I was not prepared for the exceedingly pretty little shop set back beyond a veranda with hanging baskets and planters with masses of blooms.
They are stocking everyday needs for the locals with some interesting special items together with good quality crafts and giftware.  There are daily deliveries of milk, yoghurt, bread, pies and newspapers. The hotel is also producing freshly cooked food for the shop.
What else is there? Fairfield Mill woollen rugs, and the prodded variety from Carlisle.  Locally produced postcards and notelets, Hawes gem jewellery - even Fairtrade felt bags from Kathmandu.
It was such a pleasure to be in this little shop, real retail therapy.

Adjacent Art
Next to the Black Swan is David W Morris and Caroline A Metcalfe-Gibson‘s Scar Gallery, full of their varied and original work and quite a treat in such a rural location. It’s well worth a trip, remember though that they are open from April to October on Fridays, 2pm to 5pm, and Saturdays, 10am to 5pm.

Ann Sandell