when we started. We have masses of stock. Lego, Pokemon, Tamiya, Airfix, Brio, Playmobil, Silvanian Families, toy cars, fidget toys, board games, card games, summer toys, plush toys.’

‘We are situated on Broad Street and open every day, it’s a great location a main entry point to the city and close enough to the centre that people can come wherever they are. Come and see us and meet the team. Vicky, Sue, Sophie, Annie & Tim’

Throughout the lockdowns and the restrictions, the one thing we all had was reconnecting with nature going on walks enjoying the small luxuries of fresh air. This is a habit that remains making time for you, enjoying exploring new areas of the city and county through going on bike ride and long walks by the river. Where better to visit and to make sure you a kitted out then Rohan.

We spoke with the team a Rohan to find out more about the history of the store and their time in Broad Street ‘In 1972 Rohan was founded in Skipton, North Yorkshire, UK and have been making world class technical clothing for over forty-five years. The first shop was opened in Long Preston, North Yorkshire, UK in 1983. An interesting fact is that Rohan jackets were used on the first ever ascent of Everest without oxygen’

‘Skip a few decades and Rohan Worcester opened in May 2010, now just over 11 years ago with 6 members of staff who all pride themselves on their knowledge of the technical aspects of the garments and all wear the brand both for and outside of work.’

‘Visiting us in-store allows you to see, touch and feel Rohan garments with knowledgeable staff available to discuss what you need from a garment or outfit prior to trying on for fit and comfort.’

‘Rohan Worcester, is a Grade 2 listed building, situated in Broad Street, likely a house and shop 200 years ago. According to English heritage records, the facade of the building is constructed from stucco over brick and dates back to around 1820. This location was selected due to its proximity to the high street with good footfall through both Crowngate centres and local streets. Broad Street has a great atmosphere and a wide selection neighbouring shops attract many visitors.’

Broad Street has so much to offer make sure you visit these amazing businesses and reconnect with Worcester.

Helping Hands Home Care have been providing bespoke visiting and live-in care services for over 30 years, specialising in live-in, domiciliary and dementia care at home. As a values-driven business with family values, Helping Hands have worked tirelessly over the past 30 years to develop a flexible care service that places its customers at its heart. This is achieved through directly employing all of its care staff and training and developing its carers to deliver person-centred care in a dignified and respectful way. Helping Hands is fully regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW).

Helping Hands Worcester and Malvern is in a prime location in the centre of Worcester. It is convenient spot for members of the public to come in and enquire about home care and what we can do for our local community. We take great pride in being a part of the main centre of Worcester and we are always available to provide sufficient care. 

Photo’s feature: New England Country Store, Connect 2 Vapes, His & Hers Hair, Helping Hands, Knowles Travelgoods, Rohan, Toys & Games of Worcester

by BID Team

Meet Your City Neighbours - David Edmunds

Worcester BID want to introduce our High Street Heroes, the people from our local city centre - community. David Edmunds who is the Festivals Director at Severn Arts and the dynamic driving force behind the festivals programme for The Arches Worcester Project

Favourite day out in the city?
My favourite day out in the city would have to include some of the varied independent businesses. There are so many great places to eat and drink. You could start with breakfast at Waylands Yard, lunch at Be the Change, don’t skip an afternoon pick me up with a coffee at Method and if you are staying in the city in the evening drinks at Tonic.

Best thing about working in Worcester?
The best thing about working in Worcester is the civic pride. People are keen for things to happen, which is great when you are bringing a new cultural festivals programme to a city. The partners and organisations we are working with show such strong support for what we are doing as well.

What is your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement would have to be Light Night in January 2020 and the way the people of the city embraced it.  It really set the tone for the festivals programme. We had a bit of a break from our normal programming over the pandemic but we are very much looking forward to bringing our events back into the city centre.

Favourite city landmark?
I can’t really highlight just one city landmark that is my favourite. I’m a big fan of the architecture of Worcester in general. There are just so many different canvases to play with and on. I remember being at the top of Crowngate car park and looking at the 360 panoramic view of the city. From there you can see the river, The Hive, older parts of city and the Cathedral. 

What do you do to relax within the city?
My favourite way to relax is running and Worcester has some great running routes: along the river, around Pitchcroft out towards Diglis and more.

