Chapel Allerton Indies : Bloc Studio

This year we’re shining a light on our neighbouring independent businesses in Chapel Allerton.

Just walk down the Harrogate Road and you’ll find a great selection of independent shops and businesses for all your gift, food and well-being needs

This week we’re focusing on Bloc Studio, a new reformer pilates studio run by Hannah & Katie.

To get to know Bloc Studio a little bit more, here’s a little interview I did with Hannah & Katie…

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business, including team members:

We are Hannah & Katie – the owners of BLOC STUDIO. We are a boutique Reformer Pilates studio located on Well Lane in the heart of Chapel Allerton.

 We are a brand-new business, only getting the keys to our space on 1st January and have since done a full refurb. We wanted to create a welcoming and inclusive studio, where every BODY - no matter age, fitness level or background - can experience the benefits of mindful movement, functional strength and improved mobility.

 How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

 We have known each other for 19 years and have always loved exercising together so when we discovered Reformer it felt like a business opportunity that we couldn’t miss out on. We both left our corporate careers at the end of 2024 to pursue our business venture and are so excited to see what we can achieve together doing what we love.

 What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

 At the minute, we are still finding our feet in the business word having only just opened with our timetable starting on the 3rd of February.

A normal day in January involved lots of DIY, deliveries, workmen, cleaning and decisions to be made! Now our studio renovation is finished, our timetable starts on the 3rd of February, so we expect our days to be full of Reformer Pilates and Marketing.

 Biggest achievement to date (personally and / or business wise)?

 Opening BLOC STUDIO and playing a huge part in the renovations is definitely our biggest achievement. Having a vision of what we wanted our space to look like and getting out hands dirty to create it is has been a really special time for us and something we are immensely proud of.

 Favourite service your deliver

 Obviously, our Reformer classes!

We have a variety of classes to suit everybody’s needs and abilities ranging from beginner to intermediate as well as specialist pre and post-natal classes. All our class information can be found on our website

Best & worst thing about running your own business?

Since leaving the corporate world, being our own boss and investing in something that we LOVE has been the best thing about running our business so far. We have big plans over the next few months that we can’t wait to share with everyone.

 Plans for 2025 / the future?

 We want to create an inclusive community where wellness it at the heart of everything we do. Filling our timetable and running events is a key focus for us this year so we hope to partner with lots of like-minded people to bring people together outside of our usual timetable.

 Something funny / unusual / different about yourself that perhaps different about yourself that perhaps your customers don’t know!

 Katie and I actually met in Sommerfield in Oakwood (back in the day when Home Bargains used to be Sommerfield) where we both worked on the checkouts! We instantly got along and have been friends ever since.

Where can we find you:

31 Well Lane LS7 4PQ

All classes can we book via the website or app and run Monday – Saturday between 6am – 8-15pm

www.blocstudio.co.uk

IG - @blocstudioreformerpilates

FB - BLOC Studio Reformer Pilates

Chapel Allerton Indies : The Perfumed Garden

This year we’re shining a light on our neighbouring independent businesses in Chapel Allerton.

Just walk down the Harrogate Road and you’ll find a great selection of independent shops and businesses for all your gift, food and well-being needs

This week we’re focusing on The Perfumed Garden, a gorgeous florist run by Carole.

To get to know The Perfumed Garden a little bit more, here’s a little interview I did with Carole…

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business, including team members

I’m Carole and I’ve had my little empire here in CA for 15 years. BC, (that’s Before Carole), the business was a super tiny little traditional flower shop that my late Mum in law set up in 1997.
Working alongside myself, is the head of security and concierge….  Oliver !! Officially the meeter and greeter who will be your best friend in exchange for a treat !
Im lucky that my family help out when I’m busy alongside a couple of a very good florist friends.

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

I got into floristry after a disastrous start at hair dressing college. So opted for a YTS in a flower shop. (Showing my age now !) I’d always been plant monitor throughout school and was super creative, so thought this was the next best thing.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

I’m up early and get to the shop long before folk are about. Get Oliver sorted with breakfast and a pooch mooch, before setting up the shop for the day, then hopefully sitting in the sun with a coffee (or three). 

Biggest achievement to date?

I can’t actually think of just one achievement, cause to be fair, there’s lots, but perhaps the funniest one is when I became a bit of a tv star when I lived in NZ. Someone somewhere will still have the video evidence of that !

Favourite product you sell?

My personal favourite product would have to be our tropical hand tied of flowers. Bold , bright  and a beautiful statement ! Lovely to deliver and see the recipients face!!

Best & worst thing about running your own business?

