Lockdown was a time to think and plan. As a result, there are some big changes at Nauticalia and it is very exciting!
You will have seen the focus has shifted from gifts to coffee and cakes. The venture has proved very popular with walkers, cyclists and locals and the seating areas have expanded. The final changes are now happening and a stunning retail space has sprung up at the back of the premises. Accessible through folding doors at the back, you see a courtyard of attractive units. All in all there will be 9 separate businesses. One side offers home wares, gifts, clothing and sweet treats. The other side is hosting a hair dresser (you will recognise Pete from Benson’s), with the plan to bring in a beautician and nail bar. These independent units are all run by Shepperton people so fantastically local.
During November and December there will be late night shopping until 8pm every Wednesday and there are plans to offer light suppers of soup and baked potatoes. There will also be two Christmas markets, scheduled for 13th November and 11th December and a large Christmas tree will grace the central courtyard. It sounds fabulous!
Increasingly Nauticalia has become a community meeting space with many local groups using it, as well as individuals bringing laptops and using the free WiFi as working life has changed. Dogs too are welcome! There is even a defibrillator hosted here, paid for by the council. We love it!