What is Worcester’s best kept secret?
Worcester’s best kept secret has to be the unusual hidden spaces you find in the city.  We have happened upon some really distinctive unique surprising spaces, from alleyways and courtyards through to the vaults under Asda carpark and the crypt under the cathedral.

What’s the best part of your role?
The best part of my role is definitely bringing amazing world-class creativity from around the world to our audiences in Worcester and being able to provide opportunities for new graduates to receive their first commissions alongside this. There is a new cultural landscape being built for the city alongside the development of The Arches and its an exciting time to be part of that right now.

A recommendation now the City is reopening?
I think there is an exciting summer ahead, Worcester’s Big Parade is happening, and of course our own summer plans. I’m looking forward to bringing that colour back to the city.

by BID Team

Meet Your City Neighbours - Janine Downes

Worcester BID want to introduce our High Street Heroes, the people from our local city centre - community. Janine Downes is Service Development and Engagement Manager for Worcestershire Libraries including The Hive. She is also the driving force behind the city’s Business and IP Centre, supporting pre and early start businesses to set up and thrive.

Favourite day out in the city? – A swim in the morning at Fitness for Less, a walk along the river taking in the Cathedral, a meander down Mealcheapen Street (Charity Alley) to pick up a few bargains, a coffee or a pint (depending on time of day) and food outside somewhere.

Best thing about working in Worcester? – Working next door to the Paul Pry for the friendliest welcome, best beer and tastiest food after work!

What is your proudest achievement? – I love working in libraries. Every time we inspire a child to read, help someone to use Zoom for the first time, help them to strengthen their business – that’s when I’m most proud. Lucky for me that happens every day!

Favourite city landmark? – Well it would be wrong not to say The Hive 😊 But really – I love that it overlooks the river and the Malvern Hills, and the design just inspires me every day.

What do you do to relax within the city? - I love always being able to find a lunchtime spot with a view, whether that’s down by the river, on Cathedral Plaza or when it’s raining from the windows of The Hive.

What is Worcester’s best kept secret? - Well, it’s not really a secret, but I love the café space in the Museum and Art Gallery, a secret if you haven’t found it yet I suppose. Oh – also Level 4 at The Hive. A peaceful, light and open haven for working.

What’s the best part of your role? – The people I work with and meet. The library and Business & IP Centre team, the customers, the partners we work with.

A recommendation now the City is reopening – Wander down the old streets: Copenhagen St, Fish St and Friar St to find great independents, atmosphere and quality food and drink!

by BID Team

Safer Streets Worcester consultation 17th - 31st May

by BID Team

Meet Your City Neighbours - Rachael Mitchell

Worcester BID want to introduce our High Street Heroes, the people from our local city centre community. This week, meet Rachael Mitchell, who is the General Manager of Worcester Whitehouse Hotel and a dynamic driving force behind the city’s hotel and leisure industry.

Favourite day out in the city?
A visit to the independent shops for which Worcester is renown, including The Shambles' Pack It In.

Best thing about working in Worcester?
There is so much on the doorstep to suit everyone and the people of Worcester I encounter are so friendly!

What is your proudest achievement?
I am most proud of my ability to always remain positive no-matter what life has decided to test me with.

Favourite city landmark?
Worcester Cathedral will always be a favourite of mine for obvious reasons but a special mention should also go to The Guild Hall.

What do you do to relax within the city?
I love to sit on a bench by the River Severn, watching the swans and the world go by to recharge my batteries.

What is Worcester’s best kept secret?
Not many people know about the spectacular views you can see from Fort Royal Park, especially at sunset and sunrise!

What’s the best part of your role?
The best part of my role is easily bringing people from near and far into Worcester for both business and pleasure so they can enjoy all this great city has to offer.

A recommendation now the City is reopening:
Not sure if my 1^st option is appropriate so have provided 2!

Option 1 – A walk from Foregate to the river via the Arches, stopping off for lunch at the Burger Shop, a trip to the Porcelain Museum and Cathedral, with a drink in The Swan, a browse in the independent shops with an aperitif at Browns, dinner at Centenary Lounge followed by a night cap in Hop Lords finishing off in TripelB.
(You see? It makes me sound as though all I do is eat & drink!!)

