Independent shops hold the power to transform cities into vibrant, enticing destinations. Welcome to Winchester! Our unique establishments offer personalised experiences, showcasing local creativity and culture. In Winchester, we are lucky to have an eclectic mix of independently owned and run businesses who fall under the #indiewinch collective.
Each shop tells their own story, reflecting the community’s character and heritage. Visitors, and locals alike, are drawn to Winchester’s authenticity and charm, finding treasures not available elsewhere. These shops foster a sense of discovery and connection, encouraging longer stays and many repeat visits. By supporting local artisans, restaurateurs, hair stylists, jewellers, fashion retailers, well-being practitioners, estate agents and entrepreneurs, they contribute to a thriving economy and a dynamic, diverse urban landscape.
In essence, small independent shops are the heart and soul of our city, making Winchester truly unforgettable.
To find out where the #indiewinch community are located across the city centre, please check the latest independent business map.
Spend a day exploring our market towns across the Winchester district with the help of our Discover Winchester District’s Market Towns guide.
Susie Watson Designs, Alresford
Susie Watson Designs can be found in the Georgian market town of Alresford. The business was born from Susie’s desire to create everyday items that were both beautiful yet functional. The business now has several showrooms across the UK including this pretty colour-washed store in Alresford.
Susie passionately believes that a sustainable business is built on relationships where people matter both inside and outside the business. Throughout her career, she has worked with extremely talented artisans in Sri Lanka, India, and the UK. All are small family run businesses which mirror the ethos of Susie Watson Designs and together make sure they deliver the highest quality products at a price that is fair to everyone.
In addition to selling a wide range of products, Susie Watson Designs offers an interior design service free of charge in store and a £50 home visit. This can be from the beginning of a project, or mid-way through if advice is required.
“We are extremely fortunate in Alresford that there are already many independent retailers and small family run businesses. It is great that Independent Retailer Month can promote this outside of the local area and let more people know about the benefits of supporting independent businesses like ours. Everything we sell is very personalised and because of this we can collaborate closely with our customers offering them a unique service. It is this that makes independent retail so special.” – Sue Stewart, Store Manager at Susie Watson Designs in Alresford.
Shop local in Bishop’s Waltham
Anyfish, Bishop’s Waltham
Founded by Pete Atkinson when he started a fishmonger’s shop more than 25 years ago, now he has a team of experts producing a ready meal range and delivering products, smoking fish, running a deli with trimmings including olives and relishes and catering for parties and events.
They also have a charter boat called Dotty, which offers fishing trips, day cruises and celebrations while exploring Chichester Harbour and the Solent.
Meon Valley Butchers, Wickham
Ben Sawyer, who has years of traditional family-run butcher experience, opened the business in 2016 – but once the pandemic hit, he knew it needed to evolve to survive in the long run. So, as well as upgrading to a digital customer system, the business launched The Pantry, an online platform; and they became local heroes by delivering free of charge to local neighbourhoods during lockdown.
Now they offer locally sourced products and sell BBQ boxes, afternoon tea packages, hog roast hire and more and deliver nationally (free if an order costs over £100). They support local events, donate to homeless charities, support local partner farms and put money back in to the economy. As a result of changes made, they have doubled their turnover since pre-pandemic.
Chesapeake Mill, Wickham
Built in 1820 and having been a working mill for 150 years, Chesapeake Mill is bursting with history. It has been owned by several generations of the same family and has been welcoming customers for over 18 years as a unique shopping experience.
As it stands now, Chesapeake Mill is home to forty-seven independent traders selling an array of vintage, timeless and hard to find products in a unique retail outlet. Each visit is bound to be different and will make you feel like you are on a treasure hunt.
“We are extremely lucky with the building we operate from; it attracts people from all over the world. As well as local visitors, we have a lot of international visitors as we are a tourism hotspot. We are so incredibly grateful for each customer.” – Sandy Taylor, Manager of Chesapeake Mill.
As well as shopping, you can check out the new tearoom, Crumbs overlooking the river Meon.
Niche, Denmead
Opening in November 2021, during the pandemic, Niche was driven by the owner Amanda Skeens’ dream of owning her own boutique. Now there is a real sense of community in store, which has become a local hub. Offering one-of-a-kind clothing, homeware and lifestyle items, Niche is one of the Winchester district’s hidden gems!
Niche owner, Amanda, said: ‘Having support from the public feels like acceptance that you have made the right choices. I always offer the best customer service possible as I feel this is often lacking elsewhere.’
