Ten Independent Businesses for Students to Check Out
Abby Davidson
December 3 will mark Small Business Saturday, a day for people to support their local independent businesses. Belfast’s student population covers a huge area of the city and has to potential to really help their small business neighbours in these hard times. From Stranmillis to Ormeau to Botanic, The Scoop has compiled a list of 10 independent businesses students should check out.
1. No Alibis
Botanic avenue
This independent bookstore has been selling books on Botanic Avenue for over 25 years. It’s a community bookshop and hub for the creative arts, regularly hosting book launches, readings and lectures.
2. Orto
Stranmillis Road
Coffee, pizza and pastries – a winning combination, and exactly what Orto has to offer. Their focaccia and pizza are handcrafted in their wood-fired pizza ovens.
3. India Street Tattoo
India Street
Looking to get a good quality, unique tattoo? India Street Tattoo is home to several talented tattoo artists who practise across a range of styles. They really do have something for everyone.
4. Press 29 Coffee House
Agincourt Avenue
Press29 is a coffee house based in the heart of the Holylands, filled with delicious dessert cakes and Filipino treats such as pandesal and classic ensaymada.
5. Sinnamon Coffee
Stranmillis Road
If you are looking for a good cuppa and a tasty homemade treat, Sinnamon is the place to go. A family-run independent coffee shop serving cakes, biscuits, traybakes and more in a relaxed atmosphere.
6. Books, Paper, Scissors
Stranmillis Road
This independent bookshop opposite Botanic Gardens stocks a selection of fiction and non-fiction books as well as high-quality stationery. Why not pop in for a browse and to pick up your stationery essentials.
7. Time Slip Records
Botanic Avenue
Botanic Avenue’s iconic record store Time Slip Records buys and sells all kinds of vinyls, CDs and cassettes. If you are looking for a new artist to listen to or a vintage album, why not pop in?
8. Aleksandar’s Bakery
University Avenue
Nestled in amongst the student area of University Avenue, Aleksandar’s is a Balkan family-run business which has served the community for over 30 years. They are famous for their artisan bread, desserts and hot treats.
9. American Madness
Dublin Road
American Madness is a vintage clothing store which has existed in Belfast for decades. Their newer Dublin Road store at Trademarket is in a great location for students and they even offer a 10 per cent student discount.
10. Memento Floral
Ormeau Road
This award-winning florist thought outside the box when they created this aesthetically pleasing botanical haven. This hidden gem is filled with Northern Ireland's largest selection of unique indoor plants and gifts from independent makers. Students can get 10 per cent off in store with a valid student ID.
Abby Davidson is Deputy Head of The Scoop and is a Liberal Arts student at Queen’s University Belfast