Option 2 – Worcester benefits from great branded shops which are well worth a visit, however if you’re looking for something different, the independents offer a unique shopping encounter with an array of items not found elsewhere. Break up your shopping trip by visiting some of the privately owned bars, cafes, pubs and restaurants which all offer a great drinking and dining experience difficult to find elsewhere.

by BID Team

Vacancy: Have E-Commerce Retail Experience? St Richard's Hospice may be interested...

"We are looking for a Governor with commercial experience to join our Council and to become the Chair of our Trading Company, which is a major fundraising arm of the Hospice. Our Trading Company is responsible for developing a creative and innovative retail strategy to ensure sustainable income from our 18 shops located across Worcestershire.

"The role is voluntary (with reasonable expenses reimbursed) and will require a commitment to prepare for and attend Council and Trading meetings, which are currently held remotely.

"You will be able to demonstrate a successful business career, evidencing a capability for strong leadership, and ideally have experience as a non-executive director and as chair. Previous involvement in the charitable sector would be useful.

"You will be passionate about supporting St Richard’s to further develop our Trading Company and, in particular, our online income generation. You will also have excellent inter-personal and communication skills, both to act as an ambassador for St Richard’s within our community and to support, and encourage, our commercial team and the many volunteers who work in our shops and warehouse.

"We are a Council of Governors that prides itself on its diversity of thought and wide experience, to which we are hoping you could add; we thus encourage interest and applications from all sections of society.

"Your role as a Governor will enable you to become a real part of St Richard’s Hospice and, as Chair of the Trading Company, you will play an important role in furthering the future of this integral funding arm for the Hospice.

"If you can share our passion for providing extraordinary care for our patients, and are interested in finding out more about this exciting role, we shall be delighted to hear from you."

The role vacancy is now live on the website https://www.strichards.org.uk/latest-jobs/governor-with-commercial-experience-to-chair-trading-company/

by BID Team

Meet Your City Centre Neighbours - Sarah-Jane Morgan

Worcester BID want to introduce our High Street Heroes, the people from our local city centre - community. Who better to kick this feature off than, Sarah-Jane Morgan who is Chief Executive of Worcester Live and the dynamic driving force behind the city’s theatrical and performing arts.

Favourite day out in the city

It has to be a day shopping with my three daughters! We love the city so much, we are so lucky to have such an amazing mix of enchanting independent shops to compliment the high street retailers, it makes a day shopping really varied and different to other cities.

Best thing about working in Worcester

Whenever I have to nip between one of our venues, I often see someone I know from another business to say hi to, everyone is so friendly and supportive of each other, it really is a great city to work in knowing that we are all in this together, there for each other and happy to help boost each other when things get challenging. It’s so important to work together, we may work in different industries but we all face the same challenges and working together definitely helps us succeed.

What is your proudest achievement

Ensuring the sustainability of Worcester Live over the last 12 months has to rank pretty high on that list! I’ve been in this role for 23 months now and to have led the organisation through what has been an undeniably extraordinary time and to have come through with two venues intact, refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to once again welcome back our patrons for theatre and live entertainment, is a great achievement, I am very proud of what our team is achieving together.   

Favourite city landmark

It has to be the Commandery, we produce outdoor theatre there very year and it is just the most beautiful historic setting to be able to present live theatre for the city. I was so disappointed to have to cancel last year’s production due to Covid, but we will be back this year from the 30^th June to the 11^th July - we are very excited about this year’s production and really looking forward to working with the incredible team there again.

What do you do to relax within the city

We are really lucky to be located right by Worcester Racecourse at the Swan Theatre, we have a fabulous view of the course from our bar balcony. But actually going to the races for the atmosphere is simply fantastic and definitely a great way to relax!

What is Worcester’s best kept secret

I don’t think they are secrets anymore, but I (and all the team at Worcester Live) love all the independent cafes and restaurants, there are so many fabulous ones in Worcester, we are definitely spoilt for choice! We have been running a feature on our Instagram page, WL recommends recently, so far:
Commandery Coffee,
Burger Shop Worcs,
Guilt Trip Coffee/Doughnuts,
Waylands Yard,
Yum Sweet Treats,
The Steamhouse,
Francini Café,
Steam Coffee.
You may see a theme running here! I also love a trip to Mr Simms sweetshop for those special sweetie and chocolate presents and I am a fan of Goodroots, I love the space at the Royal Porcelain Works, on a sunny day The Courtyard feels as though you are on Mediterranean holiday, we need more of that feeling in our lives right now!