The best thing about running my own business is the freedom, not having to report to anyone senior, stocking exactly what I like and chatting to folk ! Especially fellow ‘doggers’ (just to clarify: that’s the 4 paws and waggy tail variety) The worst thing is without a doubt,  the days when it’s absolutely dead as a door nail and I spend all day long in here waiting !!!

Favourite time of your in the business?

My favourite time of year is the build up to any peak periods when I have lots of folk helping in the shop.

Is there another business in Chapel Allerton you’d like to run for a day?

I wouldn’t like to run any other business in CA but I’d be happy to help anyone for a day.

Plans for 2025 / the future?

I’ve started the year selling my house and trying to find somewhere to live in CA, so my main focus this year will be trying to improve my business whilst cost cutting at the same time !!

Why should people shop local and support their local indie businesses?

CA is a beautiful suburb to live in. Without bricks and mortar businesses like ours, it would be just like many of the less affluent areas around us. Keep the high street thriving !! Support us !! Please !!

Where can we find you?

We’re at 19 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton

Instagram & Facebook : @theperfumedgardenleeds

www.theperfumedgarden.co.uk

Chapel Allerton Indies : Chirpy

This year we’re shining a light on our neighbouring independent businesses in Chapel Allerton.

Just walk down the Harrogate Road and you’ll find a great selection of independent shops and businesses for all your gift, food and well-being needs

This week we’re focusing on our own business, Chirpy, run by me, Jo McBeath, for the last 8 years.

To get to know Chirpy a little bit more, here’s a little interview I did…

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business, including team members

I’m Jo, the owner of Chirpy. I live in Chapel Allerton, 10 minutes walk from Chirpy but I’m originally from Durham. I’m married and have a daughter who’s at university and a rescue cat called Bob. When I’m not in the shop I love pilates, swimming and walking and am currently training for a 100km charity trek on the isle of Skye in the summer.

Chirpy is a design led gift shop, stocking everything from ceramics, cards, jewellery and toiletries. We also have a lovely upstairs space where we run workshops, pop ups and events. It’s in the heart of a brilliant community with lots of other independent shops and businesses which I love being part of. I have a great little team who help me – Jenna, Lizzie and Hannah which means I can have some days off and occasionally go on holiday!

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

Having a shop was never my plan, it was very much a right time, right place. Chirpy came up for sale 8 years ago and I was looking for a change from my corporate career so I just went for it. My biggest impulse buy! I very much learnt on the job, and am still learning. My back ground is Operations Management so I try and use those skills to balance all the demands of running a small business. I love collaborating with other local businesses to encourage us to work together to make Chapel Allerton a brilliant place to work and shop.

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

I’m really lucky that I can walk to Chirpy, often seeing lots of my regular customers on the way. The first job is to put the kettle and Radio 6 on! I usually have a walk around the shop to check that everything is stocked up and in the right place. Then I look at my social media – I try to have a plan of what to post each day and I’ll reply to any messages I’ve received. I’ll sort any online orders that have come in overnight, putting them to one side to parcel up in the afternoon to take to the post office on the way home. Hopefully the rest of the day is serving our lovely customers, and while it’s quiet I can get on with admin, answer emails, write newsletters, marketing, planning. There’s always something to do. I usually nip to the supermarket on my way home to get something for dinner  - I’m not that organised to plan at the beginning of the week.

Biggest achievement to date?

Buying Chirpy and keeping it going for the last 8 years has been a huge achievement, especially through Covid.

I’m really proud of the amount of money I’ve managed to raise over the last 8 years for Breast Cancer charities through events and products sales in the shop and the generosity of my Chirpy customers. I’m about to embark on a big charity trek and I have a feeling I’ll be pretty proud when I’ve completed that!  

Favourite product you sell?

I love the bespoke North Leeds products we sell which are unique to Chirpy. We sell a range of mugs, tea towels, prints & coasters with designs of Chapel Allerton, Meanwood, Roundhay & Headingley  and they are always really popular gifts for people who are proud of where they live or as momentos for people who visit them. I also love the Chirpy charity tea towels and cards we’ve had designed with a local artist Sarah Thornton with 100% profits going towards Coppafeel.

Best & worst thing about running your own business?

I love being part of such a vibrant community in Chapel Allerton and getting to know all the other business owners. And I love the shop when there’s a constant stream of customers, even if they just pop in to buy a card or have a chat, as I Iove to be busy.

The worst thing is all the hidden costs involved in running a business especially when it’s an old building and things go wrong. And sometimes I do think it would be nice for someone to pay me a wage, give me holidays and a pension!

Favourite time of your in the business?

