New independent business provides locally produced goods and services from Middleton's oldest surviving mill

The Community Store at Lodge

A new independent business has opened inside Middleton's oldest surviving mill, Lodge Mill, providing locally produced goods and services.

The Community Store at Lodge is tucked away next to the Ice Cream Shop at Lodge and accessed via the riverside garden. It is run by Karen Boutell, a shared dream of hers and Paula Hickey’s, who owns the Townley Street mill and runs the Ice Cream Shop at Lodge.

Described by Paula as “quirky, interesting little store that supplies the most magical and amazing locally crafted or locally sourced products,” the new shop sells craft products such as honey, cheeses, jewellery, dresses, Viking runes and dragons.

Paula added: “It offers a space to all our wonderful, talented artists, bakers, crafters, knitters, quilters, photographers, potters, wood or metal workers, preserve makers, fruit and veg growers, cake makers, beauty products, chocolatiers, small independent businesses or if you just make the cutest little thingamabobs to bring the products to a local market space in the centre of our town.

“Whether you want to buy a special something for a special someone, just to treat yourself and believe in shopping locally to support your small local businesses you really should pay this little piece of retail heaven a visit."

The Community Store at Lodge opened on 15 April and will be open from Wednesdays to Sundays, 10am to 5pm.