What’s the best part of your role 

I adore standing at the back of the auditorium at the Swan Theatre or Huntingdon Hall and watching a show in full swing, the audience loving each and every moment of what is unfolding around them and knowing that I am fundamental in making that happen, it’s pure intoxicating magic.

A recommendation now the City is reopening

I recommend joining our mailing list and taking a look at the events coming up in the next few months. Worcester Live, The Swan Theatre and Huntingdon Hall are evolving and there are some really exciting changes ahead. If you haven’t been to our venues or haven’t been for a long time, then take a look, come and visit us and see a show - we have such a lot to offer the city of Worcester!

by BID Team

A big change for the High Street!

Worcester artisan food hall and farmers market to follow HoH Food Hall, Hull launch

The former Debenhams site in Worcester is set to undergo a major 9 month transformation, which has started this week.

Window installations give a taste of what’s to come at the site and once finished it’s planned to house a vibrant, artisanal food hall as well as a community led farmers' market.

Debenhams permanently closed its doors earlier this year, and the RoK Ops team behind the development were excited at the chance to create a new offering combining dining, organic grocery, retail food, music and culture.

With the team’s development in Hull, Yorkshire set to open in summer 2021, the Rok Ops team are keen to start the Worcester transformation.

The community-driven concept supports local producers, growers, makers and bakers, and has been curated by food and beverage expert Des McDonald of the RoK Ops team to deliver a dynamic and unique food driven experience direct to the high street.

With extensive experience in F&B and more than 35 years in hospitality, including an impressive track record of developing, opening and operating over 150 restaurants, bars, cafes and coffee shops, Des will ensure consistent quality and innovation as the project progresses.

He has the distinction of having opened one of the original Ivy restaurants, Soho House and the world-famous Annabel’s nightclub, and has an impressive portfolio of restaurants across America, Europe and the Middle East, including Selfridges and Eataly.

Speaking of the upcoming developments, Des commented:

“We’re looking forward to working with the local community to transform this historical city centre building into something completely new. We’ll be looking to work with local partners at every stage of the regeneration and there will be a real focus on independents.

Eann Ramsey-Smith, Project Manager, ROK Opps added:

“The High Street is undergoing major changes, with the Covid-19 pandemic accelerating huge shifts in the way people shop. The food hall platform offers local producers the ability to plug and play, creating a diverse offer at each location, where our focus is on the local supply chain, local labour, zero waste, local partnerships and the ability to create a vibrant community in our buildings.

We’re developing a unique concept of Artisan Food Halls, which focus on visual production. Combining food retail, hospitality and culture, all of our food halls will be independent and completely unique; we don't have a cookie-cutter approach.”

Jeremy Seymour, JS LAND & CAPITAL (GLOBAL) LTD (agent on behalf of the landlord) commented:

“Our collaborative approach is at the heart of everything we do. The partnership between landlord, tenant, operators and the local community is the bedrock of everything we are determined to achieve.”

Press contact:
Beth Gray | PR Manager | bethany@sowden-sowden.co.uk | 07715 668030
For more information about the development visit: www.rokops.co.uk

by BID Team

Raising your profile for free!

Worcester BID are excited to announce we are working with Worcester News as part of the Love Local campaign!

For 10 weeks, we will be promoting the city centre and raising your profile. Here's how you can get involved:

These spaces are on a first come, first serve basis so register your interest quickly by emailing Daniel.Haimes@worcesterbid.com (please specify what you are registering interest for in your email)!

by BID Team

Support for Reopening of Outdoor Hospitality

We have collated some posters that you can use to help encourage safe shopping in your business, reminding consumers to wear masks and follow other social distancing guidelines. Hold/right click the images below to save them:

Also available to download are some useful letters that help detail reopening. Download them here: Covid Reopening Letters

by BID Team

Check out Commandery Coffee today!

Pete and Gemma are always hard at work in one of Worcester's most beautiful spots!

Commandery Coffee is an "independently run coffee shop located in the Commandery Museum, with an idyllic garden facing out onto the Birmingham / Worcester canal. A 5 minute walk from the main high street, but feels like a million miles from the hustle and bustle of town."

