Into The Cathedral Quarter Part II….

Previously, I expressed warm words for the Cathedral Quarter; a very delightful and very welcoming community and one which CanterburyBID speaks very highly about. This is very different to other parts of Canterbury; a unique personality, strong sense of identity and a common goal among all the businesses.

There is something really special here.

St. Thomas’ Catholic Church is one of my little hideaways; A little beating heart at the centre of our city, quietly watching on as we pass-by with our daily lives. I’m not remotely Catholic at all, but the peace and tranquillity is where I usually go to clear my mind. But, alas, I cannot sit there and day dream forever….

Ah, I returned several times to The Chinaman, 20 Burgate, and engaged on an eventful pug hunt. Which was successful. Yet, forgetting the pugs briefly, I do enjoy how this store engages on social media. ‘Nelly’, a little elephant, masterfully goes exploring across the store and causing all sort of mischief. I was lucky enough to spot Nelly on one of my visits, behaving herself with the other elephants.

I nervously navigated around the store, closely holding my bag, in fear I was about to knock over a rather expensive display; a French tourist had the same terrifying look as well. Together, we traversed from corner to corner and no Elephants were harmed in the making of this blogpost.

Hilariously, I was so nervous of breaking something that I failed to introduce myself to the owners. Ugh.

Antoine et Lili is so colourful; I’m a bit clothes mad — I have three wardrobes. Please don’t judge me. But, Atoine et Lili is heaven to me; this is how I picture the afterlife. I think its location in Burgate is almost perfect and has a very distinct feel, a style which is not easily replicated or found elsewhere in the city.

Oh, and I decided I was going to work there at some point. Each step at a time…

With my heart filled with more colour and my head debating whether or not I needed more clothes, I made my way to Buttermarket Square. This will sound ever so strange, but it’s rather beautiful to sit in Burgate Coffee House, 43 Burgate, and look out the window when it is raining. “The TARDIS” was the nickname we gave it at college because Burgate Coffee House is quite spacious inside; you wouldn’t think that when walking by.

The journey ends with one of my earliest memories of Canterbury — Canterbury Pottery, 38A Burgate. I would’ve been 7, I think, when Paine Smith had a day trip; have no idea why we went, but I do recall going out back and watching a pot being carefully crafted by hand. 7 year old me probably never appreciated the experience, but 32 me — in the present — does now.

There are a lot of cherished memories in the Cathedral Quarter; whether in the past or waiting to be discovered in the future, I just wonder how many sitting in the Buttermarket appreciate that thought. When I return to the High Street, and get lost once again in the sea of people, will anyone else from this crowd break off and go exploring in the Cathedral Quarter? I really hope so.

I now embark for Castle Street and St Margaret's Street; my Twitter feed turns to more memories from the past and new discoveries, but I will not forget my time in the Cathedral Quarter. I will always be walking down Burgate, so feel free to pull me in for a chat — not literally because I am quite fragile. Also, I applaud CanterburyBID for their unbreakable support for the district; BID are not given enough credit for helping to improve the city and support for the business community. Thank you.

Now, where to start on Castle Street…..