State of Independence

Like me are you getting tired of all town and city centres looking the same? Do we need a Starbucks, Mcdonalds and Waterstones in every high street in every town and city on the planet? If we continue to shop at these stores this is the future of shopping. You might not know of the independent sellers in your town which is why I have decided to do this article. If you are an independent seller and want some free advertising space please e-mail me and I shall put a link to your site, if you don't have a site then give me a little blurb about yourself and I shall put that on here. Also it would be a great help if anyone reading this could send us some info about the independent sellers in their town or city. (or Village/Hamlet) Send us a mail and tell us your favourites.

Bath

I live in Bath so I know more about the shops here than anywhere else.

Secession Books - A lovely little book shop, 10% discount for students and seniors, or if you buy 9 books you get the 10th free. (basically 10% discount). Also if they don't have a book in stock they will order it for you. They also offer free delivery to account holder.

Address - 2 Trim Street, Bath, BA1 1HD, United Kingdom

Abbey Ales - There are 10 pubs in run by this small brewery in Bath, I rarely drink in any other pub than these I resist the cheapness of the tacky Weatherspoon chain. My favourite three are The Bell, The Star Inn and the Porter.

Addresses - The Bell - 103 Walcot Street, Bath, BA1 5BW. The Star - 23 Vineyards, The Paragon, Bath, BA1 5NA. The Porter - 15 George Street, Bath, BA1 2EN.

Sally Lunns - A lovely little tea shop that has been in Bath for over 300 years. They also have a museum in the cellar. It is fascinating and well worth a look.

Invention arts - A music and comedy venue in the Heart of Bath. It one of those friendly places that always seems full of hippy types.

Bath Bus Station Fruiterers - Seller of local produce, a family run business and probably the shop that I spend most of my money in. Friendly service. The family also run the flower shop next door. Address - Bath Bus Station, Bath, BA1 1JF, 01225 333611

The Little Theatre - A lovely family run cinema, the other two cinemas have now closed down due to the lovely Odeon chain coming to town. Please go to this one or we will loose it.

Butchers - There are a few Butcher Shops in Bath. Click on the blue to see them all.

Blackstones Kitchen - Run by a young couple, an excelent alternative to Starbucks, better coffee too. Seasonal produce and supporers of local businesses. Address - 10A Queen Street,Bath, BA1 1HE,Tel/Fax 01225 338803

Northampton

I spent the first 25 years of my life in Northampton. A big town in the middle of England. Home of Alan Moore the famous comic book writer and according to local ledged the supposedly was to be the capital city until they sided with Oliver Cromwell.

The Racehorse Inn - My favourite pub in the world. Big beer garden, rude bar staff and a place where hippies, anarchists and writers all drink. If you are ever in Northampton you must visit this place.

Spinadisc - A fantastic Independent record shop. Seller of all good music including hard to find records. Apparently the goth section has shrunk, but is this because there are fewer Goths?

The Roadmender - Called the legendary Roadmender by John Peel. The Stone Roses and Oasis have played there. Roadmender is Northampton's prime venue for contemporary music, theatre, dance, visual arts, arts workshops, comedy and nightclubs.

The Emporium - Excellent clothes shop and full of trinkets. Some bargains to be had here too. As far as I remember the shop staff are pretty good looking as well. Situated opposite the best pub in the world. (The Racehorse).

Austin, Texas - USA

The Natural Gardener - A huge organic garden centre and a quite good website too. Thanks to Hannah from Secession Books for bring our attention to this one. John, the propretor is an avid organic and no GMO compainer. Address - 8648 Old Bee Cave Road,Austin, Texas 78735, USA, telephone512-288-6113

A final note.

Obviously there are many more independent shops in the world, please please e-mail me with some of your favourites.