I'm going Totally Locally Calderdale - a great place to shop

A little like turning over a leaf and finding some unexpected treasure - the Design Shop is just waiting to be discovered.  If you're looking for a gift fit for a king (or queen) then a visit to Dean Clough should make it onto the agenda.

For the Design Shop houses a constantly changing display of specially selected work by contemporary designers & craft makers, design-led products & interior accessories. Jewellery, wood, ceramics, lighting, glass, furniture & textiles are supported by an exceptional range, hand-made paper, specialist art and design magazines, artists’ prints & photographs. 

And if you looking for cards be they birthday, anniversary, christening, thank you's, get well soon, hellos, goodbyes, sad you're leaving, etc etc (delete as applicable) - then this place is the dragon's hoard.  If you can't find a card for someone here - you can't actually have anyone to send one to.

Address - Dean Clough, Hallifax, HX3 5AX

Telephone - 01422 250250

Web - www.deanclough.com

email - info@deanclough.com

Lucky indeed are the good folk of Hipperholme.  In that they have such a high quality green grocers to hand - in the shape of the Veg Shack.  Having pulled back the shutters in November 2007, Lesley Raistrick's, business has gone from strength to strength via word of mouth.

Sourcing much of her 'green' produce locally - Lesley's aim was to supply high quality goods to suit the local pocket.  However, there is more to the shop than first meets the eye as she also stocks a significant line of Suma (the Elland based local organic wholesaler) produce & does a roaring trade in flowers.  Lesley also does a home delivery service & veg boxes - so you can even ring in your orders.

The Veg Shack might not be the largest outlet you will ever enter but it packs a punch that takes it out of it's weight class.  Should you be passing through take 5 minutes to discover the gem that is the Veg Shack.

Address - Leeds Road, Hipperholme, Nr Halifax

Telephone - 01422 206100

Bijoux - if ever a business fitted a term then Brian Powe's butchers shop has a glove like affinity with the expression.  

It is indeed a shop that is small but perfectly formed.  In fact you would be hard pressed to swing a chop on the premises.  However, this local butcher supplies a wonderful line in high quality meat - that is all sourced from Medcalf's in Elland.

Having initially trained in butchery Brian then spent many years in the food industry before returning to his first love in June 2009.  He had a vision of supplying a great quality product at an affordable price.  And this vision has very swiftly become a reality.  As he now supplies a number of schools & restaurants in the area - as well as his regulars.  As Brian stated he can sell with confidence as he knows just how old the meat is & where it comes from.  He also produces his own roast ham - and believe me if you're looking for a sandwich filling your search should end here.

So whether you're in the market for a celebratory slab of beef or some good pork chops - perhaps Brian's should be your firs port of call.

Address - 12 Denholme Gate Road, Hipperholme, Halifax, HX3 8LJ

Telephone - 01422 202368

Brother & sister tag team – Joanne Holmes & Alan Robinson – brought the boutique to life almost a decade ago.  During this time they slowly beavered away building up a loyal client base who, like the proverbial boomerang, keep returning. 

It is a loyalty based upon their personal service and commitment to providing quality products – such as items from the collections of  Tuzzi, Faber, Marcelino & Leo Guy.

If you have a special occasion arising or simply want to treat yourself  - then perhaps you should call in Ciella before you making the all important decision.

Address - 54b Southgate, Elland, HX5 0DQ

Telephone No - 01422 370233

Web - www.ciella.co.uk

Not your obvious Hidden Gem – but current owners Carole & Robert Foulds have picked up the gauntlet laid down by Donovan Smith some ten years ago, upon his retirement.  In fact whilst adhering to the touchstone of good customer relations the couple have created a full spectrum service, including all the most up to date frames.

Should this not be a sufficient attraction then perhaps the lure of the Retinal Scanner – which produces 3D scans of the eye & is not readily available at most opticians - may entice you.  It is a device that can potentially spot problems before you are even aware of them.  Let’s face it – your eyes are worth it.

Address - 7a Bethel Street, Brighouse, HD6 1JR

Opening Hours - Mon to Sat 9.00am - 5.30pm

Telephone No - 01484 713291

Groaning under the weight some 100,000 back issues, from the golden age to the most recent releases, if comics be your vice then come & sate your appetite.  In fact whether you’re a comic reader, comic collector or comic curious – or none of these – you should let your eyes run over this treasure trove. 

Covering every major publisher plus lots of independents, allied to a specialisation in difficult to source & US convention exclusives you may find your heart overflowing with joy.  And for those of you who enjoy the long form – there is a substantial range of graphic novels & trade paperbacks to pick through.  Should your cravings continue perhaps a selection of original art, DC statues & busts, Bowen designs & Sideshow & Marvel dst will help put it to bed.

Address - 40 Market Street, Hebden Bridge, HX7 6AA

Opening Times - 10.30am to 5.00pm Wed to Sun

Telephone No - 01422 845666

Web - www.2tonecomics.com

Email - amonkey21@aol.com

Take your daughters in here at your peril for you may never leave – so extensive is the range cute, cuddly & fascinating dolls (Ashton Drake to Lee Middleton), teddies (from Steiff to Robin Rive & everything in-between) & gollies (Liq’-rish Kidz etc) on show.  And I have not even mentioned the dolls houses, pewter miniatures, toys clothes & craft items. 

