Colchester's best independent small businesses in the 'lanes'

On a trip to the city centre, I popped into many of the independent retailers for a browse.

Sir Isaac’s Walk and Eld Lane are best known for its cool and quirky shops.

There are gift shops, café’s, vintage shops, collectables and more.

Below is a list of some of the shops offering a range of products in the 'lanes'.

Bill and Berts

Gifts- Bill and Berts (Image: Newsquest)

Where: 9 Sir Isaacs Walk

The large gift shop opened in August 2019 and stocks a huge range of toys, homeware and other gifts.

The business has grown successfully over the years and expanded into a vacant shop next door to offer even more products.

It was the runner up in the UK’s Favourite Local Business competition and received hundreds of votes.

Sir Isaac's Artisan Coffee

Coffee- inside Sir Isaacs Artisan Coffee shop (Image: Newsquest)

Where: 9 Sir Isaacs Walk

The coffee shop has a huge range of coffees, with more than 20 coffee beans and unique tea and hot chocolate options.

There is also a seating area inside, with some items on sale including coffee beans to take home and freshly baked foods.

I met owner James Channon who served me a quality take away iced coffee for my journey around the shops.

Darcy’s Traditional Sweet Shoppe

Sweets: Darcy's Sweet Shoppe (Image: Newsquest)

Where: 34 Eld Lane

The sweet shop has just about every sweet you can think of, with a reasonable pick and mix.

There is a huge range of traditional and retro sweets on offer.

The perfect place to stop off to satisfy a sweet craving.

The business is now under new ownership and is set to reopen this weekend.

Best Days

Vintage- Best Days Vintage shop (Image: Newsquest)

Where: 40 Eld Lane

Best Days has a new expanded vintage range as well as its popular café area and records for sale.

The unique shop is a good spot for snapping up some different clothing pieces to add to your wardrobe.

The shop also offers a repair and alteration service, which was introduced at the start of the month.

Frippery Sisters

Gifts: Frippery Sisters shop in Colchester (Image: Newsquest)

Where: 45 Sir Isaacs Walk

Frippery, now called Frippery Sisters has reopened under new management.

Sister duo Samantha Godden-Wood and Sophie Singh took over from the former owners when they made the decision to sell.

The shop has a range of women’s clothing and accessories as well as a range of gifts