I love Spring and Mother’s Day. I love the change of the seasons, getting lots of gorgeous new colourful stock in at that time of year. It’s lovely that some many dads and their children come in the shop and know that I’ll have a great idea for what gifts the mums in Chapel Allerton would like. I also love November! Not for the weather but as it’s my anniversary in the shop and every year I celebrate with a shopping event, cake, discounts and goodie bags  - there’s a real party atmosphere in the shop.  

Is there another business in Chapel Allerton you’d like to run for a day?

I’m sure it wouldn’t be good for my waist line but I’d love to run the cheesemongers George & Joseph for a day!

Plans for 2025 / the future?

I’ve just signed a new 6 year lease so I’m in full planning mode! I want to build on the workshops and events we run. We’ve got a monthly pop up starting in March with Katie&May, a womenswear business who was based in Chapel Allerton. I also want to continue to be the go to shop for the best gifts in Chapel Allerton.

Why should people shop local and support their local indie businesses?

Chapel Allerton is a great place to live, work and shop. We’re so lucky to have such a vibrant high street where you can walk from one end of the street to the other and be able to get everything you need, from cheese, fish, meat, fruit & veg, cake, gifts, toys, plants, books and also do pilates & yoga as well as have great food and drink. To keep our high street surviving and thriving we need to keep supporting those businesses every week not just at Christmas.

Something funny / unusual / different about yourself that perhaps different about yourself that perhaps your customers don’t know!

I’ve been on Strictly Come Dancing! Not actually as a contestant but I was part of the interviews with the public at the beginning of the final in 2023!

Where can we find you?

We’re at 148 Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton up some small steps  

Opening hours :

Monday – Saturday 9:30am – 5pm

1st Sunday of the month

Instagram & Facebook : @chirpystore 

www.chirpystore.co.uk

Chapel Allerton Indies : Rebel & Rose

This year we’re shining a light on our neighbouring independent businesses in Chapel Allerton.

Just walk down the Harrogate Road and you’ll find a great selection of independent shops and businesses for all your gift, food and well-being needs

This week we’re focusing on Rebel & Rose run by Rachael Brereton, which has been in Chapel Allerton for almost 6 years.

To get to know Rebel & Rose a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with Rachael…

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business, including team members

Hi, I'm Rachael and I'm the owner of Rebel & Rose, my shop is nearly 6 years old. I have 6 members of staff in total, Wendy being my regular part time member and Isobel being my Saturday girl. The others work over the very busy Christmas period  

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

I opened a similar shop in Ripon (which I had for 5 years), but I live in Roundhay so somewhere nearer was preferable. I had been looking for the perfect premises for ages and knew immediately that Chapel Allerton was the place for me. I LOVE my shop here

What does a ‘normal’ day look like?

 I open at 9.30am and often have customers straight away,  I frequently go to the local gym (chapelallerton tennis club) before work so am in dire need of a coffee as soon as I open!

Customers pop in for a chat and to see what's new, they usually don't know what they want but feel sure they'll find it in my shop (which is an amazing compliment). Hopefully a busy sales-day, lots of deliveries, merchandising, meetings with reps.

Biggest achievement to date?

 Surviving the covid lockdowns! I hadn't even been open for a year and was therefore not particularly established. Rebel & Rose not only survived but is now very much thriving...I'm proud of this - it has taken a lot of hard work 

Favourite product you sell?

Leather bags, I stock leather from beautiful,  British companies as well as Italian leather

My favourite gift items are from independent companies who hand make everything and tailor them particularly for Rebel & Rose .... I love having unique gifts in store 

Best & worst thing about running your own business?

Best: my own boss, independence,  huge pride, my hard work is for me, building relationships with customers,  experiencing the joy of customer loyalty, mentoring young staff, revelling in providing excellent customer service 

Worst: worry!!! ....it all falls to me, increasing business costs, the thought of shoplifters

Favourite time of your in the business?

 The run up to Christmas,  it's bonkers-busy! I love having a queue, I love the happy interaction between customers,  I love being able to exceed expectations and gift wrap all their purchases 

Is there another business in Chapel Allerton you’d like to run for a day?

 Lucy Craske holistic beauty, I use their products already but I would literally slather myself in all their gorgeous lotions & potions 

I would have a full day of massages (it's my day being in charge so I think that's completely acceptable 😁) the vibe in there is always so calming and serene...  I think I need a little bit of that, also the staff there are so lovely so I'd have a super day.

Plans for 2025 / the future?

New product ranges are coming in store from Feb onwards

I want to get a grip of my website,  this has been so neglected which is ridiculous. Now is the time to sort it out

I want to increase the amount of private 'sip & shop' parties that I do - they are great fun and generate a lot of income 

Why should people shop local and support their local indie businesses?

