ST John’s is often referred to as Worcester’s “village in the city”, with a large variety of independent shops.
It boasts two butcher shops, a florist, multiple cafes, a record store and a bakery, just to name a few.
We spoke to traders to find out what brought them to the other side of the river and what they love about the area.
After 25 years in the Royal Navy, Simon Shorthouse, 46, decided to return to St John’s and open This is Vinyl and Vintage.
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“My passion is music and I quite like vintage-style clothes so I combined the two together and opened this shop,” he said.
Having called the area home for more than 30 years, he said it is the community atmosphere that he loves the most.
“I drink in the pubs, I use the shops and restaurants, so I just wanted to be part of that community.
“There’s a real village, community feel over here.”
With the shop having only opened in December, he said he hopes it will continue to draw people to the area.
“Because it’s a record shop, there’s people travelling to see what we’ve got so there’s people coming to St John’s that might otherwise not have done,” he said.
NEW: Luke Robson has brought his repair business to St John’s (Image: NQ)
Just across the way in King Charles Place, Luke Robson, who previously lived in Salisbury, is a new face in the area with his clothes repair business We Fix Zips.
“I really like it here in St John’s,” he said. “Especially around here, with all the independent shops, there’s a good community.”
Meanwhile, family business Newman’s Florist has been a part of St John’s for more than a century and has watched the area change over the years.
SHOPS: Belinda James, owner of Newman’s Florist (Image: NQ)
Owner Belinda James said some customers are so loyal that they simply come in for a chat.
“I know a lot of people that have been here years so they are loyal and they come in and know our names,” she said.
“They can rely on us.”
Nicky Dearn has been running Chapter One book shop and café with her two daughters for more than a year.
While she admits it can be quiet at times, she said the area has a friendly atmosphere and that the shop is especially popular with students.
“Everybody’s lovely and friendly but it can be quiet,” she said.
