A quieter part of Plymouth is a perfect stroll away from the crowds – and there’s even an “ideal long term home” to rent in one old street. There’s also a friendly tattoo parlour where holidaymakers pop into for an embossed memento of their stay in the city.
This part of the Barbican, tucked away from the main stretch, is described as “very cute” by two American tourists who marvelled at the cobbled streets.
New Street, which runs parallel to busy Southside Street, is one of the oldest streets in the city, but even in the busy holiday season it’s often a quiet spot.
An old tea room on New Street has recently been transformed – and shop owners nearby say there’s much interest in the building, although as yet it’s unknown what it will become. Just next door to this, “affordable” wedding rings can be purchased from a shop that offers two different old and new options.
American tourists, David and Carrie Frank enjoyed visiting the area. The husband-and-wife were on a ten-day tour of the UK and were visiting The Mayflower Museum nearby.
(Image: Katie Oborn)
Carrie said: “We picked this street to walk down because we like the quiet, it’s not crowded and it’s very cute. It’s a walk in history for us as our country is only 250 years old.”
New Sun Tattoo recently moved into a tattoo parlour on New Street that was previously Dust ‘n’ Bones. The new business is run by 30-year-old Morgan Lee, who learned the trade via an apprenticeship with his dad, who is also a tattooist.
Morgan said: “This street (New Street) is full of really nice people working here. As a tattoo shop, we try to be less intimidating and more approachable.
“During summer we get a lot of holidaymakers popping in for an impulsive tattoo. People don’t always want an object to remember their stay in Plymouth by, so they opt for a tattoo instead.
(Image: Katie Oborn)
“Tattoos are a big part of showing people who you are and what you’re interested in. There’s a lack of individuality these days as most people shop (for clothes) in the same shops so tattoos add a little bit of spike.”
Morgan explains that they cover all styles of tattoos at the New Sun Tattoo shop including “traditional with a twist”, Japanese-style and realism. There are seven tattooists working at the large tattoo parlour.
Out the back of the shop is another ‘hidden’ business – Il Pleut Screen Printing. The designers and illustrators work closely with New Sun Tattoo creating unique designs for clothing and tattoos.
Just around the corner is jeweller shop, The Magpies Nest run by husband-and-wife team Tracey Cherry, aged 52, and Chris Cherry, aged 58. Chris is a silversmith who makes jewellery on the premises and Tracey sources collectable vintage pieces for the shop – the couple said it’s the “perfect place” to purchase an engagement ring.
(Image: Katie Oborn)
Tracey said: “We love what we do and the jewellery we are selling is affordable and sustainable. I never know what I’ll come across when sourcing for the shop, there’s a romance to it – the past story and who wore it previously. Most vintage jewellery is also better quality. We all support each other in this part of the Barbican, there’s great community spirit here.”
Chris is a self taught silversmith who makes bespoke pieces, he can also “set diamonds in silver” and enjoys creating “things that mean something to people”. The couple explained that their interest in jewellery was initially a hobby, then they relocated to Plymouth from Yorkshire several years ago and set up the shop.
Next door to The Magpies Nest is the listed building which was once The Strand Tea Rooms and the property has recently had alterations to shopfront. The original tea room business moved out years ago, but business owners surrounding it are waiting in anticipation to see what it will become next.
(Image: Katie Oborn)
The Grade II listed building is said to be “in demand” with several interested in taking it on. The Elizabethan building dates back to 1581 and is protected due to it being in the Barbican Conservation Area.
There’s an opportunity to move into another very old building, The Tudor House, nearby. A “flat to let” sign – a rare sight these days – is on display in a window offering the “ideal long term home”.
(Image: Katie Oborn)
Living there would be convenient if you’re a sweet lover as just down the cobbled road is The Old Quay House Tuck Shop, owned by Emma Leitch.
The 44-year-old describes the sweet shop as “nostalgic” and some of the treats inside are made locally, such as the Cornish fudge.
Emma said: “The shop is cute and traditional, we are full of old school sweets. The sweet shop has been there for a long time and does well – this summer has been steady. The Barbican has a nice community feel – everyone knows each other.”
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