This hidden gem produces a wide range of hot food, freshly made cakes and drinks, with plenty of Gluten Free and Vegan options to satisfy everyone!

Check out their website to find out more: https://commandery-coffee.business.site/

Have a look at their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/commandery.coffee.worcester/

And their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commandery.coffee.worcester/

If you are a BID business and would like to feature you and your team in the Worcester BID behind the business campaign through social media or in the next Visit Worcester newsletter, email us at info@worcesterbid.com

by BID Team

Lucky Cat Noodle Are Crowdfunding!

The A Rule of Tum restaurant group opened Lucky Cat Noodle as a pop-up ramen bar during the pandemic in November 2020 and instantly the 20 seater ramen bar was fully booked daily.

When Lucky Cat Noodle had to close to dine-in they moved to a takeaway model and 6 months after opening the restaurant is still going strong and ready to upgrade to a full-service restaurant.

Lucky Cat Noodle, an A Rule of Tum restaurant today announced the launch of a crowdfunding campaign to raise £30,000 to refit a new restaurant space to replace a 6 month long ramen bar pop-up in Worcester.

Become a part of their story and get great rewards: Find out more here!

Head chef (Pete Dovaston) and A Rule of Tum Director (Dorian Kirk) are both available for interviews, should you wish to arrange an interview, or require any more information or photography please get in touch with Colin Nicholls (Marketing manager) @ colin@aruleoftum.com.

by BID Team

Handmade hats for all occasions!

Jane creates bespoke millinery pieces at Hat House for purchase and hire!

“I’m lucky enough to have worked on some amazing pieces for my clients over the years as a trained milliner. Jx at The Hat House is my millinery studio based at the heart of Worcester’s elegant Friar Street. My shop contains a wonderful range of quirky and classic handmade millinery, gorgeous handbags, cashmere wraps, silk scarfs, Worcester’s most photographed umbrella collection and so much more!”

Shop all of Jane’s products and make enquiries at the online store!

Their website: https://www.thehathouse.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Hat-House-231437670262693

If you are a BID business and would like to feature you and your team in the Worcester BID behind the business campaign through social media or in the next Visit Worcester newsletter, email us at info@worcesterbid.com

by BID Team

Free Reopening & Recovery Webinars for licensed premises

All Hands To The Pump offer free webinars and training for the venues, regulators and place managers involved in the licensed trade, delivered by professional organisations and updated regularly. 

Access the calendar in the link below to find more details about what events are happening when.

https://allhandstothepump.com/events/category/all/?fbclid=IwAR10g3r_IJaCWiHVDeZd1Aw3PFBrqmgL4Wf7mvR1nJaccGoObXQc4qNQBg0

by BID Team

The Wicked Hair team are excited to see you again!

The Wicked Hair team are excited to see you again!

The High Street salon engage regularly with their followers online as they follow the roadmap out of lockdown: each day that passes is another day closer to you getting that much needed haircut!

They are available to answer your questions and are preparing for bookings so, to make sure you don’t miss out, make sure you’re following them!

https://wicked-hair.com/

https://www.facebook.com/wickedhairsalonworcester

If you are a BID business and would like to feature you and your team in the Worcester BID behind the business campaign through social media or in the next Visit Worcester newsletter, email us at info@worcesterbid.com

by BID Team

Kings Gallery and Mangojuice offer amazing handmade gifts!

"The Kings Gallery has been trading from it's historic building in New Street for 21 years. With the addition of Mangojuice gallery in the last 10 years both galleries offer a beautiful selection of art and handmade gifts. We are available for click and collect and currently offer a free local delivery service. For individual handmade gifts visit our website at www.mangojuicegallery.co.uk."

Their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MangojuiceGallery/

If you are a BID business and would like to feature you and your team in the Worcester BID behind the business campaign through social media or in the next Visit Worcester newsletter, email us at info@worcesterbid.com

by BID Team

A Road Map to a normal Festival this Year! We need your support!

The Worcester Festival is hopeful that this year’s Festival will be fully back to its fun and vibrant self again! 2021 will be the 19^th year of the Worcester Festival and whatever August holds the Festival will go ahead!

As always we need your help, with the wonderful events that you host. Live and virtual events are welcomed.
We know that the last year has been very difficult, but we are encouraging you to get creative, hopefully this year’s Festival will be the first big event in the City and so we want as many people involved as possible!

