Shops / News
Florist moves to new location after 12 years
A florist that was positioned outside the main entrance to Bristol Temple Meads for 12 years has been forced to relocate.
A well-known sight outside the station, Lily Violet May flower stall has become a staple for many commuters.
But she is now in a new location and with a new horsebox setup opposite Hart’s Bakery on Lower Approach Road.
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The move, Lily explained, was prompted by a tense relationship with the station’s operators, Network Rail.
“They never outright said that they didn’t want me there but they made it very obvious that I wasn’t welcome,” Lily told Bristol24/7.
“They were saying I had to tender for my pitch which I’d never had to do before.”
Because of this, Lily has resorted to taking her business only a few hundred yards away.
She hopes that the change will have a positive impact on her sales, and that the local community fostered by neighbouring Hart’s will bring a “more focused” demographic to her shop.
“Everyone is so much nicer down here,” Lily added.
“I feel so much more welcome already. And, to top things off, the rent is less than half what I was paying before.”
Lily Violet May is a welcome sight from Hart’s Bakery – photo: Susie Long
Hart’s Bakery assistant manager Immi said: “It is really exciting to have another indie business down by us and it really brightens up the car park.
“It’s lovely to look at from the front of the bakery, and we always have her flowers on our tables as well.”
The florist said that she is excited about her business’ next chapter, but is nervous that the move will lose her some regular customers.
Lily said: “I just hope that people know I’m still here and still going…
“I wasn’t treated like a person up there,” Lily explained as she pointed up to the station entrance.
“I had to do half-hourly checks of my buckets for bombs and endless security checks. It was impossible to get my job done.”
The florist has big plans for her new set-up – photo: Susie Long
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We’re always happy to work with traders at our stations when any issues arise.
“In the years ahead, passengers will have more retail choice as Bristol Temple Meads is going through the biggest renovation in decades.
“Bringing back the Passenger Shed into use will enable more shops and restaurants to open, on top of the new entrances, new multi-storey car park and cycling provision, and the multi-million-pound roof renewal.”
Main photo: Susie Long
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