Review of late-night shopping in Hereford city centre

I can't think of anything worse than traipsing around town in the cold trying to find gifts for people that I'm not sure if they'd even like. It's much easier to do it online in the comfort of your own home. 

However, I do like supporting local businesses and was intrigued to find out how busy Hereford would be during late-night shopping this week.

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Wednesday (December 13) was the second time this month that free parking was offered in all Herefordshire Council-owned car parks, as well as the Old Market. 

Arriving in the city centre straight after work, I parked in the multi-storey car park in Widemarsh Street. The first four floors were full, not something you generally see at 5.20pm, so I had a feeling town was going to be busy. 

As I started walking, I could hear a singer outside The Wellington, and with the lights on in the street, I was feeling the festive spirit. 

Hereford High Town looking festive (Image: Paul)

High Town looked pretty with plenty of people enjoying a hot drink or a bite to eat in My Coffee Corner by the Christmas tree. 

I bumped into the Got 2 Sing group, a choir hired by Hereford BID who entertained shoppers with a medley of Christmas songs, as well as chart hits. 

Cathy Hart spoke about what they do and how they're trying to bring some festive joy to the city.

I then ventured to Bastion Mews where there was a Christmas Market at Shack Revolution. 

There were lots of independent businesses showcasing their products, with a singer also on stage. Nearby shops, such as Secret Sisters, remained open, while Viking Fries were on hand to sell their 'dirty fries' street food. 

Danny Warren and Henry Partridge from Viking Fries (Image: Paul Rogers/Hereford Times)

One trader I spoke to, Alison Williams, from Craft Tree Paper Artist, said there was a great atmosphere with many people chatting.

"Late-night shopping hasn't lost its appeal as such, but everyone can shop online," she said.

Alison Williams, from Craft Tree Paper Artist (Image: Paul Rogers/Hereford Times)

"You can't buy something like this online."

Kirsten Saunders and Penny Allen from Isles and Pudd (Image: Pau)

Reuben Alford and Simon Flather showcasing their Freeze Fusion pick 'n' mix and freeze dried sweets at the Christmas market in Shack Revolution, Hereford (Image: Paul Rogers/Hereford Times)

At this stage, I fancied a coffee but wanted to ideally sit inside. Luckily, Eden House of Coffee, in St Peter's stayed open, so I popped in before it closed. 

If you have never been there, I recommend it - a fantastic local company serving great coffee!

Paul Rogers having a break at Eden House of Coffee (Image: Paul Rogers/Hereford Times)

Going back into High Town, I stopped to see a snow machine that was providing great fun to many people. 

It was run by Hereford BID, with its chief executive, Mike Truelove saying it was one of their best initiatives to date.

From left: Flora Altin, Mike Truelove and Peter Hubbersty from Hereford BID try out the snow machine (Image: Paul Rogers/Hereford Times)

When I went into Church Street, a lot of the premises looked shut, apart from the Lichfield Vaults. However, Calandras Menswear has since said they, along with other firms such as Love Leaf and giftware shop, Dot. did keep their doors open, and will be doing the same next week. 

Widemarsh Street, meanwhile, looked pretty, especially Philip Morris & Son with its neon lights. 

Philip Morris & Son lit up for Christmas in Widemarsh Street, Hereford (Image: Paul Rogers/Hereford Times)

Before heading home, I popped to the Old Market. The car park was still busy, with plenty of people enjoying a festive hotdog or hot chocolate at My Coffee Corner. 

There are igloos there for you to pre-book, adding to the magic. 

People could buy plenty of festive food and drink from My Coffee Corner (Image: Pau)

The Old Market from the upper floor of the shopping centre (Image: Paul Rogers/Hereford Times)

After two hours in town, I headed home. Overall, people seemed to be in good spirits.

Traders told me that it was much busier than last week, mainly because the weather was better and it's getting closer to Christmas. 

It's a shame that it was mainly the national chains that stayed open, but you can understand why with wages and energy bills still having to be paid. 

There is one late night shopping day left (December 20) before the big day.