This is an opportunity to put on something new, or excitingly different, to be innovative, to think outside the box. For example, if you are a restaurant, why not put on a special ‘Worcester Festival’ menu, or cocktail, or a special Worcester Festival deal? If you are pub, why not put on a quiz or a music night or a talent, especially if you don’t normally do those things, the possibilities are endless!

Online registration for this year’s Worcester Festival is now open and it’s so easy, just go
onto the website www.worcesterfestival.co.uk and fill out the online registration form!

There are so many advantages to being part of the Worcester Festival, including the huge amount of generic advertising and hype from which you can benefit, and you will be taking part in one of the largest events in Worcestershire.

When you have registered your event it will be listed in the Worcester Festival Event Guide and on the website. All free of charge! (Although in difficult times, a voluntary contribution would be most welcome.)

It is a genuine opportunity to market or publicise your company to a large number of people and to be a part of the Worcester community.

Covid-19 stopped so many events in the last year, but it certainly didn’t stop The Worcester Festival and it won’t stop us this year should the road map get a little off course. We want 2021’s Worcester Festival to be a beacon of hope and fun for the people of Worcester and hopefully be a chance for us all to celebrate getting through this. So come and get involved!

Details:

• 14^th – 30^th August 2021
• Host an event between these dates and register free with the Worcester Festival at worcesterfestival.co.uk
• Get free publicity and social media coverage for your event when you register
• Any event welcome from pub quizzes to arts and crafts!
• Donate a prize to one of our competitions. (Gift vouchers, hampers or products all welcomed)
• For more information visit worcesterfestival.co.uk
• For queries or to offer prizes contact Chris Jaeger on chris@worcesterfestival.co.uk

by BID Team

The latest newsletter from the Worcester City Council Economic Development Team

Finance and Funding

January Lockdown Grants
The following grants are available for businesses affected by the current lockdown which started on 5 January:

Lockdown Business Support Grant - 5 January onwards

National Lockdown second payment cycle - 16 February to 31 March 2021

Discretionary Lockdown Support Grant

Other COVID Grant schemes

Tier Two Grants

November lockdown grants

Restart Grants

To find more details about the grants and extra information about the budget, the roadmap out of lockdown and more, read the full version of the latest newsletter from the Worcester City Council Economic Development Team.

by BID Team

The staff at Browns at the Quay miss you!

Rich: "We are all looking forward to welcoming back all our lovely customers as soon as possible. All our areas are covid safe and we are taking every possible precaution to keep everyone protected. We are very proud to be an independent local business, and to be a part of this great city's thriving hospitality sector."

Their website: https://brownsworcester.co.uk/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thequayworcester/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/brownsatthequay

If you are a BID business and would like to feature you and your team in the Worcester BID behind the business campaign through social media or in the next Visit Worcester newsletter, email us at info@worcesterbid.com

by BID Team

Now We're Talking with Art!

Now We’re Talking with Art

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, in partnership with Worcester City Council, are creating an outdoor art trail in May featuring work from local artists narrating different mental health issues. The ‘Now We’re Talking with Art’  campaign will provide a walking, accessible trail for the community to enjoy free of charge.

Do you have a window space in Worcester City Centre?

The NHS Trust are asking local businesses to let the campaign use their window spaces to help fill the city with colour through installations, fine art, photography, craft, murals and more. Not only will this campaign increase awareness and improve mental wellbeing, but it will also increase footfall in Worcester City Centre along the trail and help the local economy. It won’t cost a penny, but the artwork in your window could help save someone’s life who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, or bring smiles to those who need to know they are not alone.

Interested or want to find out more? Email Katherine.wood4@nhs.net

The website https://www.healthyminds.whct.nhs.uk/nwt-art

Facebook: @NowWereTalkingHW (https://www.facebook.com/NowWereTalkingHW)

Twitter: @NowWereTalking_ (https://twitter.com/NowWereTalking_)

by BID Team

Keeping safe and supporting local with Centenary Lounge!

Aasia and the Centenary Lounge team are here for you!

