Worth making a detour for
Shops, studios, workshops, cafés, makers and the people behind them. Some businesses make their surroundings better simply by being there.
People & Places is our notebook of independents
worth knowing: businesses with character, good ideas,
proper knowledge, or simply a particularly good
way of doing things.
Part interview, part portrait and part recommendation.
Not necessarily new. Not necessarily fashionable.
Just good.
people & places
people & places
LONG BARN
“ It won't always be summer, build a barn "
Surrounded by lovely lavender fields, Long Barn: home, garden store and cafe has been a fixture in the bustling market town of Alresford since 2009. In the summer of 2017, the barn was extended. Working closely with the founders, the in-house creative team and studio Irving & Co, we set about creating a convivial space to tell the Long Barn story. We commissioned craftspeople - artists, furniture makers, traditional sign writers and a wood carver to help bring the brand's values to life.
tHE hAMBLEDON
" Just the good stuff "
Inspiring independent retailer The Hambledon just sells the good stuff. Beautifully curated womenswear, menswear, homewares, gifts and everything else you could ever want under one roof. We have worked on lots of lovely projects over the years, from windows & pop-up shops to social & marketing - it's always a treat!
The school of life
" Work smarter, not harder "
The School of Life, founded by writer and thinker Alain de Botton, is devoted to developing emotional intelligence through culture. Starting with one space in Bloomsbury and now with international Schools, they provide space for ‘pupils’ to explore, enrich and engage with meaning in their lives. Our work was to ensure that every message underpinned that ethos and communicated the value of their work, be it a transformative class, a playful product or an inspiring event
