Best and worst shop fronts

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 12 Oct 2003, 19:15

Vote now for your favourite and least favourite shop fronts in Portobello. There are certainly one or two good examples. Lauren Elizabeth, the dress shop that replaced the Post Office on the High Street springs to mind.

Unfortunately, these are greatly outnumbered by much worse examples. Many are just badly neglected and in dire need of a coat of paint. Others, like Popeye, the new sandwich shop, are merely in poor taste. I don't know what PAS thinks of the purple and red colour scheme, but I personally think it is hideous.

So, who deserves an award? And who is letting Portobello down?

john · Post by **john** » 14 Oct 2003, 08:35

P.A.S. does think that many of the present shopfronts are dreadful. We wrote to enforcement about Popeye's Sandwich Bar, both because of the colour scheme and because we don't think planning permission was applied for.We also wrote commenting on the new colour scheme for Global Video.

Shops which deserve much praise are those which have recently been restored under the Council's new Portobello Shopfront Improvement Scheme. DB Studio is extremely handsome in black and silver, while Deli 194 is also much improved, the original glazing patterns to door and window having been replaced. Costcutter is also being restored under this scheme. The signage is still to be put up but the restored 1930s frontage is a huge improvement on what was there before.

This Council initiative is to be commended and supported but funding for the year 2004/5 has not yet been allocated. Local people need to keep up the pressure to ensure that this excellent scheme not only continues but is increased.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 26 Nov 2003, 19:15

I hate to be negative... But what the hey!

The mobile phone shop/internet cafe opposite the nursery on the High Street was bad enough when they painted it orange, but now that they leave the shutters down all the time... What's the story? Is it open or what? I much preferred it when it was a second-hand bookshop.

And the loan shop next door is just dreary.

Lizzie · Post by **Lizzie** » 26 Nov 2003, 19:46

I agree that a lot of the High Street shops have been over the years and many still are a real eyesore, painted in loud and hideous colours.
Can anyone tell me how is it that the shop owners seem to be able to paint their shop fronts in any colour they choose (don't they need permission), but the owners of the flats above the shops are only allowed to use certain quiet colours on the front of their houses.

john · Post by **john** » 27 Nov 2003, 08:48

Shop owners should paint their shopfronts in colours approved by Planning but of course they don't ! What is worse is that Planning don't enforce the list of approved colours and no longer go by this. It is only when groups like PAS write in to complain to Enforcement about a particularly hideous colour scheme that we stand any chance of something being done and often we get the reply that as the previous colour was " very bright " they don't intend taking any action. Yes Portobello is a conservation area so one would think that certain colours were not appropriate but Planning's attitude is somewhat schizophrenic as they think bright colours are appropriate for a sea side resort - make sense of that one !

Seriously however, the more people who complain on a regular basis, as PAS does, the greater chance we have of persuading Planning to adopt a firmer line as regards inappropriate paint colours on Portobello shop fronts.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 12 Jan 2004, 23:36

What puzzles me is that the shops along at St. Andrew's are Listed Buildings (Grade C). I had great hassle from the Council when I asked if I could repaint the front of our already painted C Listed Building. They wanted samples of this and samples of that and I had a choice of one colour and in the end we removed the paint altogether. However, there seems to be no such hassle when the shops want to repaint. They just pick the worst colour they can find and do it! Or worse still, don't, and leave it to flake off. It's the same with windows......but we won't go there!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 13 Jan 2004, 23:44

Not entirely on-topic, but I'm sure I'm not the only one to have noticed the amount of graffiti that has appeared on the painted stonework of Semi Chem in recent months. It's very disappointing that retailers don't take more responsibility for this sort of thing. Semi Chem may be at the cheaper end of the market but I'm sure they don't want to look that cheap! Since this company is part of the Scotmid Group, I have recently written to the Head of Retail asking that the matter is addressed. They have promised to act, so let's wait and see.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 02 Feb 2004, 22:03

Of course, this doesn't exactly help!

http://news.scotsman.com/archive.cfm?id ... DOCUMENT=1

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 06 Feb 2004, 00:00

The other thing that doesn't help is that when you are given these grants everything has to be done to the Council's (expensive) specifications. When we had our building done everything was more expensive because we had to use a particular method and I know some shopkeepers have had similar problems which all bumps up the final bill. Although it is a great scheme perhaps if the Council weren't quite so picky the buildings would look just as good but the money would go further?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 11 Feb 2004, 10:19

Back to Semi Chem. As a result of my email to Scotmid the exterior has now been re-painted and looks much better. Personally, I would have thought it wiser to opt for a darker colour to discourage further graffiti but no doubt it is all to do with their corporate design or something.

If and when the graffiti re-appears, I hope that I won't be alone in registering their complaint.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 11 Feb 2004, 20:55

Well, I hate to say I told you so. The first item of graffiti has already appeared. The person to complain to, if anyone would like to take this up, is Adrian Lorimer, Head of Property Services for the Scotmid Group. Please copy your complaint to Graham Murray, Head of Retail and to myself or post it here.

Lorimer@scotmid.co.uk
gmurray@scotmid.co.uk

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 27 Feb 2004, 17:50

And what about Popeye's

Bar? What happened to their sandwich? This shop has been an eyesore since it opened. It has now been badly repainted and it still looks awful!

