Exploring Kettering: 5 Stops to Love Local

Updated: 2 hours ago

Introduction

Take a visit to Kettering and you’ll soon see why it’s a town full of independent spirit. From long-standing favourites that have been part of the community for decades, to quirky, colourful shops bringing something new to the high street, Kettering is home to a fantastic mix of small businesses as well as the vibrant Yards complex which is full of character and local traders.

Shopping local here means discovering unique finds, enjoying brilliant customer service, and knowing you’re supporting the people and stories behind the shopfronts. Our Kettering blog celebrates just a handful of the great independents you can find in town, there are many more to enjoy! So, grab your shopping bags, get ready to explore, discover, and give them a Hi 5!

Discover more about Hi Street North Northamptonshire! This fantastic campaign, delivered by North Northamptonshire Council in collaboration with a variety of independent businesses from local high streets and surrounding areas, aims to shine a spotlight on these local businesses. The initiative encourages everyone to shop local, eat local and support local.

Stop 1: Black Rabbit Atelier - A Creative Corner in Kettering

Black Rabbit Atelier is a beautiful tattoo studio with heart, soul, and serious style that you’ll find on Market Street, a pretty area in the town full of independent businesses.

Studio owner Bethany and her creative team can bring your imagination and ink ideas to life in this artistic space, which is named after Bethany’s much loved black rabbit, and has been part of Kettering’s small business community for almost two years.

Working alongside Bethany is talented artist Jordan and up and coming apprentice Connie, and it’s obvious how passionate they are about what they do. You will feel at ease from the moment you say hello, to walking out of the studio’s door with a new tattoo.

The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and the decor is full of personality with thrifted furniture, handmade accessories, statement mirrors, custom-made banners, and crystals, along with inspiration for all your tattoo dreams!

Specialising in beautifully designed fine-line and patchwork tattoos – styles that have grown hugely popular thanks to social media – the skilled team offers a wide range of designs and price points, including a bottomless tattoo session for those wanting more than one piece. If you’ve got a unique idea, they’ll work closely with you to bring your vision to life.

With over 96 five-star reviews on Google, Black Rabbit Atelier has built a reputation that draws customers from far and wide including a group of American visitors who recently stopped by. It’s this blend of word-of-mouth, glowing reviews, and a strong online presence that helps the business thrive.

Bethany’s commitment to creativity and community is clear in everything she does. She adores having her own business and proudly supports other independents in the area and has had all her own tattoos done within Northamptonshire – over 60 and counting!

Whether you're marking a milestone or simply celebrating your individuality, you’ll find a relaxed, one-on-one experience, built around your vision at Black Rabbit Atelier!

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Stop 2: Speciality Coffee and Good Vibes at Amino+ Coffee

There’s a fresh buzz on Market Street in Kettering, and it comes in the form of speciality coffee, good vibes, and a whole lot of community spirit! Amino+ Coffee, which opened in March, has quickly become a go-to spot where connection, and great coffee come together.

Run by friends Abbas and Veeren, the café is the realisation of a long-held dream. Having lived in London, the pair were inspired by the capital’s thriving café culture. When they moved to Kettering, they saw an opportunity to bring that same culture to the town, creating a modern yet comfortable café where everyone is welcome.

The name Amino+ perfectly reflects their ethos. Abbas told us that: “Amino acids are the building blocks of life, and we wanted our café to be a place that fuels community and connections, with speciality coffee at its heart.”

The brand design is fresh and calming, with a striking café frontage and interior with green and cream tones spread across two floors, plus a sunny garden that’s a special find! The atmosphere is relaxed yet stylish, and it’s no surprise that people of all ages have made it their regular stop. From local running groups to students revising with a matcha in hand, Amino+ has quickly become a versatile space that offers something for everyone.

Alongside speciality coffees, you can choose from a packed menu with iced matchas, smoothies, milkshakes, iced teas, and an ever-evolving selection of pastries, cakes, and ciabattas. The pistachio croissant is a must-try, and their smoothies have been a summer favourite. Abbas, Veerun, and the team love experimenting with new flavours, keeping the menu fresh and exciting.

The team are warm, welcoming, and passionate about both coffee and community. They’ve been overwhelmed by the support they’ve received and love being part of Market Street, surrounded by fellow independents.

