The Christmas Workshop
Over the past few years, Steeplegate has flourished into an independent quarter. The independents at Vicar Lane have brought a diverse offering to the centre, each store has a unique story to tell providing a more unique shopping experience at Vicar Lane.
Our oldest independent, Chinese Acupuncture Clinic, Acuherb, is a leading provider of holistic family healthcare clinic offers the very best in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, qigong, acupressure (Tui-Na) massage and lifestyle counselling. Owner May, took ownership of the clinic back in 2010, having worked for the business previously. She commuted every day from Wakefield for 3 years before finally moving to become a Chesterfield resident. May graduated with a BSc honours degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine at Beijing Capital Medial University, before becoming a Junior Physician at Beijing TCM Hospital for 4 years. Since moving to the UK, May has continued to develop her professional skills as obtained a further BSc in Combined Science in Physiotherapy. May prides herself on her professionalism and her understanding of both modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine allows her to advise from a balanced viewpoint and offer a wide range of treatments to people of all ages.
Gift shop, Shop Indie was one of the first independent retailers to join Vicar Lane as part of the Landlord’s start-up initiative in October 2019. Owned and run by Lisa and John who are passionate about supporting independent makers, both locally and across the UK, the once pop-up store is now approaching its fifth year with us. The duo met lots of talented makers whilst running their own greetings card business and wanted to help bring some of their fantastic products to the high street Since then, the shop has stocked gifts, cards, jewellery, stationery, and beauty products amongst many other things from over 250 makers. Owner Lisa now also supplies the store with her digital illustrations of various landscapes and landmarks from in and around Derbyshire.
Sustainable toy shop, The Little Ark, was founded in 2021 by Liz Telford-Sides, who whilst on maternity leave with her second child, was shocked by the amount of plastic used to manufacture and package toys. So, Liz began investigating eco-friendly alternatives and started sourcing toys from beautiful brands that were sustainable with no plastic packaging leading to her opening up her first shop in the Chesterfield Market Hall. In April 2023, Liz relocated the business to Steeplegate, expanding the size of the shop and continuing to expand their ranges, providing toys that will last for generations to come.
Spirits & Beer Specialist, Street Spirit joined Steeplegate in November 2023, having previously started out in the Market Hall as Ginspired. With over 10 years’ experience in the industry, owner Matt has matured the business and grown it in size. Today they stock over a twelve hundred lines, including 200 different types of Gin, over 200 types of Whisky including a range of mature 24-year-old bottles, over 100 types of Rum, and around 300 different Craft beers, local real ales, ciders, and more. You can find a range of local products from Derbyshire producers including Thornbridge, Brampton and Wire Works Whisky. The store also runs regular tasting events on most Saturday’s which have proven to be very popular with the local community.
Also starting off from humble market stall beginnings, Clarissa’s Interiors joined the high street in February 2020 when they opened up their first bricks and mortar store on Steeplegate. Owned by Jayne and Clare, mother and daughter, the family run business have a passion for interiors and home décor, stock a wide range of beautiful handpicked products that have to meet the highest quality criteria. Clare also handcrafts a beautiful range of crystal jewellery; each piece helps you harness the natural energy’s and uplifts your soul guiding you on your life’s path.
Menswear brands store, Ministry of Design offer a personalised in store experience. The team take their time to understand the desires of each customer that walks in and finds clothing to fit everyone. Having opened up in 2016, the store now stocks designer lines from Armani, Fred Perry and BOSS. Ministry is the place to shop if you’re looking to upgrade your style and get on brand.
Vintage Tearooms relocated to Steeplegate during the Covid19 pandemic. Having originally started off as a chef for the tearooms, Sharon took on ownership of the venture and has grown the business from a sweet spot for afternoon tea, to a very popular establishment offering clean cooked breakfasts and staple lunch time meals. In 2022, Sharon purchased the bakery who supplied their cakes, moving them to a kitchen upstairs above the tearooms. Today all of the scones and cakes are prepared fresh every day. The Vintage Tearooms also provides room and venue hire for birthdays, baby showers, bridal and wedding parties.
Having relocated from the smallest of spaces in the Market Hall, foodie favourite Qoozies opened up on Steeplegate in 2017. Last year, the café saw new owners take over the business, launching fresh ideas and re-imagined menus. Qoozies prides themselves on preparing many of their iconic favourites from scratch, including their classic pancakes, irresistible sweet potato hash browns and unique spinach fritters. Dedicated to creating natural nutrition, their range of vitamin-packed juices and smoothies are freshly blended to order, using produce from the local Ibbotsons. All of the fresh bread and pastries are now supplied directly from the talented, local 4 Eyes Bakery, and there’s even a pawsome variety of doggy dishes available for our four-legged friends.
The latest addition to the independents on Steeplegate is Brand Runner, who opened up just in time for Christmas last year. This family run business supplies the latest designer brands at prices to suit all budgets at up to 80% off RRP. Brand Runner specialises in bringing you designer brands that you love at a fraction of the price . Don’t forget to take a look at their all new “Outlet” where all items are further reduced to clear. Designer labels at your price.