This is a wall to wall, as far as the eye can see, multi-sensory experience – you should stretch your legs & take a visit, be you parent, collector or interested bystander.  Just be sure you have a bit of time to play with….

Address - 53 the Arcade, Piece Hall, Halifax, HX1 1RE

Opening Hours - Mon to Sat 10.00am - 5.00pm & Sun 10.30am - 4.30pm

Telephone No - 01422 340097

Web - www.tedshop.com

Email - sales@tedshop.com

A potpourri of gifts and surprises awaits the intrepid shopper looking for something that little bit off the beaten track.  With many of the items being either organic, fairtrade, recycled or produced by local artists & with something for every member of the household –  be they man, woman or child  – you can shop with a clear conscience.  It will be well worth  your while.

Address - 7 Wharfe Street, Sowerby Bridge, HX6 2EG

Telephone No - 01422 316402

Web - www.trinkette.co.uk

Children & cafes - not always the most relaxed pairing.  However, if you're bowling along through Todmorden there is a place that can provide more than a crumb of comfort to the care worn parent.  A place that gives a positive hurrah at the thought of children tumbling into their premises.  And Cafe SeventyTWO is that haven.

With a wide range of childrens toys & books to occupy the little darlings, a good childrens menu, high chairs, baby changing facilities & even an extensive park........perhaps the park isn't theirs, but it is straight opposite the cafe.  So you've got the perfect combination of a place to stretch the little ones legs & vocal chords, followed by a relaxing coffee & cake. Nice.

They even provide a fulsome selection of magazines, newspapers, books, music, hot & cold food for those who are slightly further along life's path.

Address: 72 Burnley Road, Todmorden, OL14 7HX

Tel: 01706 817203

Email: darrenbetts@btinternet.com

Scoby Interior Design offers bespoke curtains and blinds, paint and wallpapers, poles and accessories. Their ranges are available for you to browse in the relaxing surroundings of their Ripponden showroom. They will look after you and help you select the perfect look for you and your home.

Did you know that they recently won a National competition for their window displays. Next time you are in Ripponden take time to look out for these award winning window displays!

Wildings Cakes & Chocolates have been in Brighouse for 10 years selling a fabulous range of the finest quality chocolates from artisan chocolatiers in this country and Belgium.

Their range includes chocolates for Diabetics-Dairy free-& Gluten free and they also stock some Nut free product.

In addition they are also special occasion cake decoraters with a fabulous & unusual range to offer.

Beth Ward says "Wildings designed my unique Easter themed wedding cake for me back in 2004. I wanted my cake to be unusal and include lots of mini eggs. Wildings accepted the challenge and created a unique wedding cake which my guests still talk about today. I would definitely recommend them"

7 Park Street Brighouse HD2 2BZ

Tel 01484 721777

e-mail sales@wildingschocolates.co.uk

www.wildingscakes.co.uk

Czerwiks Cheese & Wine - Brighouse

A treasure trove for those who enjoy fine wine, fine cheese, fine beer, great bread, top sandwiches, knowledgeable staff.  Plus, & I’ll say this only once, a collection of over 200 malt whiskies…. Whoever you are you should tap into your inner Christopher Columbus & go explore every nook & cranny of this deceptively capacious shop.  You won’t be disappointed.

 Address:  82 Commercial Street, Brighouse, HX6 1AQ

Telephone No:  01484 720912

Email/website: www.czerwiks.co.uk

Rex Cinema – This small but perfectly formed institution cradled in the heart of Elland is a place all lovers of the silver screen should visit.  Not as an act pilgrimage but as a way of enjoying the golden age of cinema today.  With a personality uniquely it’s own & showing a sweep of films to suit most tastes.  This is everything a multiplex isn’t.  And all the better for it.  

 Address:  Coronation Street, Elland, HX5 0DF

Telephone:  01422 372140

Email/website:  www.nm-cinemas.co.uk/elland.phtml

Crumbly Cheese – If there is a cheese map of the world then Jean’s position would be marked by a sizeable truckle.  For the convert or merely cheese curious this is a Stinking Bishop slice of heaven.  Drawing cheeses from the national & international arena & with an intimate knowledge of her products this is a place to draw envious glances from the regions more celebrity outlets.

Just take a visit.  Whether or not you think you like sewing or knitting.  This is a world away from anything you may like to imagine an outlet for wool, ribbons & thread might resemble.  It’s a 21^st century riot of colour, verve & fun.  Even as a man I felt an unexpected urge to pick up sticks & knit one pearl one…….

Address:  8 Albert Street, Hebden Bridge, HX7 8AH

Telephone No:  01422 847803

Email/website:  http://www.ribboncircus.com/

Personality drips from every fixture & fitting in this idiosyncratic restaurant.  From the giant clam sinks to the mirror tiled steps you instinctively know that the journey from starters to pudding is one that will put a spring in your step & a smile on your face.  With an attentive staff, superior menu, great food & well selected wine list – all you need do is bring a healthy appetite & good company.

 Address:  76 Wharf Street, Sowerby Bridge, HX6 2AF

Telephone No:  01422 839329

Just a butchers?  Yes… & No.  emerging from the ham shanks, rabbit & sausages - is a little bit of heaven.  An unexpected deli section that serves a raft of breads from Greek to Polish, one of the finest collections of salami & cured meats in the area & a selection of pasta to surprise & delight.  Perfect.

 Address:  114 Market Stall, Borough Market, Halifax, HX1 1DZ

Telephone:  01422 352426