Celebrating Shop Local Month: discover hidden gems in Shepley, Holmfirth, Denby Dale and Skelmanthorpe with Kirsty

July is Independent Retailer Month (also known as ‘shop local’ month,) and there's no better time to explore and support the charming local businesses that make our communities in Holmfirth, Shepley, Denby Dale, and Skelmanthorpe so special. If you’re considering houses for sale in West Yorkshire, these towns and villages offer a unique blend of local charm and modern amenities. At Vivly Living, we believe in the importance of shopping locally to create vibrant, sustainable communities. Here are my favourite independent businesses in the lovely villages and towns which surround our Vivly Living sites.

Shepley: A Village with Character

With its quaint streets and friendly atmosphere, Shepley is a perfect starting point for your shopping adventure.

Chamberlain’s Coffee & Cakes, located in the heart of Shepley, is a delightful café known for its delicious food and friendly service. The café offers a range of expertly brewed coffees, teas and an irresistible selection of homemade cakes and pastries. Whether I’m in the mood for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch or just a sweet treat, Chamberlain’s is my go-to place. The café also supports local suppliers, ensuring that the ingredients are fresh and high quality. With comfortable seating and a welcoming atmosphere, it's a great spot to relax and enjoy a leisurely break from the stress of your day-to-day.

Photo credit: Chamberlain's Coffee & Cakes via @chamberlainscoffeeandcakes

Holmfirth: The Heart of the Holme Valley

Known for its picturesque scenery and lively arts scene (and for being the setting of the TV programme Last of the Summer Wine!), Holmfirth offers a variety of unique shops and dining spots. As the largest town near our developments in Shepley, Skelmanthorpe and Denby Dale, it boasts an array of fantastic independent businesses to choose from.

Beatties Deli & Coffee Shop is a well-loved spot in Holmfirth, known for its delicious deli items and cosy atmosphere. The deli is independently owned and offers a wide range of locally sourced products, including cheeses, cured meats, preserves and baked goods. The coffee shop section serves freshly brewed coffee, teas and an assortment of homemade cakes and pastries. Beatties is the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely brunch while soaking in the liveliness of Holmfirth. The friendly staff and high-quality products make it a favourite among the community. My personal recommendation is their cherry scone with all the trimmings – you cannot beat it!

If you’re looking to treat a loved one in your life, Hobson’s Florist has been a staple in Holmfirth for years, providing beautiful floral arrangements for all occasions. The florist offers a wide selection of fresh flowers, from classic roses to seasonal specials, ensuring that there’s something for every taste and event. Whether you're looking for a stunning bouquet for a loved one or floral decorations for a special event, Hobson’s Florist guarantees high quality. Hobson’s pays attention to the little details which is why it is so loved within the community. Why not treat yourself to a bouquet to make your Vivly Living home look and smell gorgeous?

Andrew’s Greengrocers is a family-run business offering fresh, locally sourced produce. It is a huge part of the community as it has been around since 1974 and is committed to providing the highest quality fruits and vegetables. Andrew’s also offers a selection of local dairy products, fresh herbs and homemade jams and chutneys – it is a one stop shop! The friendly and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to offer advice and help you choose the best produce for your needs. Placing emphasis on local sourcing and sustainable practices, Andrew’s Greengrocer is the perfect place to shout about during Shop Local Month.

Photo credit: Beatties Deli & Coffee Shop via @beattiesholmfirth, Hobson's Florist via @hobsonsflorist and Andrew's Greengrocers via @andrewsgreengrocers

Denby Dale: A Slice of Traditional Yorkshire

Denby Dale is famous for its giant pies, but there's much more to discover in this charming village.

Utterly Yorkshire is a delightful shop which celebrates the best of Yorkshire’s products and crafts. It is owned by a family from Denby Dale itself and offers a wide range of locally made goods, including food, drink, unique gifts and bespoke hampers. Utterly Yorkshire showcases the talent and creativity of local artisans with a fantastic, friendly atmosphere. It really highlights the amazing talent in our wonderful area and is a fab place to find a trinket or gift.

One of my favourite shops is the Kirkwood Hospice Charity shop on Wakefield Road. It's perfect for sustainable shopping, updating your wardrobe and finding new pieces of homeware for your YCP home! All proceeds support the Kirkwood Hospice, which provides vital care and support to those with life-limiting illnesses. The shop is well-organised and staffed by friendly volunteers who are passionate about the cause, making it a fantastic place to spend your hard-earned money in.

Photo credit: Utterly Yorkshire via @UtterlyYorkshire and Kirkwood Hospice via @thekirkwoodsupportlife

Skelmanthorpe: A Village Rich in History

Skelmanthorpe, with its rich textile heritage, is home to a variety of unique shops and community-focused businesses.

Grow Refill Store in Skelmanthorpe promotes sustainable living by offering a fantastic range of refillable products. The shop encourages customers to bring their own containers to refill with household essentials such as cleaning supplies, beauty/personal care bits and dry foods. Grow Refill Store also stocks eco-friendly household products, including reusable bags, beeswax wraps and bamboo utensils, helping shoppers to reduce plastic waste and promote a zero-waste lifestyle. I love Grow Refill Store because you can shop to your hearts content and know that you’re looking after the environment. Don’t forget to bring your reusable containers to fill with your new purchases!

Do It Yer Sen offers a haven for DIY enthusiasts and home improvers alike. From tools and hardware to paints and gardening supplies, Do It Yer Sen provides everything locals need to tackle projects with confidence. It is Yorkshire by name and Yorkshire by nature as the friendly staff are committed to personalised service and expert advice, ensuring that every customer leaves feeling ready to get the job done.

Photo credit: Grow Refill Store via @growrefillstore and Do It Yer Sen via @doityersen

Support Local, Save Our Communities

Shopping locally is more than just a transaction; it's an investment in your community. Every purchase you make helps sustain local businesses, creates jobs and keeps our villages vibrant and thriving. This Shop Local Month, Vivly Living encourages you to explore the amazing businesses in Shepley, Holmfirth, Denby Dale and Skelmanthorpe. You'll discover unique products, friendly faces and the warm sense of community that makes our part of Yorkshire so special.

So, grab your shopping bags and set out on an adventure to support local businesses. You'll be amazed at the treasures you'll find right on your doorstep. Happy Shop Local Month!

Photo credit (L):

Shop Local UK Org via @shoplocalukorg