UK Independents’ Day Weekend 2023

Located in Bailgate area of the historical Cathedral city of Lincoln, Follie is a beautiful independent shop run by local businesswoman Josie Rossington. Opening in 2004, they sell a wonderful collection of jewellery, gifts, cards, home accessories as well as a few vintage items found on their travels. Follie is a sanctuary for those looking for a variety of gorgeous handmade gifts, unique treasures and one-off pieces.

Follie’s collection of individual and quirky choices will delight and inspire you to find that special gift for a friend, something for your home or a treat to indulge yourself.

Owner, Josie is a passionate champion of independent businesses in Lincoln and believes that we are lucky to have so many individual shops and businesses in the city, especially the Bailgate and Uphill area. Josie added “it’s still very much a place where both locals and visitors come to shop and the combination of all our history in the Cathedral & Castle area as well as the independents, really does make it special and unique”.

Find out more, here.

Trent Galleries is a brilliant independent fine art retailer based on Lincoln’s Sincil Street.

Selling art for the past 30 years, they specialise in limited edition pieces and a range of original art from various artists across the globe.

For a relaxed, personal, and exiting experience visiting a gallery and purchasing art, make sure you visit Trent Galleries! The team are dedicated in helping you find the perfect piece of contemporary fine art from a diverse portfolio of award-winning artists.

Did you know, Trent Galleries also have galleries based in Newark, Beverley and Oakham!

Art lovers and enthusiasts are invited to their upcoming event on Saturday 19th August (1 – 3pm) with Doug Hyde, who will be unveiling his new artwork collection.

To reserve your space, call the gallery on 01522 522000

Don’t miss this exclusive event, providing an exciting opportunity to purchase artwork from one of the most popular artists at work in Britain today.

Visit their website, here.

Trebles is one of the most popular independent bars to visit in town during the week and over the weekend, it is the ultimate start to any night!

For over 10 years, Trebles has been Lincoln's original Trebles for Singles bar. This unique venue offers drinks no other venue in town can… From a Treble JJ Whitley Gin & Tonic to a Treble JJ Whitley Artisanal Vodka & Vimto, with plenty of other choices in between, they’ve got something for everyone! You can also order from a wide variety of premium spirits, draughts, bottles and cocktails.

They also have LIQUOR located just upstairs available to hire 7 days a week, covering everything from Birthday Parties, Christmas Parties, Cocktail Parties, Themed Events, Live Music Gigs, Private Hire, Wedding Receptions, Hen and Stag Parties and more!

Find out more about Trebles here!

Opening earlier this year on Sincil Street, this independent store offers fashion inspired by the styles of the 1940s and 50s and is owned by Emma Haigh, a local from Lincoln.

When opening the independent store, Emma commented “We believe that shopping should be an exciting experience and so we aim to flip the boring, ordinary, run of the mill shopping experience you’re used to on its head. Shopping should be something you look forward to, and that’s why at Jailhouse Frock we like to surprise and delight our customers with an inspiring and immersive shopping experience.”

Whether you want to feel like a glamorous vintage star, a film noir Femme Fatale or a 1940s/50s bad girl, they’ve got the clothes for everyone fitting a wide range of shapes and sizes. Jailhouse Frock will go above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service to help you find that special something to make you feel like the most confident, fabulous version of yourself!

Members are also invited to join an exclusive Facebook community group with access to regular events and meet ups. This includes vintage hair and make-up workshops, cinema trips and even tarot evenings.

Click here to visit their website!

With over 150 years of history, The Treaty of Commerce is one of Lincoln’s original high street pubs, serving locally sourced real ales from Batemans and a great choice of wines and gins!

The pub is located on the main High Street, only a few minutes’ walk from the railway station.

This independent pub is an ideal place to meet up with friends and relax after work with colleagues in their old fashioned, cosy interior. They also have a brilliant, secluded beer garden at the back of the pub, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of Lincoln’s high street! When the days get colder, make sure you still visit and keep warm with their lovely open fire.

Parties and special occasions can also be catered for.

Find out more, here.

The Fabric Corner is an independent fabric shop, located in the heart of the city of Lincoln. Originally starting inside Lincoln’s indoor Central Market, they moved to a more permanent location on Melville Street, allowing them to develop a much-needed creative community hub!

They offer a large range of high-quality dressmaking and craft fabrics, commercial and independent patterns, and haberdashery. Specialising in dressmaking fabrics, the Fabric Corner also stock a wide range of fabrics to meet a variety of project needs.

Their friendly and relaxed atmosphere helps everyone feel welcome, including craft experts and non-crafters alike.

Kay, the owner of Fabric Corner commented “I feel so proud to be a part of this lovely supportive community of independent businesses. Local businesses don't only build a stronger economy — they also build a stronger, supportive welcoming community.

I am grateful to the Lincoln community that continue to support us, and have helped us establish the shop into our 8th year. We are extremely thankful to every single customer, whether you’re purchasing one button or a whole bolt of fabric, anyone who makes the effort to come into the shop to purchase from us, instead of using online businesses or the bigger chains.

In return, we offer friendly and helpful customer service, specialised advice. One thing I can guarantee, you will be welcomed through the door with a happy smiling face, ready to help in whatever way we can!”

Visit their website, here. 

If you’re interested in sewing (or how to get started) or want to take part in their workshops, we recommend a visit to this delightful independent business!

The Curious Theatre School is a unique, independent Performing Arts School in the centre of Lincoln.

Set up in 2019 by well-known actor Ayden Callaghan and presenter / West End performer Sarah Jane Honeywell, The Curious Theatre School aims to bring the professional side of the creative arts to Lincoln, a place they are both passionate about.

Both owners are from working class backgrounds and understand the obstacles that can be faced when wanting to go into the performing arts. Therefore, they hope to bridge the gap through the contacts they’ve made throughout their careers and by providing students with the correct and decisive knowledge to make it in the industry. The Curious Theatre School is also a Community Interest Company, helping more students accomplish their dreams.

All their students have the chance to be part of Michelle Blair Management, a top agent in London. Recent students have been accepted for the Royal Welsh College Of Music & Drama, taken part in 4 commercials (TV and short films) and are often asked to perform at professional events.

If you’re interested in the performing industry, we’d recommend visiting The Curious Theatre School to learn more from the experts!

Find out more here!