The British Emporium

The British Emporium in Bakewell, Derbyshire, stands as a proud showcase for the finest products made across Great Britain. Nestled on Bridge Street in the heart of the Peak District, this charming department store offers a thoughtfully curated selection that spans home and garden, beauty, stationery, fashion accessories, and unique gifts. Every item on the shelves has been carefully chosen to meet a single, uncompromising standard: it must be genuinely and substantively Made in Great Britain. This commitment to authenticity and quality has earned the store a loyal following, with visitors praising the warm, inviting atmosphere and the friendly, knowledgeable team who bring the collection to life.

Stepping inside feels less like a typical shopping trip and more like discovering a treasure chest of delights. The space is cosy and welcoming, filled with beautifully presented pieces that tell a story of British artistry and innovation. Customers can find everything from elegant ceramic sculptures and iconic gluggle jugs to pure wool throws, handcrafted leather bags, and delicate jewellery. The owners, Adrian and Julie North, have built a family-run business defined by honesty, responsibility, and a deep respect for the makers, designers, and manufacturers who transform raw materials into enduring, cherished objects.

Our Commitment to Genuinely British-Made Goods

In a marketplace filled with ambiguous claims, The British Emporium provides absolute clarity. The team applies a rigorous “substantive change” test to define what truly counts as British made. A product must undergo a fundamental transformation in Great Britain; merely being decorated, assembled, or packaged locally does not qualify. This policy means shoppers can browse with complete confidence, knowing they are supporting real British skills without having to decipher misleading labels like "Designed in Britain" or "British Heritage." The store rejects the widespread use of the Union Jack on items that do not meet its strict provenance criteria.

A Shop Window for Exceptional Makers

The emporium acts as a vital shop window for both long-established household names and emerging craft producers. Brands range from the historic Emma Bridgewater and the iconic Gluggle Jug Factory to niche designers and individual artisans who pour their passion into every creation. This partnership with British makers helps preserve traditional manufacturing techniques while also championing contemporary design and innovation. The result is a product range that honors the past, celebrates the present, and invests in the future of British craftsmanship.

What You Will Discover In Store

The product range at The British Emporium is as diverse as British manufacturing itself. Every department reflects the owners’ keen eye for quality and timeless style. Detailed below are some of the key categories you can explore when visiting the Bakewell store or shopping online.

• Home & Garden: Discover decorative vases, sculptures, candles, luxury gardening tools, and iconic HAWS watering cans designed for the greenhouse potterer and garden enthusiast.
• Cooking & Dining: Explore colourful tableware, premium cookware, solid wood cheeseboards, and the famous ceramic gluggle jugs that bring warmth and character to everyday meals.
• Women's Accessories: Browse handcrafted leather bags, delicate gold and pearl jewellery, lightweight linen sun hats, and silk scarves that add classic elegance to any seasonal look.
• Beauty & Fragrance: Treat yourself to fragrances from Charles Farris and Floris, luxurious bath oils by Olverum, and natural skincare from Neal’s Yard Remedies and The English Soap Company.
• Stationery & Games: Find British-made notebooks and diaries crafted from British paper, luxury board games that double as beautiful decorative objects, and precision scissors made by Samuel Groves Whiteley.

Why Customers Choose The British Emporium

Visitors consistently highlight the exceptional customer experience as a defining feature of this Bakewell treasure. The team greets everyone with genuine friendliness and an impressive depth of product knowledge, turning a casual browse into an enjoyable, personal interaction. Reviews frequently mention staff members by name, praising their helpfulness and the time they take to share the stories behind the products. The shop is also celebrated as a dog-friendly destination, making it a welcoming stop for walkers exploring the Derbyshire Dales with their canine companions.

Beyond the in-store welcome, the business offers peace of mind through practical policies that enhance every purchase. Customers enjoy free delivery on all orders over £100 and a generous 90-day returns policy, allowing ample time to ensure a gift or home addition is exactly right. The team's responsive customer service regularly earns five-star praise for quickly resolving any post-purchase queries, ensuring every interaction, whether face-to-face or online, is handled with care and efficiency.

Serving Bakewell, the Peak District, and Beyond

Located on Bridge Street in the picturesque market town of Bakewell, Derbyshire, The British Emporium is perfectly placed to serve both the local community and the many tourists drawn to the Peak District National Park. The town is famously associated with the Bakewell Pudding, and a visit to this independent store adds another rich layer to the local experience. The shop’s central location makes it an easy and rewarding stop during a day of exploring the area’s charming streets, antique shops, and riverside walks.

For those unable to visit in person, the comprehensive website extends the emporium’s reach across the entire United Kingdom and beyond. The online store mirrors the physical shop’s meticulous organization, allowing customers nationwide to shop for authentic British gifts, homewares, and accessories with the same confidence and outstanding customer service. Customer service operations are managed from a dedicated office at Merchant House, Market Square, in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria, ensuring professional support for all online queries from Monday to Friday.

Hours, Location, and Directions

The Bakewell store welcomes visitors six days a week, opening its doors from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, the shop provides a slightly later start, operating from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. These consistent hours make it convenient for both early risers and those enjoying a leisurely weekend in the countryside. The shop is located at Bridge Street, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1DS, and can be reached directly by phone at +44 1629 812224 for any same-day questions about stock or directions.

For online orders and general customer service inquiries, the dedicated support team is available at 01524 237244 or via email at customerservice@thebritishemporium.com. Whether you need help selecting a gift or have a question about delivery, the team is committed to providing the same high level of friendly, expert advice that defines the in-store experience.

Questions Visitors Often Ask

Is everything in The British Emporium truly British made?

Yes, absolutely. The store applies a strict “substantive change” definition to every product. This means the item must undergo a fundamental manufacturing process in Great Britain. The team carefully audits every maker and brand to ensure compliance, so products that are merely decorated or assembled in the UK but manufactured elsewhere are not stocked. This transparency is the cornerstone of their authenticity promise.

Can I shop at The British Emporium online?

Yes, the entire product collection is available for purchase online at thebritishemporium.com. The website is organized by department, making it easy to browse. Customers across the UK benefit from free delivery on orders over £100, a 90-day returns policy, and the same carefully curated selection of British-made goods found in the Bakewell shop.

What are the opening times for the Bakewell store?

The physical store on Bridge Street in Bakewell is open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday, and from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sundays. These hours provide a reliable window for both local shoppers and visitors touring the Peak District. If you are planning a special trip, you can always call the store directly on 01629 812224 to confirm any seasonal variations.

Is the shop dog friendly?

Yes, The British Emporium is a dog-friendly shop, and well-behaved dogs are very welcome inside. Customer reviews specifically highlight the warm welcome their pets receive, making it a perfect stop if you are exploring the beautiful walking routes around Bakewell and the Peak District.

Who owns The British Emporium?

The business is a family-run enterprise owned by husband-and-wife team Adrian and Julie North. Adrian’s career spans the British ceramics industry and major outdoor fashion brands, while Julie learned the value of true craftsmanship from her father, the last generation of Nottinghamshire County Watchmakers. Together, they bring over 30 years of retail experience and a deeply personal commitment to authentic British manufacturing.