From market trader to shop keeper

March sees the launch of an exciting venture from one of Frome’s favourite traders.  Acclaimed designers Nick Fraser and Polly Bell will open Kobi & Teal  – a shop, gallery and workshop – in time for the March market.

Kobi & Teal will take up residence in St Catherine’s. The shop will showcase Nick and Polly’s own homeware designs – including  Nick’s signature geometric terracotta pots and Polly’s illustrative printed textiles – as well as the work of other makers and craftspeople.

A gallery space will exhibit works by artists from Frome and beyond in a series of rotating exhibitions, and the open workshop space will offer visitors a chance to see the makers at work, discuss commissions and learn about their practice.

Kobi & Teal will launch on Saturday 4th March and will be open for our March market the following day.

Nick and Polly are joining the growing number of traders at The Frome Independent who are turning their success at the market into all year round success by opening permanent businesses in Frome.  Last autumn we were delighted to see the launch of Penleigh Farm’s new brand and butchers shop on Stony Street, as well as former suitcase trader Moo & Two’s new cafe halfway up Catherine Hill.

We caught up with Moo & Two founder Euan Barker, just before Christmas, who told us that The Frome Independent has been instrumental in the brand and cafe’s development:

“Since my first visit to The Frome Independent, it felt like Frome was where I wanted to be, and still does. The market has enabled our business to grow in a way I never thought possible – I now can’t imagine Moo & Two being anywhere else!”

We are really excited for all of these traders, and so pleased to have been part of their journey. Make sure you pop in and pay them all a visit on Sunday 5th March!