- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 14 hours ago
Up My Street By Liberty Nimmo, September 2026
How much of an introduction does Liberty Nimmo really need? If you're any sort of Tat fanatic, you'll already know she's been writing for us for years. She's been a friend of mine since I was thirteen, and she remains one of those delightful people whose life never stops thrilling me. One day she'll write an autobiography, and I'll be first in line to get it signed. Her knowledge spans an unlikely mix of fields - farming, soil, high-end Italian travel, which makes her take on the high street all the more glorious. Naturally, we've had to name this made-up mile after her: Liberty Lane, the place any self respecting Tat reader would happily lose an afternoon.
Butchery, High Street, Lower Brailes, Warwickshire, OX15 5HN
Brothers Nick and Jon Francis started raising Tamworth pigs in 2008. Since then they have expanded their farming and grazing enterprise and now have a butchery too. Their aim is to produce delicious meat without compromising animal welfare. They are all round good eggs and also happen to sell very good eggs. I'd pick up at least a packet of bacon, a sausage roll and a joint of beef.
50 Cross Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5EU
Making a mean cinnamon bun and an excellent sourdough, this is where I'd call in for a coffee and probably a frangipane if I haven't got round to making pudding (highly likely). This would be my starting point on the high street so that I can approach things fully caffeinated.
1 Piccadilly Arcade, St. James's, London, SW1Y 6NH
I'd stop at Santa Maria Novella next for candlesticks, and it's quite reassuring to know that there is a 'pharmacy' somewhere on the high street as well as somewhere I might be able to get a gift, rather than just furnishing my own fridge.
44 Lion Street, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford, HR3 5AA
Selling both new and used books over three floors, Booth's is a delight of a place to while away some time and get lost finding a good read or ten.
150 Fleet Rd, Hampstead, London, NW3 2QX
Giacobazzi's is an absolute treasure trove of homemade pasta, Italian ingredients, delicious sandwiches (shopping makes me hungry), cheeses and cured meat. The Tortellini are nearly always stocked in my freezer ready for a rainy day so I'd be bulk buying a few to take back with me and I'd likely have an espresso here too.
This shop, in fact, I would describe it as an emporium that sells everything that you might ever possibly need, as well as everything that you didn't realise you could ever need. It is a wonderful rabbit warren and Alistair is a font of knowledge on all tools and kit. No high street should be complete without a Jones.
Marine Terrace, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1EJ
A night in The Old Neptune nearly convinced me to buy a house in Whitstable. There was something about the music, the scampi fries, the heat from the mass of bodies and the snow falling outside that felt like a Richard Curtis film. I'd go so far as to say that The Old Neptune is home to one of the jolliest impromptu nights I've had. It's also a proper old fashioned boozer. To wet the whistle and refuel, I'd have a zero alcohol Guinness and a packet of scampi fries (with the packet wide open on the table), before continuing merrily on my way.
Athena F.lli Tortorici srl, via Libertà 6, 90141 Palermo, Italy
I think many of the buildings on my high street would need at least two floors and a basement. Athena Tortorici in Palermo is no exception to this rule. Specializing in rare Italian and European ceramics, antique furniture, silverware, fine paintings, and decorative arts, there are very few things I would not like to buy.
6 St James's St, London, SW1A 1EF
I love wearing hats and I'd love to see a hattery on every high street so that I can top up on berets and Fedoras.
417 King's Rd, London, SW10 0LR
I would need to have two options here for something more substantial to punctuate the day. The first is the iconic Mona Lisa in World's End on the Kings Road where I'd call in for a mozzarella in carozza and some lamb cutlets.
Horwood House, High St, Newnham, GL14 1AA
Whilst this works beautifully for a working weekday lunch, I'd also love to have Post, Newnham on Severn as an option. With the blackboard menu of seasonal dishes, Post sources their meat and fish locally and many of the veggies are from their market garden. It feels both refined and relaxed and is completely delicious.
6 New St, Shipston-on-Stour, CV36 4EN
Supplying wine since 1842, Sheldon's really do know their stuff and often can be known to take you on a magical, mystery tour of wines as you end up far away from what you initially expected.. in a good way.
Cirencester, Harnhill, Cirencester, GL7 5PU
The market garden at Ampney Brook is second to none and their vegetables are grown as part of a no dig, regenerative system. They're delicious.
Ampney Brook Farm Ampney Brook Farm
1 Earlham St, London, WC2H 9LL
As a young teen, I loved spending hours browsing for CD's in the rather hip Fopp CD shop. I can see they're still going, albeit owned by HMV but I can assure you, the Fopp in Leamington Spa was a cool place to browse. In a frenzy of nostalgia, I'd probably pop to Blockbuster around the corner too and rent a video.
Calle del Fumo, 5307, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy
Gianni Basso in Venice makes some of the most beautiful stationary in his Stampatore. He would be such a welcome addition on the street.
141 Corve St, Ludlow, SY8 2PG
From light fittings to taps, workwear as well as glassware, I really love this shop and think it would be perfectly placed next to Gianni and hist printing press.
25 E. Street, Bridport, DT6 3JX
Holly's shop could not be more fun and cheerful if it tried. Brimming with esoteric ornaments, magical pieces of art and local crafty jewellery, it's a breath of fresh and would bring cheer to any high street.
