Explore The Market Quarter with budding entrepreneur Tracy Jones

Market Street and the surrounding area, otherwise known as the Market Quarter, is home to a collection of unique independent shops and hidden gems.

This charming part of town is a lively, colourful area that features a cluster of unique venues. Take a stroll and browse shops selling handcrafted knickknacks and trinkets that are perfect for gift shopping.

Many new businesses moved into the Market Quarter following the opening of Southport Market in 2021. One of those business is The Plant Room, which sells a bespoke range of houseplants, indoor foliage, and flowers.

Owner Tracey Jones moved to Southport from Brighton and opened the store in 2023.  The floral emporium was an immediate hit with local people and the Plant Room took home a prestigious award at the 2024 Your Southport Stars Awards.

Tracy said: “The Market Quarter reminded me of similar places in Brighton.  You can sit outside and enjoy something to eat and there’s plenty of independent shops”

“I saw potential in this area.  I opened here because of the transformations taking place.”

Work on the first phase of the Les Transformations de Southport scheme began in the area in early 2025.  Once finished, the Market Quarter will be transformed with improved public spaces that will be feature wider footways, pedestrianised areas, and new street furniture.

Love local

The Market Quarter has so much to offer for those who enjoy unique high street experiences.  Shops, food and drink, services.  Nearly all are independently owned and operated by local people.

“It’s a very community-led area and we all work together.  There’s a great food and drink offer alongside plenty of independent outlets.”

“Sophie at Flora Health Shop offers a great range of diverse health products.”

“Michelle at Season Coffee, Bar and Kitchen has a changing menu and serves fantastic coffee.”

Tracy’s neighbours on Market Street also include Crystal and Crowns, The Cake Box, and Market Quarter Tattoo.

Quicksilver Music welcomes record collectors from miles around visit to browse their collection of new and used vinyl.

Tracy is also excited by the new Harp Coffee and Games which has opened on King Street.  “It’s somewhere you can take the kids or go as a group and learn to play new games.  It’s another unique thing for this area.”

Central to all the activity is Southport Market, which features some of the finest food traders around and is a great place to eat out with the kids.  There’s also the much-loved Blackhurst Butchers and Irish bar Connoly’s.

That’s just a taste of the offer of The Market Quarter; a place where dedicated independent businesses are ready to welcome you with open arms.

Tracy sums it up: “You easily can spend an hour or so here, mooching around the shops and stopping for something to eat or drink.  You’ll always come across something that you can’t find anywhere else.”

Make sure to visit the dedicated Facebook page, which features the latest news from businesses in the area.

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