New businesses

Finally, I hear you cry, the former Strada site is starting to look loved and what a difference it makes! Over the last few years we have watched the building fall apart so it is great to see it getting the attention that this prime site deserves. The new owners Duncan Watson-Steward and his father Leigh are set to bring a new eatery to Barnes offering British and European cuisine along-side what sounds like a fabulous bar on the first floor with amazing river views - just what we need in Barnes! On Church Road opposite The Red Lion at the former Castelnau Tiles site (they have moved to new premises a few doors down), the young entrepreneur Jo Higlett is expanding her business Clifford Studios and opening up a clever combination of a dance studio and dance shop. Boosted by a very slick crowdfunding effort, Jo's business looks set to boom as residents have been calling for a local exercise shop for many years!

Over the road we are hoping to soon be able to welcome a new business at the former HSBC site next to Shoenique. This beautiful building has been empty for many years as we campaigned to keep Ladbrokes out and then the estate agent business that took it next never opened as the market was flooded with agents. I can't say any more as yet but I'm very confident that all residents will think that this potential new business is a perfect fit for the area.

Moving along Church Road I am very much hoping that a new women and children's fashion business is set to move into the former Barnard Marcus site. Watch this space!

And the works on the former Monzil site should be completed in the Autumn so I'm sure we will have a new business there before long....bets on whether it will be a new curry house as so many residents miss Monzil!