‘Britain’s smallest shoe shop’: A hidden gem in A picturesque village
BUILDING IS KNOWN LOCALLY AS ‘THE WOODHALL WEDGE’
LOCATED in the heart of a picturesque Lincolnshire village known for its independent businesses is a shop so small that you can touch both walls while standing in the same spot.
Peter Scott Shoes in Woodhall Spa is widely known as Britain’s smallest shoe shop with a width of just three feet at one end.
Despite its dinky size, the shop offers a surprisingly large range of footwear with a mix of interesting styles, including brands like Hotter and Rieker. However, it is so small that much of the stock has to be kept in a neighbouring property.
The building itself is known locally as the ‘Woodhall Wedge’ and was once a railway station booking office before passenger services ceased in the 1950s. It was the last building on the platform before the railway line diagonally dissected the Broadway.
During its life, the shop has seen service as a bicycle shop, an electrical retailers, a jewellers, and even a bank. Peter Scott Shoes was opened in 1999 by Phillip Simmons and is now owned by Oliver Salter who bought the store with his partner three years ago.
The 30-year-old from neighbouring village Stixwould said: “Three years ago, I was selling tractors and farm machinery and my other half saw that the shop was for sale. The owner was going to retire regardless but we decided to purchase it and carry it on as a shoe shop.
Oliver Salter
“We’ve changed a little bit but not too much as it did well beforehand. We’ve added new lines and brands along the way but still try and stick to our core customers, while trying to entice some others.”
Mr Salter also owns a furniture shop at the other end of the village. At a time when big retailers dominate the market, Peter Scott Shoes is a fine example of the importance of small businesses to communities.
The next time you find yourself in Woodhall Spa, a visit to Peter Scott Shoes is well worth your time. Even if the shoes aren’t to your taste, the history behind the building is fascinating and it’s a real hidden gem on a street saturated with shops.
We’ve added new lines and brands along the way but still try and stick to our core customers.