It’s ‘Open’ Season in Topsham… at last!
One of Devon’s most beautiful locations is raring to go on April 12 as Government guidelines allow its legendary selection of independent shops, cafes and restaurants to return to serving visitors and residents.
From next Monday onwards Topsham is back with a vengeance, boasting:
- over 40 independent outlets ranging from artisan food shops, a florist, bookshop and antique centre, to kitchen and homewares, gift shops, and boutiques;
- many popular hairdressers, beauticians and therapists
- more than 15 restaurants, pubs and cafes: many have outdoor dining including some with stunning views of the Exe estuary;
- those that do not have private outside space will continue takeaways, with plenty of communal seating in parts of the town with the prettiest views;
Full details are on lovetopsham.co.uk.
On Saturday April 17, community cheerleaders Love Topsham will launch a reusable cup initiative embracing many of the town’s cafes, and there will be street music thanks to visiting singers Terrie May McNulty and Nathalie Andrews.
There’s also going to be a visit from Rockie and Duke, the shire horses belonging to Wild Heart Venison, and the Topsham Ferry will be back to take people between the town and Topsham Lock on the western side of the estuary.
On April 17 residents and visitors will also be able to sign up for a Love Topsham Card - this allows people to contribute directly to activities that keep the town vibrant and attractive such as musicians on Saturdays, the Topsham website and events like the Topsham’s Big Afternoon Tea in June. It also means cardholders can attend VIP events and secure discounts in participating shops and cafes across town.
Furniture and homeware store CASA - located in Topsham’s old gaol on the Strand - is one of many shops to have used lockdown to become better and brighter.
“We’ve had a refresh inside and out - redecorating, cleaning, refurbishing some parts, and now we’re ready to go. People have been browsing online and there’s plenty for window-shoppers visiting the town to see ahead of our reopening on April 12” explains Gary Dixie, who owns the store with brother Mark.
Full details of Topsham’s businesses, What’s On and latest news about the town as it reopens can be found on lovetopsham.co.uk - the website also carries details of the town’s recent accolade in the Sunday Times Best Places to Live league table.
