Shopping Local

Covid-19 and the lockdown have had a huge impact on the UK high streets and how we shop. A recent poll released by YouGov revealed that 30% of shoppers say they have used local retailers more since the pandemic struck and 80% of them aim to carry on shopping this way in the future.

This significant change to the way in which we can shop has led to consumers embracing new shopping habits, and with lengthy queues often forming outside supermarkets and online delivery slots being few and far between, many have switched to the independent retailers on their local high streets for everyday essentials.

Willerby has always called Hull home, after being founded by Walter Allen 74 years ago. We both love being based here in Hull and are really proud to be part of the fantastic history and culture here. The city and region are not short on some great local produce, shops and businesses. We’ve selected some of our favourites below:

Little Wold Vineyard

Little Wold Vineyard is situated in a village called South Cave. The vineyard sits at the top of a hill, on the popular wolds way and has fantastic panoramic views overlooking the village and river Humber. Established in 2012, Little Wold Vineyard has over 8000 vines of 5 different white grape varieties and 3 red. There first crop being harvested in 2016.

Be sure to check out their award-winning red - Three Cocked Hat

Colemans Cider

Colemans Cider Company was established in October 2014 by a group of friends who share a passion for real cider. The founders were born and brought up in the West Country and when one of them bought a Georgian farmhouse with a small garden orchard in the wolds their hobby became a business and Colemans Cider Company was born.

The range is crafted using solely locally sourced Yorkshire apples and pears.

Staal Smokehouse

Staal Smokehouse is an award-winning, family-run business based near Beverley and they produce smoked food products. They are hot a topic in Yorkshire, not only among award judges but among restaurateurs and celebrities too.

All the meat that is smoked is sourced from selected Yorkshire farms and producers, with the salmon coming straight from the cold clean waters of Scotland’s west coast.

The Blending Room

The Blending Room is a small local coffee roasting company that started life at Beverley market, they now source and roast coffee for various outlets across the UK.

Our favourite is the Beverley Blend which has been inspired by the market town in which their journey began.

Hotham’s Gin

Hotham’s Gin School and Distillery is located in the Old Town of Hull. Gin lovers are able to visit the Distillery not only to buy bottles of Hotham’s Gin but also to join in a unique experience day where they will learn about the history of gin, botanicals and the gin-making process, finally distilling their own unique bottle of gin to take home.

And if you don't like gin, you can make vodka instead!

When mentioning the region and staying local we have to mention a few of our favourites, maybe you can check them out when you come to visit our Hull showground:

The Deep

Explore the world’s ocean at The Deep; one of the most impressive aquariums in the world. This fantastic attraction is an iconic architectural landmark for the Humber and home to over 3,500 fish and stunning marine life.

Don’t forget to check out the spectacular views over the Humber as the building is nestled by the water where the River Hull meets the Humber estuary.

The Fruit Market

The Fruit Market is a vibrant area that has seen recent regeneration, the old warehouses and markets are now home to some of the finest eateries, traditional pubs, microbreweries and gin distillery alongside art galleries old and new, live music venues and independent shops, this rather retro location is now a hive of activity.

Form Shop & Studio is one of our favourites, be sure to check it out for art prints, cards and stationery.