 Chapel Allerton has the BEST independent shops and I massively appreciate being part of it. The loyalty of our customers is outstanding.  I truly love finding the right product/gift for every single person

Something funny / unusual / different about yourself that perhaps different about yourself that perhaps your customers don’t know!

 I was heavily into the punk scene (1980's & '90's) shaved head/mohican 

I used to go out with an Australian Neighbours soap star

Where can we find you

4 Stainbeck Corner. Leeds. LS7 3PG 

(Insta) @rebel_and_rose

(Fb) @rebel.and.rose4

(Website) myrebelandrose.com

Katie & May Pops Ups at Chirpy

We’re delighted to be hosting a monthly Pop Up with Katie & May.

Bringing gorgeous women’s fashion back to Chapel Allerton.

Join Catherine as she pops upstair at Chirpy on the last Saturday of the month with all her usual Katie & May goodies.

Pop the dates in your diaries and see you there!

Chapel Allerton Indies : Armadillo Toys

This year we’re shining a light on our neighbouring independent businesses in Chapel Allerton.

Just walk down the Harrogate Road and you’ll find a great selection of independent shops and businesses for all your gift, food and well-being needs

This month we’re focusing on Armadillo Toys, an independent toy shop owned and run by Lisa Clay for over 20 years.

To get to know Armadillo Toys a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with Lisa…

Tell me a little bit about yourself & your business.

Hello my name is Lisa and I am the owner of Armadillo Toys. I’m married with 2 grown up children. We have been your local independent toy shop for 21 years, with 4 part time staff 2 of whom have been with me for more than 20 years. Amazing loyalty. 

How did you get into doing what you're doing?

When my children were young there was no internet shopping, we only had access to the high street stores and mail order catalogues. I knew there had to be something better out there for my children. This is why I started Armadillo Toys. 

What does a 'normal' day look like?

What still amazes me is that customers don’t see all the work involved in running a shop like mine. I’m sure you all think we stand there all day waiting for someone to come to the till. There’s an awful lot of stuff that goes on behind the scenes - think swan, that’s what it’s like.

A shop day involves me getting into work about 8.30. The first job is to make up balloon orders and check online orders. So what does happen, we vac and mop the floor, I may wash the windows, we tidy the shelves, believe it or not our little customers are not the tidiest, we also restock and organise the stockroom. Several times a week deliveries will arrive, so there’s unpacking, programming, pricing and putting the toys out on display. Then of course the most important part of a shop is that we help customers to find what they are looking for. We also gift wrap the majority of purchases for our customers too. Phew.

Biggest achievement to date?

Now my biggest achievement - do I think cheesy or professional? My cheesy answer is my family, I’ve 2 brilliant daughters and a fantastic husband and a dog called Jasper, they are my world. 

Professionally I’m proud to have managed to keep Armadillo Toys running for 21 years. We’ve survived the increasing reach of internet shopping, specifically but not exclusively Amazon, two recessions, the pandemic and the recent cost of living crisis.

We are still here due to the dedication of my loyal staff, hard work and most importantly our fabulous customers.

Favourite product you sell?

 I’m particularly proud of some of the special products we have put together, unique to us. I have created a range of ready to go pre wrapped gifts for baby to 8 years and our own range of story sacks to expand the joyful experience of reading with your child. These are unique to us and I think this is a real selling point.

Best & worst thing about running your own business?

Can I say customers? It’s a pleasure to serve our wonderful customers, we really do appreciate every one of you.But there’s always an exception, as you may have heard, shoplifting is rife and we are suffering more than ever from theft in store.

Is there another business in Chapel Allerton you'd like to run for a day?

I studied fashion at college and then textiles at degree level, so I’d love to get my hands on all the industrial machines at The Zipyard. Although I’ve always hated putting in zips. 

Plans for 2025 / the future?

I think 2025 could be a very tough year for small businesses, not to get political but increasing costs will have to take their toll. So we have to do more to reach out to customers, we know there are many easy ways to shop so we need to try harder to get our customers to step through the door.

Why should people shop local and support their local indie businesses?

Chapel Allerton really does have a fabulous community of independent shops, bars, restaurants and businesses. It’s part of the reason why it’s such a great place to live. However we do need you to shop with us not just browse, compare and buy online, as they say ‘a shop is for life not just for Christmas’

Something funny / unusual / different about yourself that perhaps your customers don't know!

