The Great English Outdoors
This remarkable shop in Hay-on-Wye is a rare treat for those who value traditional craftsmanship and excellence in workmanship. It is a visual feast with walls covered in antique Welsh tapestries and quilts, with unusual textiles from overseas; shelves are piled high with beautiful vintage Welsh blankets and throws. The rich smell of leather is all pervading, from the handstitched wallets, belts and dog collars on display in the shop, and from the leather hides stacked in the workroom. The rest of the shop is a cornucopia, overflowing with design accessories – chairs are strewn with cushions, covers and sheepskins; ornate latticework planters are almost hidden by cascading garden plants, every table surface is covered with exceptional present ideas, carefully selected for the integrity of each product: handmade soaps and incenses, specialist dog wash and recycled slate plant labels, alongside handknitted children’s toys and natural horn spoons. Everything is lovingly chosen for the shop, objects must be beautiful but useful and sourced ethically. This is a unique shopping experience. This is a shop with a soul