Keeping safe - Centenary Lounge has adjusted its operation to adhere to the new guidelines. For the restaurant when we are open we have the following changes and guidelines in place:

Hand sanitisers will be placed at designated areas throughout the restaurant for ease.
Tables have been placed at a 1metre distance. (Reduced covers from 42 to 26)
Staff will take your order and deliver to your table. After this they will limit their interaction with you, so if you require anything further or have any questions please wave for attention.
If you feel unwell or show any of the main symptoms, please stay at home.
Use the track and trace app on arrival. If you don't have the app then we will take your details via a manual form which meets GDPR requirements.
Contactless/card payment is the preferred choice of payment

For deliveries - we offer a contactless delivery to your order.

More info on our website here: https://centenarylounge.com/centenary-lounge-steams-ahead/

Support local - We have produced a lovely hamper, giftware and afternoon tea at home range using many local Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire suppliers. From Croome cuisine for cheese, Franks in Herefordshire for biscuits to Wychbold Fudge for fudge and Oldfields for cider and beer.

Plus many more including Hussingtree Gin and MacNeils.

How to shop with us - Currently you can shop with us online from our new website:

https://centenarylounge.com/shop/

For local (Worcester and surrounding area upto 10miles) we are delivering classic and savoury afternoon teas. To place orders get in touch during lockdown via Facebook and Instagram DM or email us at worcester@centenarylounge.com. You can also call us on 01905 724242 and leave a message with name, phone number and brief message about order. Orders to be placed at least 48 hours in advance.

If you are a BID business and would like to feature you and your team in the Worcester BID behind the business campaign through social media or in the next Visit Worcester newsletter, email us at info@worcesterbid.com

by BID Team

The RPW doors will open again soon!

Kathy Leather & Beki Farrow cannot wait to welcome you back to Royal Porcelain Works!

“Preparations are in process behind the scenes to bring some wonderful events to the Henry Sandon Hall and our beautiful Courtyard. With high standards and plenty of space for social distancing our wonderful building is a blank canvas for any event. Until we can open our doors again, take care, keep safe and we will see you soon!”

Their website: https://www.royalporcelainworks.co.uk/?doing_wp_cron=1614091052.9783759117126464843750

If you are a BID business and would like to feature you and your team in the Worcester BID behind the business campaign through social media or in the next Visit Worcester newsletter, email us at info@worcesterbid.com

by BID Team

Hear from Hop Lords!

Hear from Hop Lords: how they are currently operating, how you can order and their vision for supporting local in the future!

“We keep as safe as possible by only being open for a few hours every Friday and Saturday afternoon’s 12-3pm and ask people to sanitise their hands-on entry, wear a mask unless exempt and limit the shop to only 2 customers at a time. We only accept contactless payment. I also have the webshop (linked below). All orders placed through the week for home delivery are delivered on Friday’s after 3pm. Delivery is free on orders over £30 within a 10-mile radius of Worcester. I will go further as well if customers get in touch first. We also ship national on next day delivery. We also can offer click and collect at checkout if people want to but if someone is walking into to town to buy to takeaway I think people like to peruse all the stock before choosing. You can do that on the webshop but it’s nice to look at the beers in their physical form with all the lovely artwork on beers nowadays.”

“Supporting local has always been important but Covid has made people really understand how important it is. I’ve decided when I get the pubs I have open I’m going to stock as much locally sourced beers, spirits, wines etc etc as I can. There’s some of the best pale ales and IPA’s in the country being made up the road in Cheltenham. Astley vineyard near stourport make exceptional wines. Then there’s chase distillery in Hereford and Piston gin in Worcester. I still think HPA from Wye Valley brewery is world class when it comes to real ale. There’s loads to support locally and I’m going to support them all way more than I have in the past.”

hoplordstaproombottleshop.selz.com

If you are a BID business and would like to feature you and your team in the Worcester BID behind the business campaign through social media or in the next Visit Worcester newsletter, email us at info@worcesterbid.com

by BID Team

Miss TripelB? They miss you!

“Missing you is our reality right now but sharing the world’s best beers and having fun doing it is our future together. TripelB will return! Keep following us, like and share our posts, and we’ll keep you in touch with all our exciting plans for re-opening!” - TripelB Team

Check out their website to find out more: http://www.tripelb.co.uk/ 

If you are a BID business and would like to feature you and your team in the Worcester BID behind the business campaign through social media or in the next Visit Worcester newsletter, email us at info@worcesterbid.com

by BID Team

Increase your productivity whilst working from home!

Meet Alex and check out The Kiln!

