The Arcade in which our Bournemouth store is situated was built in 1866 by Henry Joy. It was originally two rows of shops with identical facades, then in 1873 the glass roof was added to create The Arcade as we know it. By 1871 the Arcade housed a Post Office, Milliner, stationer, Cigar Merchant, tailor, umbrella maker, confectioner, and jeweller amongst others. The importance of the Arcade was recognised in 1974 when it was listed as a Grade II building or Special Architectural or Historical Interest. At the rear of our Bournemouth store is a beautiful stained glass window, complete with original leadwork, that has survived since the Arcade was built. It depicts a lady holding a basket of fruit and various other food themed motifs. We have been told that this relates to the fact that the store was once a high class fruiterer and delicatessen, but accurate records are hard to come by.
Bournemouth was the third of our stores to open. It was opened in July of 1993 and continues today to be a favourite amongst locals and summer tourists.