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 04 Mar 2004, 21:47

Hallelujah! Were Global Video told to get rid of their canary yellow or did they just come to their senses?

john · Post by **john** » 05 Mar 2004, 08:48

PAS wrote to Enforcement who investigated the situation and agreed that the colour scheme should be changed, " provided it is expedient so to do ." It has however taken Global Video many weeks since this decision to act. The phrase, " provided it is expedient so to do ," seems to be included in all Enforcement replies these days regardless of which planning regugations have been broken and is too useful a " cop out " phrase which Enforcement can use to justify their non-action. Other situations PAS has complained about where planning regulations have been broken and the " expedient " flag waved concern satellite dishes and roller shutters on the front of listed buildings but so far in these cases it has not proved to be " expedient ". PAS has not given up yet !

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 05 Mar 2004, 20:47

Bob wrote:And what about Popeye's Bar? What happened to their sandwich? This shop has been an eyesore since it opened. It has now been badly repainted and it still looks awful!

Good sandwiches though.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 06 Mar 2004, 18:05

Hooray! Popeye's sign has been fixed. Just a pity that the 'sandwich' is a different shade of red from the rest. I suppose that's probably just me being picky again. Perhaps my wife is right and I am turning into Victor Meldrew!

Cynthia · Post by **Cynthia** » 07 Mar 2004, 14:52

shop fronts don't really bother me - as long as the shops are open, and not owned by huge global chains - Scotmid is the one exception to me in terms of chains as I think they have principles - e.g. Fair Trade products ( I wish they would sell more different things) and they are not that big and still have some commitment to cooperation, their founding principles, altho having to compete in the rat race market -
In answer to Alex's question re the mobile phone shop, in delivering info and leaflets re the Campaign Against The Superstore I am getting to know shopkeepers and the guy who owns it is a website builder and seems very friendly and interested in local issues - the shop is open for internet use and phone sales too but maybe not as often as before - some of us having bought computers now. I've introduced him to this website so maybe he will register - and comment
What I have noticed and really like about Portobello is the community feel of locally owned shops, and the cross section of the community represented here in terms of workers, owners and what the shops sell - that will be sadly lost if one of the big superstore chains opens up - I have found Popeye staff are also very helpful and friendly - I've only been in once but they were very nice to me - I'll have to try their sarnies as recommended by Bob aka Victor - C

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 07 Mar 2004, 17:12

Carla, I think you'll find it is Alex who recommends their sandwiches. I can't comment, having never sampled their wares. Thanks for making the internet shop aware of our existence. I will drop some cards, posters off next weekend.

I think we are agreed on the type of shop we want to see on the High Street but ultimately it's down to us as consumers to support those independent retailers that still exist. The problem is that we are in a minority and sadly Pizza Hut will find plenty of local people happy to support their global junk food enterprise.

Those independent retailers that continue to prosper do so because they offer something different from the superstores, qualities that the big brands have been unable to assimilate. There is still a market for specialist shops, friendly service and quality produce.

On the retail food side the problem is that a whole generation has grown up with supermarkets, convenience food and microwave ovens. A lot of people don't use their local butcher or fishmonger because they don't know what the produce is and don't know what to do with it. If it doesn't come cello-wrapped with cooking instructions on the back they are lost. Traditionally, these skills were passed on from mother to daughter, and taught in school. How many young women (or men for that matter) could make a simple stew or a pot of soup nowadays?

OK, I'm starting to rant again and straying off-topic. I'm off to make some macaroni cheese for tea. If anyone would like the recipe I'll be happy to email it to them!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 08 Mar 2004, 07:56

Bob wrote: Perhaps my wife is right and I am turning into Victor Meldrew!

We are all Victor Meldrew.

Except Richard Wilson, obviously. He's just an actor.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 02 Sep 2005, 22:20

You can tell I'm bored tonight!

Noticed a few weeks ago that the Shamanic Centre has also got rid of the seemingly obligatory for all new shops canary yellow and changed it to a much calmer dark green. Just a pity they dripped most of it on the pavement

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 02 Sep 2005, 22:27

You can thank Portobello Amenity Society for that one. There are lots of unsung heroes in Portobello and many of them are involved in PAS.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 02 Sep 2005, 22:29

Not sure about the one at the top of Pipe Street either. Cheery but .......

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 02 Sep 2005, 22:35

Are we talking Get Creative? A welcome addition to the High Street surely? Dunno about the shop front but I'm sure PAS will soon sort them out if it's inappropriate.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 02 Sep 2005, 22:39

Not complaining about the concept but the frontage is pretty dire.

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 02 Sep 2005, 23:04

I thought the frontage was ok, quite cheery

Pal of Porty · Post by **Pal of Porty** » 02 Sep 2005, 23:34

I thought it was bright and energetic too but I have yet to have a look inside.

Designing a shop front is easy if you have:

a) Pots of Money or are not bothered about making a profit.

b) Lots of ideas of what shops should do as you pass on the 26 bus in the morning.

In this commercial world of trying your hardest to attract every single customer you can - who is to say (commercially speaking) that painting your shop in polka dots is a bad idea?

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 03 Sep 2005, 17:15

Because it's a conservation area and rules must be adhered to - you can't just go about painting your shop canary yellow you know, with or without the polka dots

ceejam · Post by **ceejam** » 05 Sep 2005, 15:27

The Evergreen shop along from Woodwares is looking very tatty these days since the Chinese "Sesame" was refronted!

As does the Charidee shop next to Pizza paradise. The Figgate Whins and the Pop Inn both look horrendous with it's security shutters up.

Talk Porty ~ Portobello

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