Whether you pronounce it “Stiff – key” or “stookie” this is a wonderful spot for an awesome business. Stiffkey Stores is the whole package.
We love: The beach huts, rustic vibes, beautiful seeds for the garden.
Where: Right on the coast road – you wouldn’t want to miss this.
Who: Andy, Alice and baby Mimosa.
It feels as though you’re on holiday here.
There’s an effortless style inside and out. The owners haven’t got a website and are often asked, but that’s just another thing to add to what’s so beautiful about Stiffkey stores – they are happy to be as they are, and everyone loves them.
How did Stiffkey Stores start?
Andy: We lived in London and we’ve been together since the age of 16. Whilst we were there we had a stall at Borough Market.
Alice: We loved it but we didn’t have a Saturday off in forever, but working there made us fall in love with good food.
Andy: We came on holiday and loved the area so when I got home and found the shop for sale it seemed fate! The Telegraph did a feature on the area in 2007, soon after we took over, and gave us a great little write up which sparked a lot of interest.
Alice: We’re on a permanent holiday!
What was the space before?
Andy: It was a village shop since 1982. The back section was a store room but when we got it, it was run down and had bright strip lights which wasn’t our vibe.
Alice: We have done everything ourselves…well…Andy’s mum and dad are so helpful, but what you see has been crafted by our families hands.
What’s your home like?
Alice: Our house is never finished but I like energy and fresh and keep things moving about and changing. A permanent work in progress.
Andy: We have that mentality here too, we keep moving stuff around. Our strategy approach is to be in a strategic pickle!
Alice: This feels like a home away from home though.
Has anything changed here?
Alice: Alice: Round here, it’s become more families orientated. Norwich is on the turn now. You’ll find city dwellers and family vibes all round. It’s progressing nicely, but not too quickly. For example I’m veggie and when we first moved here there wasn’t anything, now there’s amazing vegan cafes popping up.
Andy: What I like is the fact that you can drive for half an hour and not see another car. There’s of course the spectacular popular beaches of Wells and Holkham, but there’s also secret undiscovered spots.
Thank you for chatting!
Andy: Our pleasure. We wanted to celebrate what we’re doing and celebrate Norfolk.
Baby Mimosa: *smiles*
If you’re interesting in calling Norfolk home, have a chat with David, our amazing Partner in this beautiful part of the world.
