It’s time to rediscover your local high street and hit the shops, cafes and businesses whose owners are delighted to be reopening their doors to safely welcome customers back.

There is a whole host of independent businesses in East Devon and, as lockdown restrictions are eased, there is no better time to rediscover the independent shops in your high street.

When you visit an independent shop in East Devon you’re not only getting a unique and personalised service and product; you’re also supporting the area’s economy, the livelihoods of local retailers and lowering your carbon footprint.

Sidmouth is home to a wide range of unique food retailers who delight in providing this superior service.

The Dairy Shop in Church Street sells locally sourced and delicious home-made foods as well as their very own award-winning ‘Sidmouth Gin’, which is certainly worth a try. During the pandemic The Dairy Shop has also been donating hand sanitizer, made as a by-product from their gin, to venues across the town. You can find the catch of the day at Sidmouth Trawlers and restock your cupboards with nutritious health foods from Ganesha Whole Foods. There are also many cafes providing outdoor seating: The Bagel Shop, The Chattery and Taste of Sidmouth all offer the perfect place to catch up safely with family and friends.

Ottery St Mary also offers local residents the chance to fill their cupboards with locally sourced, ethical brands. Otter Produce provides wonderfully fresh fruit and vegetables which are locally sourced and reasonably priced. The Ottery Fishmonger and K and M Butchers also support local producers and suppliers. If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint a visit to Fillful is a must. Fillful is Ottery St Mary's first and only zero waste shop and on April 12 they opened a second shop in Sidmouth. Fillful makes plastic-free shopping a breeze; they supply packaging products, locally made earth friendly cosmetics as well as green household products and cleaners.

Wherever you are headed, grab your mask and hand sanitizer and remember to maintain social distancing when rediscovering your local high street.
East Devon District Council received an allocation of £130,992 of funding from the European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 to support the StayLocalShopSafe campaign and the safe reopening of High Streets and town centres. Visit eastdevon.gov.uk/staylocalshopsafe