Southside Street in Plymouth is a ‘beating heart’ where community spirit ‘shines’, it’s been described as experiencing the ‘past, present and future all on one special stretch’
A bustling UK street encircled by sea and cobblestones serves as a ‘beating heart’ where community spirit ‘shines’, described as offering the ‘past, present and future all on one special stretch’.
It boasts traditional pubs, frequently packed with punters – and features independent shops, cafés and eateries, including Britain’s most ancient bakery.
There’s a delightful arcade and abundant seafood given its proximity to the ocean – and the historic street on Plymouth’s Barbican has witnessed one of its ‘busiest summers yet’.
However, the ‘prime location’ isn’t without its disadvantages, as when conditions deteriorate, Southside Street can resemble a ghost town at times, according to residents.
Like numerous coastal destinations, passing holidaymakers and tourists generate much of the commerce, though Plymouth has succeeded in maintaining its fishing and boat construction sectors, reports the Express.
Plymouth, recognised as Britain’s Ocean City, houses the nation’s most ancient bakery located on Southside Street – a principal thoroughfare through the Barbican, encircled by narrow cobbled alleyways.
Jacka Bakery proves a hectic destination with customers forming queues beyond the entrance during busy periods, people flock to the culinary haven to taste freshly-baked sourdough treats all prepared on site.
The family enterprise is owned and operated by Sue Laughton, Paul Laughton, head baker Owen Laughton – and bakery and marketing manager, Carly Laughton.
Carly said: “Southside Street is an institution, steeped in rich history that deserves to be preserved and celebrated.
“At Jacka, we’re reminded of that daily – customers often share stories of being sent here for hot fresh jam doughnuts, or of wedding cakes made in our bakery years ago.
“I’ve had the privilege of meeting members of the Jacka family themselves, some of whom were even born in this very building.
“Although we’re lucky to be in such a prime location, it doesn’t come without its drawbacks, as when the weather turns, Southside Street can feel like a ghost town.
“On top of that, the lack of on-street parking and the high prices of nearby car parks are unfortunately having a real impact on the businesses around us.
“We feel so fortunate to have the most incredible regulars who keep us going, our fantastic wholesale partners, and of course the many passing visitors and tourists who stop by to discover us.”
At certain times of year, Southside Street is overrun by modern-day buccaneers – and during the weekend of September 13 and 14 when Seafest takes place, you’ll witness pirates galore and hear maritime songs echo throughout.
Kim Downer serves as interim CEO at Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, and she characterised Southside Street as the backdrop of the city’s heritage district.
She explained it has consistently been ‘a major draw for visitors’, providing a ‘wealth’ of independent and distinctive shops, galleries, eateries, cafés, alongside the nation’s oldest operational Gin Distillery, ‘crafting gin since 1793’. Kim also outlined the difficulties facing the area: “As the Barbican is very much seen as a tourist attraction, trade does dip in the typical off-season months.
“Many are hospitality businesses, which as we know through the national picture; this sector is struggling with NI increases, tax and skill shortages.
“Our SME’s (Small or Medium-sized Enterprises) are having to work hard to manage costs, whilst trying to maintain and grow their business.
“We continue to support our businesses through driving footfall with our signature events; Pirates Weekend (in May), our upcoming Seafest event on September 13 – 14 which showcases some of our finest talent, including chefs, local bands and entertainers, and activities across our BID area.
“We work with Destination Plymouth and Cruise Plymouth Partnership and Plymouth City Council to promote Plymouth as a fantastic destination to live, work and visit.”