It's Cromford - not Cranford - but it's just as much fun (Shopping in Cromford in general)

Member Name: flutel

Product:	Shopping in Cromford in general
Date:	24/06/09 (35 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A few very interesting shops - and a veggie cafe!

Disadvantages: None

I have a massive soft spot for Cromford - in fact, I often think of moving to the town. It is a stones throw from the Blackpool of Derbyshire, Matlock ,and near enough to the City of Nottingham to be an easy drive of less than an hour.


This is why the shopping is of interest to me - and the fact that I shop when I go rambling in the area.


Cromford has enough shops for a person to survive and now that nearby Matlock has got itself a brand new Sainsburys and a new road system to take you there - it is easy to do a big shop by car, bus or taxi.


Actually in the town is my favourite shop - 'Scarthin Books'. This is a bookshop selling new and second hand books on every subject. It also sells postcards and one or two other interesting bits. It is quite small but it does not feel cramped when you are inside seeking books. The books are everywhere, right to the ceiling in some places and all the way up the stairs (to the two floors). They sell lots of alternative books as it is quite hippyish and there are loads of interesting adverts on the windows outside - alternative therapies, green events etc.


The best thing about Scarthin Books is they have a vegetarian cafe tucked away on the first floor which sells delicious food including vegan meals. I had a most delicious apple and cinnamon cake with a huge blob of vegan soya vanilla ice cream on the side; it was amazing.


The other great thing about the cafe is that there are bookshelves around the sides of it and you can browse the books - great to do while you are waiting.


Quite a new shop in Cromford is the shop on the main road that sells Asian and South American clothes and soft furnishings. It has mobiles and felt items and really interesting clothes that it is exciting to rummage through and try on. I bought a red and black cord coat that I love but feel a bit silly wearing in public. It was £17. It claims a decent portion of the money paid for the handmade items goes to the women who made them.


It is like a mini Camden Market. The prices are good for the area; you can buy the stuff cheaper in Camden but you have to get there first.

There is an imteresting second hand/antiques shop which sells carved wooden ducks which stand in a flock outside the shop. This is worth a poke about in.


Other Shops
----------------

There are a couple of chip shops (good ones) - great after a long walk! There is a provisions shop selling bread and groceries, cakes and sweets. There are a few pubs and cafes. There are some other shops including some craft shops in the Arkwright Mill complex which is situated just off the A6 towards the canal.

To Conclude
---------------

Cromford has some great shops - the sort that you can wander around with a special person on a date. It is a cute little village and it has all the places necessary to keep you interested, well fed and watered.

Summary: Go!