Frome is where the heart is
After a couple of years living and working in Brighton - my wife and I felt the draw of returning home to the South West. Little did we know we’d end up calling the market town of Frome home.
Our plan originally was to move back to Bristol, our home before but after a chance visit to the Frome Independent Market (our very first Frome Independent) way back in 2017, it changed everything.
For me I was instantly taken in by this free-spirited town – its community feel, slower pace of life, independent shops and friendly folk. Seeing so many individuals and small businesses going it alone, making and selling their wares to the world really resonated with me and has lit a fire in me ever since.
INDEPENDENT CREATIVITY
Now, almost 5 years later, I too class myself as one of those people – a free-spirited Fromie who’s gone it alone. Using my passion for design, lettering and ethos of doing good work for good people – I focus my energy on helping others do the same as me - turn their passion into their living.
Whether I’m designing a brand identity for a new business or strategising and art directing an already established brand, sign painting a shop front or A-board or building an eCommerce site – I’m proud to work with a host of independent makers, breakers, dreamers and doers and help them tell their story.
During the past few years I have worked with artisan coffee makers, a couple of underground farmers, a beauty therapist who became a post-lockdown success story and loads more cool creative people I’m now lucky enough to class as friends.
Looking back I honestly don’t think my path would have mapped out the way it has without my relocation to Frome. The town has changed my outlook – both personally and professionally – shifting my focus to helping inspiring individuals take their next steps whilst also giving me the confidence to do it myself – I see people everyday who are out there doing it and it drives me.
A GUIDE tO WHAT TO DO IN FROME
Now I’m not one of those people who is all about work and no play – I’ve got a 3-year-old after all! When I’m not designing and running my business I love spending my time in the great outdoors, getting back to nature - which for me means weekend camping trips away, trail running and a bit of climbing.
But I love my weekends at home too – especially when the Frome Independent is on. If you’ve never visited Frome before, or if you’re planning to come over for a day trip anytime soon, I can highly recommend a few of my favourite spots…
Nomad
If you’re a fan of the great outdoors like me, then you won’t find a better store than Nomad. They supply clothing and equipment that’s made responsibily and built to last. Everytime I walk past it with my daughter, Ada she will call out, ‘hey, it’s daddy’s favourite shop!’.
Pilea
We love plants in our house and Pilea houses the most beautiful (and most unusual) houseplants I’ve seen. It’s hands down the nicest looking plant shop I’ve come across – if you don’t believe me take a look at their Instagram!
Rye bakery
In need of some refreshments after a walk around town? Rye Bakery, based inside a converted chapel, offers a variety of delicious breads and pastries along with a range of organic treats. It’s well worth a visit!
Kobi & Teal
Another gem of Frome, Kobi & Teal is a design shop and art gallery, which presents work by independent artists and makers. The products for sale range from home and lifestyle products, interior accessories to furniture and lighting.
Riverhouse Cafe
You can’t beat a decent go-to cafe, one you know you can rely on time and time again for good coffee and good food. For as long as I can remember the Riverhouse has been that cafe. They recently moved from their previous location on the bridge into the Black Swan Gallery and I’m pleased to say that everything I loved about them before moved with them.
Bistro Lotte
This beautiful restaurant is the go to place for us when we get an evening out. It’s like a little part of Paris right in here in Frome - it’s always delivered and that’s why we continue to go back. A proper gem of a place!
Frome Hardware
This cool hardware store seamlessly mixed the old with the new. It stocks the essentials every home could possibly need along with a few well designed pieces you never knew you needed! They also have a very cool laser cutter which I’ve used on a couple of design projects!
the frome Independent Market
www.thefromeindependent.org.uk
What kind of guide would this be if I didn’t mention the Frome Independent Market? It on the first Sunday of every month between March–December and it’s what helped us chose to move to Frome in the first place!
Frome Boulder Rooms
OK, so this might not be a destination for the casual visitor but I’m so stoked Frome now has its own climbing wall (and what a wall!). Bristol would be our closest location but I don’t think it’s a patch on this place (of course I would say that!).
If you’re looking to brand your new business and would like a free 30 minute consultation to chat about how I could help you, please get in touch with me today by emailing - rich@richcstudio.co.uk