The Kiln provides an affordable workspace for Worcester's remote workers and thriving small business community.

While you can't currently use their space on Copenhagen Street, check out their social media to see their tips on making the most of your home-office setup.

While you're there, why not drop a like, follow and leave a review? Local businesses really value support like this during these difficult times!

Their website: https://thekiln.co/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thekilnco 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheKilnCo

If you are a BID business and would like to feature you and your team in the Worcester BID behind the business campaign through social media or in the next Visit Worcester newsletter, email us at info@worcesterbid.com

by BID Team

Keep yourself pampered at home!

by BID Team

Show your support for 25 Boutique!

Check out 25 Boutique and meet Becky!

She's been in business with affordable, luxury fashion for almost 15 years on Friar Street with lesser known global brands and that offer “something different”.

While business has had to be temporarily stopped, you can still support her by interacting with her!

You can visit her website and sign up to her newsletter here: https://25boutique.co.uk/

Follow her business on Twitter: https://twitter.com/25boutiqueworcs

If you are a BID business and would like to feature you and your team in the Worcester BID behind the business campaign through social media or in the next Visit Worcester newsletter, email us at info@worcesterbid.com

by BID Team

How you can help the BTP community!

by BID Team

Jewellery with the personal touch!

by BID Team

Pack It In through Lockdown!

by BID Team

Save our High Street - Support Local

Samantha McCarthy, from Worcester BID, said: “Our independent businesses are showing their steely determination to succeed by implementing innovative ways for us to shop, eat and drink.

“Our High Street needs these businesses - please shop independently to support them through this.

"If every person in Worcester spent £10 in an independent businesses it would inject over £5million back into the local economy.

“We made sure all our independent businesses now have online platforms.

"Meaning you can shop locally, from your sofa.

“Independents are the future of the High Street with the ability to adapt and embrace change quickly and effectively as we have seen since the beginning of the pandemic.

Read more.... https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/18850538.worcester-looks-abandoned-lockdown-2-comes-force/

by BID Team

Here for you throughout Lockdown

Lisa and Paula Farrington, Owners of Embrace Boutique in Reindeer Court say: ‘Embrace will be here throughout lockdown to cater for all your lingerie needs. We have everything from soft bralettes for comfortable home working, to luxury sets that are sure to boost your mood and make you feel amazing! Please have a look at our website www.embraceluxurylingerie.co.uk and, as a thank you for shopping with us, all orders placed will attract FREE standard delivery. If you need any help or advice we remain at your service via email on info@embraceboutique.co.uk.’

by BID Team

Keep our dreams alive

by BID Team

Support Traders as Lockdown Returns

BUSINESS chiefs have expressed their disappointment at the Government’s proposed new Coronavirus lockdown, due to come into effect this week.

Worcester BID bosses spoke out after Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed a second national lockdown would begin on Thursday (November 5) in a bid to ease the pressure on the NHS.

Read more... https://worcesterobserver.co.uk/news/support-for-traders-as-lockdown-returns/?fbclid=IwAR11lJ8ODabP8ay8o8G21MHirq3X3a7o5pDMmfZLqrV7IUsQnsFkWsdohII

by BID Team

Everyone Matters

by BID Team

Delivering Christmas to your door

by BID Team

Michael Lloyd, Crowngate Shopping Centre

by BID Team

Support your Worcester Independents

Worcester businesses offering takeaway and delivery services during lockdown

INDEPENDENT businesses across Worcester are calling on shoppers and diners to keep supporting them as the second lockdown begins.

From Thursday, the whole country will go into lockdown again for a month, with “non-essential” businesses and restaurants having to close unless they can operate on a takeaway or delivery basis.

by BID Team

Did you spot the first elephant sculpture in Worcester?

THE FIRST decorated elephant sculpture, named Sundar, had a whistle-stop tour around Worcester yesterday.

Sundar, visited some of the best known spots in the city including Friar Street, Cathedral Square, Foregate Street and even popped in to see the mayor at the Guildhall.

by BID Team

Hopmarket artists holding outdoor exhibition to spread cheer in Worcester

A COURTYARD shopping centre in Worcester has welcomed a number of artists as part of a city-wide art project.

The Hopmarket is one of the chosen venues for an outdoor gallery of art, organised by Worcester City Council, Worcester BID and Severn Arts.

by BID Team