TransLogistics

Transport and Logistics Network

The new restaurants and shops that made Lincolnshire their home in 2023

While some disenchanted shoppers may feel that Lincolnshire's[1] high streets are defined by closures, more and more shops are opening their doors. It's hard to look past the cancellation of the Lincoln Christmas Market[2] in April and the closure of Wilko stores throughout September[3], which only compounded people's gloom.

But in 2023, Lincolnshire welcomed several new international chains for the first time - with managers saying they were 'excited' to invite Yellowbelly shoppers into their stores. Simon Beardsley, the chief executive officer of the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce, said the county was still a 'great place to do business'.

He said: "Despite what is still a challenging economic environment, it is encouraging to see new businesses choosing Lincolnshire and opening their doors for business. These new arrivals are a reminder that the region is a great place to do business.

"Lincolnshire stands at the cusp of significant investment, courtesy of the Greater Lincolnshire devolution dea[4]l. The opportunity for the region to take control of key decisions has the potential to make a significant positive impact on the region's business landscape."

Two American chain restaurants set up shop in Lincoln this year, with eager customers queuing down the street[5]. The first major arrival in the city was Wendy's, which opened its doors to foodies in April.

The first 50 customers to eat at the High Street joint got their burgers for free. Liam Whitehead, 20, said: "It's been quite a good experience. I'd say it tasted definitely fresher and the pricing is indicative of the quality that you get."

Liam Whitehead, 20, in the queue outside Wendy's Liam Whitehead, 20, in the queue outside Wendy's

Located in Monsoon's former home, it was the first of two Wendy's to open in the north of the UK. On the nearby Brayford, fellow burger franchise Five Guys finally opened in early October.

Known for its iconic red-and-white colour scheme and plentiful toppings, it proved a hit with us - even if it's a little on the expensive side[6]. The city was further transformed by the arrival of Turtle Bay[7] in the former central market in September.

With its rooftop bar and spacious restaurant, the county's first Turtle Bay will serve foodies its famous combination of rum, reggae, and jerk with the all-day feasting menu. But Lincolnshire has more to offer than just food.

Chef Collin serving up the works in Turtle Bay Lincoln Chef Collin serving up the works in Turtle Bay Lincoln

In July, Spalding welcomed the county's first Jigsaw clothing store[8] to the Springfields outlet centre. The womenswear shop joined a series of popular brands, sitting next to Joules and Dune London.

While they didn't mark their respective debuts in the county, a new Farmfoods grocery shop[9] opened up in Grantham in October, followed a few days later by a new Shoezone[10] in Gainsborough's Marshall's Yard.

Looking ahead to 2024, plans have been approved for a new Aldi in Boston that will bring 'much-needed' jobs to the area[11]. The budget supermarket says it will help meet the needs of customers and offer them more choice.

Similarly, an early consultation showed that shoppers backed the plans for a much larger Morrison's[12] in Louth. Papa John's also submitted a planning application to install new signs on a former Sleaford café[13]. If approved, it would be a new pizza joint for the town - right next door to Domino's.

References

  1. ^ Lincolnshire's (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
  2. ^ cancellation of the Lincoln Christmas Market (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
  3. ^ closure of Wilko stores throughout September (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
  4. ^ courtesy of the Greater Lincolnshire devolution dea (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
  5. ^ queuing down the street (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
  6. ^ a little on the expensive side (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
  7. ^ arrival of Turtle Bay (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
  8. ^ county's first Jigsaw clothing store (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
  9. ^ new Farmfoods grocery shop (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
  10. ^ a new Shoezone (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
  11. ^ will bring 'much-needed' jobs to the area (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
  12. ^ backed the plans for a much larger Morrison's (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)
  13. ^ install new signs on a former Sleaford café (www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk)

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