The Small Shops of Perth (continued)

We found our next shop by following the wonderful aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans, just like the Bisto kids, we wafted up George Street to The Bean Shop, a relatively new addition to the Perth shopping experience. And I now know, one of only three shops who actually roast their own coffee beans on the premises...hence the aromatic trail!

The Bean Shop

We tend to drink coffee as a treat at weekend (being tea jennies), but this place is brilliant, and the sampler went down an absolute treat. Here you can buy a range of excellent teas as well as a large selection of the coffees. Also in show were fabulous coffee machines, mage and cups, and all the accessories, including the most indulgent chocs... follow the aroma for yourself.

The Smart Good Food Shop

We then discovered this new deli when walking round to look at the new concert hall. The Smart Good Food Shop is run by James and Eva Smart, as we found out when we popped in to introduce ourselves. On two floors, the bottom floor has the cheeses, olives, tomatoes in olive oil, meats a range of Dutch delicacies and so much more.

Eva comes from Holland so this IS a shop with a difference, and another excellent addition to Perth. On going upstairs we were presented with a good selection of fine wines, with a range of pickles and chutneys on the side, as they say. So having coffee at the concert hall?....a trip across the road is well worth it.

On our way back to the car with tired feet, we said Hello to Lorraine Law in South Street. We have worked for Lorraine in designing a few corporate materials, so it is always good to find out things are going with 'ones own' clients you know. What we like about Lorraine's work is that all her own jewellery design is totally bespoke and unique, and that is what makes a gift of artwork all the more special. In her shop, there is a display of Lorraine's own work as well as work from other designers with an affinity to Lorraine's taste and style.

Lorraine Law

Lorraine will even take an old piece of unwanted jewellery, melt it down, and fashion a new original design for any client. Bespoke and unique, not a bad description is it?

Right that's it!!.... I'm broke and tired and I want to go home....NOW.

But I had forgotten that my eldest brother was coming up for the weekend, and as he had just turned 60!!! (yep, he's old enough to be my dad!!) I wanted to get him a gift, something a bit different. As he has a very slight artistic bent (being an architect), we visited Artisanat in Princes Street, another of my favourite shops, run by David Bonnar.

Beautiful paintings, ceramics, raku, glassware, pottery, jewellery, clocks, fabrics.... Artisanat is a very small artists gallery with a T.A.R.D.I.S. worth of artworks and fine gifts. We decided on an 'art neuvaue' style pewter mirror as being the architect for Glasgow, this Mackintoch influence was sure to please....and I am delighted to say that it did. David puts on displays of different artists throughout the year, which helps to keep everything fresh. Mixed with the continual rotation of new and exiting artistic creations, this shop is never anything other than surprising.

Artisanat

So, with pewter mirror under my arm, bags being carried and the smell of cheeses, cured meats and coffee still lingering, it was back to the car to find an additional bonus...no parking ticket!!!..... The perfect end to the perfect day shopping in Perth, thanks to all those small shops.