I love classic cars, when I was seventeen I bought my first car and learned to drive and took my test in it - this was a Morris Minor, when I needed a larger vehicle (I ran a market stall in Camden market selling my own clothes and needed to transport stock) I bought a VW camper van. We now have a 1970’s Mercedes 450 SLC it’s a beast but I love it.

Where can we find you ?

Armadillo Toys is located at 112a Harrogate Road, Chapel Allerton, LS7 4NY

Open 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday 

Website www.armadillotoys.co.uk

Facebook @ArmadilloToys

Instagram @armadillotoys

Focus on ... Sophie Eloise Calligraphy

This month we’re focusing on Sophie from Sophie Eloise Calligraphy. Sophie will be running her Mindful Calligraphy workshop in Chirpy on 13th March.

To get to know Sophie a little bit more, here’s a little interview we did with her…

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

I’m Sophie, mum to a toddler and a whippet. I am a calligraphy artist, creating wedding signage and teaching workshops and also dabble in watercolour. I love trying new creative things but calligraphy has been consistent for me - I love the mindful nature and creating beautiful words!

How did you get into doing what you’re doing?

I attended a calligraphy workshop myself in 2017 and spent a lot of time practicing and making cards for family and friends. I then set up my instagram page in 2021 after hand painting signage and stationery for my own wedding. I wasn’t loving my day job and this provided me a lovely creative outlet. The following year I handcrafted wedding signage for 8 friends & family alongside my full time job. It was a huge learning curve but I got so much satisfaction from the end results. I started teaching workshops after requests and love sharing the practice!

Favourite things you’ve designed  / made?

I love my bespoke handpainted birth moon artwork. These combine my loves of calligraphy, watercolour and all things celestial! Sometimes it feels like the whole world is going digital, but nothing beats real, tangible pen and paper for me.

 Advice to someone looking to turn their hobby / talent into a business?

Just go for it! It’s cliche but stop waiting for the perfect time and just get started. I remember such a tingle when I first set up my instagram and business email address! Then my Etsy shop and everything else flowed from there. It’s brave taking the leap but so worth it and I love looking back at my journey to see how things have evolved and grown.

 Is there a craft you’ve not tried but would love to?

I’d love to try making my own jewellery!

What do you love best about running workshops?

Supporting people to relax and enjoy trying something new, whilst simultaneously slowing down and being really mindful about what they’re doing. We live in such a fast paced world, I like to see my workshops as two hours of calm, presence and screen free time!

Why should people shop local and support their local indie businesses?

 I love how supporting local businesses is championing someone else’s dream, and keeping local areas interesting and unique! I made a real effort to shop local for Christmas this year - every time you spend is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in ✨🌎

You can join Sophie on her next Calligraphy workshop on Thursday 13th March - click HERE to find out more and book

The Skye's the Limit!

It’s one week since I found out I’d been accepted on the COPPAFEEL Isle of Skye Trek.

In June I’ll be swapping my converse for my walking boots and walking 100kn over 5 days on this beautiful island.

To help me reach my £2500 fund-raising target you can donate via her Just Giving Page HERE

You can also buy our bespoke cards, tea towels and prints, designed by Sarah Thornton, in store and online

Buy Chirpy Charity Proudcts

Watch this space for more fundraising activities and to keep track of how my training is going.

Thanks for all your support for this great adventure and fundraising in the past for Breast Cancer Charities

Chirpy x Sarah Thornton Art - a charity collaboration

In 2025 we’re continuing to support COPPAFEEL - an amazing charity which helps support awareness of Breast Cancer amongst young people.

We’re delighted to announce that this June 2025, Jo, the owner of Chirpy, will be taking part in the Coppafeel Charity Trek on the Isle of Skye. She’ll be trekking for 100km over 5 days to raise money for the charity.

To help with her fundraising, with a target of £2500, 100% of sales for these charity products will be donated to Coppafeel.

Designed by Sarah Thornton Art, Sarah has designed a set of products featuring our own Chirpy, which are now available in store and online. There's 2 tea towels and cards to choose from (or why not buy them all?), all designed by Sarah and printed in the UK.

Every year we raise money for a Breast Cancer charity, last year raising enough to sponsor a Breast Cancer Now nurse for a year. So thank you to all our Chirpy customers as we couldn’t do it with you!

To support us and help us raise money just head to the products online here

We're Open every day until Christmas!

We’re Open every day now until & including Christmas Eve!

Making it easy for you to shop your local high street!

We’re Open

Monday - Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm

Thursdays until 7:30pm

Saturday 9:30am - 5pm

Sunday 10:30am - 3:30pm

Don’t forget you can order online for Click and Collect too or we can deliver or send on your behalf

Making it so easy for you to shop local this Christmas!

Happy Chirpy Christmas!