‘Wow’ factor at Wildwood Gifts and Coffee Shop in Sheffield City Centre

The shop has been open on Fitzwilliam Gate for four months and, in my opinion, it's a hidden gem of the city centre.

It is run by the (very friendly) husband and wife duo Lindsay and George Lonchar, who had dreamed of opening their lovely store for years before they did it.

The first thing I noticed was the pretty cherry blossom tree in the window. When I went in, Lindsay suggested we sat at a table under a bay tree with branches intertwined with fairy lights while she kindly went to get me a hot chocolate and a cinnamon muffin with cream cheese, (both of which were delicious).

It felt unusual – taking a seat inside under a tree – but I also loved how unique it was. Decor like this is something I’ve never seen before, but it added to the overall charm of the place.

The blossom tree, Lindsay told me when she sat down with me, is available to buy and I was left wishing I had space for such a statement piece in my home.

“The aim of the shop is to bring the outdoors in. We wanted it to be somewhere that people could enjoy shopping and food and drink. That combination is actually rare.

“I love shopping and buying gifts for people and George does too, even though that's rare for a man,” Lindsay laughed as we chatted.

“So, that's why we decided we wanted to open the shop, but we also wanted to give people something different so we stock items which are from independent makers and traders across the country – including local ones - and many of them you can only buy here and not anywhere else in Sheffield.”

The shop has a relaxed and happy vibe. It is very welcoming and every customer is greeted with a smile. Lindsay and George's passion for what they do is obvious.

“There's nothing better than that feeling of joy when you find a product that you know will be a prefect gift for someone, and it's even better when that helps to support an independent maker," said Lindsay.

“Part of the reason why I love this job is I get to meet so many people every day and hear their stories.”

Perhaps inevitably, working in shop which stocks such a varied range of products, Lindsay takes home something new for her home every few weeks.

“I can’t help it,” she smiles.

“This shop is an authentic reflection of us, we’ve sourced and handpicked all the items ourselves and therefore we love them.” 

To receive 10 per cent off your purchase in the Wildwood Gift Shop or Cafe every day for the rest of March, all you have to do is present a copy of this story at the till. The gift shop stocks a wide variety of products, from candles to jewellery, bath melts to man boxes, and photo frames to cards. Visit www.wildwood-sheffield.co.uk.