North Dorset Town ‘Stur-ing’ with New BusinessesSturminster Newton has seen a flurry of activity over the last couple of months, with three new businesses opening their doors in a town that has been featured on national radio in the last year for its thriving market place.
Alongside the established range of small independents a diverse trio have been welcomed to broaden the town’s appeal and draw in new visitors.
Shake & Stur
Matt Clarke took over the neglected White Hart in early 2020 and relaunched it as the White Hart Alehouse. Constantly exploring new ideas for his business, in April he trialled an ice cream cart operating from the old coaching inn’s carriage entrance.
The ice cream was such a success that he has now opened Shake & Stur Ice Cream Parlour, taking on the lease of the old bakery on Bridge Street – empty since Oxford’s moved to more spacious premises in the market square. Matt also has plans for a pizza offering, collaborating with locally renowned pizza maker, Gianbattista Brocca, who visits local villages and towns in his mobile The Box authentic Italian pizza van.
OliBarber
Oliver Gittins is a former pupil at Stur High School, and probably the youngest entrepreneur in town. He learned his craft at Bournemouth’s Mint Academy, known for the finest barbering courses in the South West.Oli only opened his doors last month, and has already had over 100 seated in his special Barbers chair.
He’s making brilliant use of social media, with his Facebook page holding an ever-updating gallery of before-and after shots whch will convince even the most cautious of clients of Oli’s skill with the razor.Centrally situated in a Grade II listed building right beside the Market Cross, Oli has managed to combine the character of the building with a bright and contemporary design that matches his fresh take on barbering.
Forever-Bridal
On the same day that Oli opened his Barbers Shop, Deborah of Forever-Bridal opened her hers. An experienced business woman, she has created a warm, friendly and welcoming environment for brides to come and browse by appointment.
Deborah is stocking an exclusive collection of wedding gowns, all of which she has personally chosen. Unlike so many other bridal shops, she caters for all sizes and also holds a selection of accessories, jackets, veils and hairpieces.
