THE Southgate Street Soiree saw six independent businesses open their doors to the public one evening recently.

The evening that promised a re-discovery of Winchester’s Southgate Street, whilst enjoying a glass of prosecco and relaxed conversation.

Six venues opened their doors for a special evening that invited Winchester shoppers to experience the vibrant array of businesses and independent retailers that exist along Southgate Street.

The businesses that took part included BluBambu, who source furniture and accessories from Indonesia; Claridge Fine Art, championing contemporary and emerging fine art; Searle & Taylor, a bespoke kitchen design service; Sass & Edge, an award-winning independent womenswear boutique, and familiar franchises Toni & Guy and Hotel du Vin.

Most of the businesses are relative;y new to the city although Hotel du Vin opened in 1994 and Tony & Guy, were previously on the corner of St George’s Street and Jewry Street for many years.

The Soiree, attended by the Mayor of Winchester, Frank Pearson, was a huge success that attracted many Winchester shoppers out for the evening, and the event coincided with Winchester BID’s Independents Month.