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Community News

Independent Old Town - the Bohemian centre of Swindon?

Wood Street in Old Town - retail haven for the established, long serving businesses of Swindon and the new, bohemian start-ups such as Balula’s Delicatessen

When you think of a cultural centre Co-owner Greg Miszowski said:
for Swindon, a hub of creativity “There is such a great business
and vibrancy that stands out across community here thanks in part to
the area, most would immediately the Old Town Business Association.
think of Old Town. With its juice It brings all of these retailers
and cocktail bars, vinyl record together and promotes the area. In
stores, cafes, delicatessens, art the end, if one of these businesses
galleries and even pioneering does well, we all benefit because
digital micro-businesses, this area people are coming to see what’s
is becoming a bohemian heartland on offer.
for the independent spirit of the “Everything here is just a bit more
town. unique than what you would see
The opening of the Oink Gallery on the High Street. The businesses
in late September showcased Old offer such a variety that you
Town’s swing towards being a wouldn’t see in a big chain store,
centre for independent retailers and people like browsing the area,
looking for a place to express their not just one place. You don’t just
The Core on Devizes Road - healthy eating unlike anything you wildest ideas. pop into Old Town for one thing.
will find elsewhere in Swindon Oink’s owner, Mark Pepperall of “We’ve had a lot of help from
Hot Pepper Design said: “I think people like Graham at Dotty’s Cafe
there’s something really exciting who has nurtured us through our
happening in Old Town at the first months as a company and
moment with loads of independent helped solve problems we didn’t
businesses upping their game; it’s know we would have. I think that
gradually becoming the Clifton independent feel comes across
of Swindon and there’s so much in the service you get and keeps
potential here for it to get better bringing customers back.”
and better! Kris Talikowski is part of the Old
“It’ll be really great to become Town Business Association and
one of those businesses offering runs The Core juice bar also on
something completely different to Devizes Road. He said: “This area is
the mix.” a fantastic hub that wouldn’t work
Those new businesses include anywhere else. You could liken it
RPM Records on Devizes Road, who to Clifton in Bristol or Shoreditch
have now been open for almost and Camden in London. We run the
six months and have been reaping only truly healthy place to eat and
the rewards of the community drink in the whole town, and that’s
spirit in Old Town that comes from something that just wouldn’t work
Baila Coffee and Vinyl on Victoria Road - what could be more bohemian than the sheer volume of independent on the High Street. But here it’s
a cup of strong, artisan coffee and some classic records to relax retailers. perfect.
10 swindonlink.com n November 2016

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