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The Pickled Shop in Bulwick reopens after fire




A village shop has reopened following an 18-month closure caused by a fire.

Camille Ortega McLean welcomed back customers to The Pickled Shop in Bulwick today (September 21).

She said: “I’m very excited but nervous in a way.

Camille Ortega McLean owner of The Pickled Shop in Bulwick
Camille Ortega McLean owner of The Pickled Shop in Bulwick

“We don’t know if we will have a few or lots of people turn up - although I expect it to be the latter.

“After 18 months it is quite daunting, getting back into the groove, but it will be lovely to see everybody, old and new.”

The shop in Main Street suffered a devastating thatched roof fire in February last year and delays to reopening were caused by lockdown.

The Pickled Shop in Bulwick
The Pickled Shop in Bulwick

“We were due back in February but because of the virus we couldn’t get the workmen in and couldn’t get supplies,” said Camille.

Since Camille served her last customer in 2019, the world has changed considerably, with new measures and restrictions in place.

She said: “Social distancing makes it quite different, having two people at one time in the shop. Visitors will be able to wait outside and can have a tea or coffee.”

The interior of the shop has also changed with a deli-kitchen space designed by Stamford furniture designer Matthew Cox – incorporating marble counters, antique lighting and areas to sit with a coffee and cake.

The open-plan layout is designed to feel homely and welcoming, and provides wheelchair access between the shop and terrace.

Camille said: “The villagers would come in and tell me their highs and lows - that’s part of it.

“They are so pleased we are back.”

After the fire there was a GoFundMe page set up, the reaction to which Camille describes as “overwhelming and emotional”.

“There was so much love and support out there and even now I can’t read some of the comments because it’s too overwhelming,” she said.

“I could have said I’m not going to come back and instead retired, but that never entered my mind.”

An attraction of the shop is being home to The Pickled Village’s range of pickles and preserves. There is also a homemade food menu - including breakfasts, ploughmans lunches, afternoon teas and tapas - as well as essentials such as bread, milk and postage stamps.

The shop is both horse and dog friendly with places to tether animals outside.



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