Our Quality Streets!
Redruth’s streets tell a story of history, community, and creativity. Fore Street, Bond Street and West End each offer a unique glimpse into the town’s past and vibrant future. From the historic granite pavements of Fore Street, to the lively spirit of Bond Street’s cafés, and the heritage of West End’s iconic Drapery Stores, these streets are more than just places to shop - they’re the beating heart of Redruth.
FORE STREET
Redruth’s Fore Street is more than just a shopping destination; it’s a living testament to the town’s rich history and community spirit. Since the early 1700s, it has been Redruth’s main shopping street. On market days, Fore Street was filled with stalls selling everything from limpets and mussels to pianos and organs.
Today, the street is home to eclectic shops and cafés, including Daisy Rain Vintage, located in the former Old Steam Bakery, where Nicola Phillips and her brother, Stephen, breathe new life into vintage clothing and furniture.
Further down the street, Hatters Café serves humongous slices of cake and seasonal decorations, while the Regal Cinema, with its stunning 1930s art deco façade, hosts live performances and movie screenings. The Mining Exchange Studios, housed in the former HSBC bank, has become a thriving arts hub where local artists and community members go to support each other’s work.
Two bronze sculptures, the Tinner’s Hounds and the Tin Miner, stand proudly along the street, honouring the town’s mining heritage. The Tinner’s Hounds, cast from the boots of miners, and the Tin Miner both pay tribute to the hardworking miners of the past, becoming focal points for those eager to learn more about the town’s past. These statues serve as reminders that, despite its challenges over the years, the town’s spirit remains strong.
While Redruth has certainly faced its share of struggles, it continues to evolve. Phil, from The Mining Exchange, believes the town is “certainly getting there”, and highlights the strong sense of community between the independent businesses and the locals on Fore Street. Nicola Phillips, from Daisy Rain Vintage, says shares her vision for the future: “As a town, we want to keep a hold of our individuality, but at the same time, we want to breathe fresh life into it.” She’s hopeful that Redruth’s uniqueness will be celebrated as the town moves forward.
Fore Street offers a rich tapestry of experiences that reflect the heart and soul of Redruth. It’s a place where history meets creativity.
BOND STREET AND CLINTON ROAD
West End
The stunning Gothic architecture of the former Passmore Edwards Library on Bond Street caught the eye of Felix Mortimer and Josh Nawras, the founders of The Ladder. Inspired by its historic charm, they set to work restoring it in 2020 and bought it in 2023.
Today, it’s a thriving arts and culture hub that houses the nursery Naturally Learning and Beets & Roots Cafe, a go-to spot for delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes in the Ladder’s garden.
Bond Street is also home to Ginger’s Diner, a 1950s style cafe created by local drag queen, Ashley Sweet. The cafe is known for its pastel pink and blue walls, retro checkered floors, and, of course, its delicious milkshakes and coffee.
It’s not just the décor that stands out – Ashley’s mission is to create a safe, inclusive space for the LGBTQIA+ community. Recently celebrating its first anniversary, Ginger’s continues to serve up good vibes and even better food.
As you stroll down Bond Street, its character continues to shine. Red and gold mining memorials line the pavement, paying homage to the local mines. Local gems like the Cornish Health Store, Redruth Meadery, Ashley’s Hair Salon, and the Stick Figure Gallery all contribute to its growing charm. From creative spaces to inviting cafes and memorable dining spots, Bond Street weaves a distinctive thread into Redruth’s rich tapestry.
West End can be found trailing off from the bottom of Fore Street, just left of the Make A Mends clothes repair workshop. Although the workshop is a part of Fore Street, its legacy flows through West End, where a fabric store carries forward the essence of sewing and repair, echoing the same craftsmanship and community spirit of Fore Street.
West End is also the home of The Redruth Drapery, first built in 1886 and owned by William H Sarra. The building served as the main supplier of fabrics in Redruth and the surrounding area. Over time, it was renovated and was given its first-of-a-kind glass window storefront, which can still be seen today. The Drapery was one of the first buildings in the South West to feature these types of storefront windows and was one of just a few in the world at the time, a testament to Redruth’s innovation.
Sadly, in 1916, a fire erupted in West End, burning through The Drapery and the neighbouring buildings. However, the Drapery would live on. The same family that built it repaired the building and business, continuing to run it until 1942. Under new management, a part of the Drapery was renamed Ringrose Fabric, and the building remains one of the many spots for people to buy fabrics and sewing materials in Redruth. A part of the Drapery has since been converted into a café, offering great spot to enjoy food, drink and history all at once.
Beyond the Drapery, West End has much more to offer like Fairfields Park, Candy Cane Tattoo Parlour, and the Penventon Park Hotel, just up the road. The area remains full of character, and its rich history attracts both locals and visitors.
