Florist is welcomed as grocers’ set to open

A new grocery store and eatery is set to open in Chichester’s Draper’s Yard this Saturday with a vision for being an ‘inner city farm shop’.

Bear and Boy, Fresh! will offer fresh meats, fish, vegetables, bread and cakes from 15 local suppliers and also serve breakfasts, lunches and afternoon teas.

Owner Daryl Bowen, pictured, said he had been working as a caterer in the Chichester area for the last seven years but had always wanted to open a food shop.

He said he hoped to hold special events such as barbecues using Sussex meats, pizza and burger nights, and a dry bar serving cocktails and wine and beers.

Meanwhile, independent florists, Hedge Rose, opened three weeks ago in The Hornet and has received ‘good luck’ cards from friends and other passers-by as well as compliments shouted from cars as they drive past.

Owner Meg Windell, from Eastergate, has been in the floristry trade for more than 15 years and called the public response to the shop opening ‘fantastic’.

“There has been a lot of positive feedback from all the local people in Chichester — people are over the moon that we are here. A lot of people are pleased that the shop is up and running again and is being occupied. We are offering something a little bit different and tailor made.”

Meg said there were plans to take on more staff and hold floristry workshops for budding florists.