AN award winning Taunton gift shop has re-opened its doors after relocating to new premises from its old home just round the corner.

Rocket and Bird is now based in the former Boots hearing clinic at 50 St James Street after moving from The Courtyard, where it set up almost four years ago.

Story by Sabina Scorey on work experience at the County Gazette.

Co-owners Susie Thomas and Jeanette Crawford spent the last month renovating and decorating their new shop to prepare for their grand re-opening on Saturday (February 4).

And it proved to be a record breaking day with customers old and new dropping by.

Susie said: “We really wanted to make a move that would expand our customer reach and make us more visible in the town.

"It was important for us to stay in the area of Taunton Independent Quarter but move to a premises that had a higher footfall and more visibility to people who may not have previously found us in The Courtyard.

"The new shop is right on the corner of Lower Middle Street and St James Street (previously Boots hearing clinic) and can easily be seen.

"We have lovely huge windows to show off all the beautiful products and the premises is a little larger than our old shop so we’ve been able to add even more gorgeous items made by local makers."

Rocket and Bird sells the work of Somerset-based artists, makers and designers, including homeware, jewellery, original art, prints, chocolate and greetings cards.

Since it opened in 2019, the shop has won the Muddy Stiletto ‘Best Gift Shop in Somerset’ award - and survived the challenges of Covid.

Susie added: "We’re really proud of what we’ve achieved in such a short space of time and we can’t wait to welcome lots of new customers in to the shop.

"Taunton has such a great variety of small independent shops in the town and we hope that people will visit us alongside our neighbours in Taunton Independent Quarter for a unique, personal and individual shopping experience “

Rocket and Bird opens Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm.