Inside and outside Crush in Durham. Photographs by Graham Soult
The focus of my second phase of Indie Durham City work in Durham city centre, funded by City of Durham Parish Council, is on matchmaking premises and occupants – that’s why I call myself the Retail Cupid – and the latest new opening in which I had a hand is wine bar and shop Crush, in North Road.
It’s been open a few weeks now, so I thought it was time to check it out! There’s a lovely vibe, with delightful wines and impeccable service from host Daniel.
We can complain about “too many empty shops”, or we can be proactive in working to find the right uses to fill them.
Graham Soult
With several other high-end businesses now located nearby, including tasting menu restaurant Coarse and small plates venue Isla – two more businesses that I introduced to the respective landlords – this end of the city centre is really starting to change for the better, supported by the recent opening of the city’s smart new bus station.
As places, we can complain about “too many empty shops”, or we can be proactive – and, yes, sometimes a little bold and cheeky – in working to find the right uses to fill them.
I prefer the latter approach!
Does your place need the Retail Cupid?
Graham Soult is the Retail Cupid, matching up retail businesses with their perfect premises
Get in touch if our skills at connecting up vacant spaces with the businesses that want to occupy them can be of value in your town or city.