Whether you’re after a quiet place to work, a spot to relax or meet up with friends, or you’re simply craving really good coffee, Amino+ Coffee is the perfect destination!

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Stop 3: Vintage and Military Emporium - Where Nostalgia Meets the High Street

On Gold Street in Kettering, you’ll find the Vintage and Military Emporium, run by Daz. This unique shop is packed full of nostalgia with vintage homeware, glassware, jewellery, toys, vinyl, comics, clothing, military memorabilia and much more!

The shop has recently merged from two separate locations into one and is a collector’s paradise - the kind of place you can browse for hours, always spotting something new.

Daz has a military background, having served in the army before becoming self-employed. A chance conversation with a customer on a landscaping job gave him the idea that buying and selling could be more than a hobby, and with investment and belief, he has turned it into an interesting career.

With a passion for vintage and retro items, combined with Daz’s military history, his business was born and has been running successfully for 20 years. It all started with a van, then a few different shop locations, an eBay shop with 100% positive feedback, and now the current shop location.

Much of Daz’s stock comes from house clearances, a service he runs with care and empathy. Some finds have been remarkable! From a tobacco tin full of gold sovereigns to an elderly lady’s live grenade, which he quickly recognised thanks to his military knowledge and handed in safely! These moments keep the job exciting, and he loves the fact that every day is different.

His approachable nature and great eye mean Daz will often buy items with specific customers in mind. Over the years he has built trust with a loyal customer base, while also reaching people further afield through his eBay shop, shipping products worldwide.

The shop attracts collectors from across the UK, and many people drop in not just to buy but to chat, share stories and enjoy the nostalgia his shop brings.

For Daz, running the Vintage and Military Emporium is about the thrill of the find, meeting new people, and offering something unique for the town. After 20 years in business, his enthusiasm shows no signs of slowing and he’s looking forward to seeing where the business takes him next!

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Stop 4: Bright, Bold and Brilliant: Discover Kitsch Mitch!

Step into Kitsch Mitch at The Yards in Kettering and you’ll instantly be met with colour, quirkiness and a huge dose of fun! This bright, bold pop-culture shop is run by the dynamic duo Mitch and Mark, who have turned their love for all things retro, funky and alternative into a brilliant small business.

The journey began in 2019 when Mitch started making custom jewellery and 3D models, and selling online. By 2022, the first Kitsch Mitch shop opened at The Yards in Kettering, and by 2024 Mitch’s partner Mark had joined the business. Now, the pair have moved into their biggest and brightest unit yet, and it’s packed full of amazing finds!

Kitsch Mitch is a maximalist’s dream. Inside you’ll find quirky homeware, alternative fashion, comics, jewellery, accessories, vintage finds, plenty of unique gift ideas, plus much more. The stock is eclectic and always high-quality, and the bright frontage, eye-catching branding (designed by Mitch herself), and warm welcome from Mitch and Mark make it a place you can’t miss.

From free-to-play arcade machines to a lounge area where they show movies, Kitsch Mitch has become a safe, welcoming space for people of all ages. Kids pop in after school to spend their pocket money, teenagers love the arcade games, and customers are just as likely to stay for a chat as they are to pick up a purchase. The shop is proudly LGBTQ+ friendly, dog-friendly, and community-focused.

Mitch and Mark also support other independents, with seven local traders selling through the shop, making the offer even bigger and more exciting. For them, customers are friends of the shop, and they love sourcing stock with people in mind, listening to what customers want, and making sure there’s something for all budgets (lucky bags included which are a great buy!).

With its city vibes and big personality, Kitsch Mitch is one of a kind and we know you will love this little slice of pop-culture magic right in the heart of Kettering!

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Stop 5: Storm Clothing - 30 Years of Style on Gold Street

For three decades, Storm Clothing has been a staple of Kettering’s fashion scene. Located on Gold Street, this much-loved independent shop is home to top-quality clothing and accessories from iconic brands including Lacoste, Fred Perry, Birkenstock, Replay, Guess, Miss Sixty, Levi’s, Sergio Tacchini and much more. Whether you’re after new jeans, a classic designer tee, or a stylish new bag, Storm is the place to find it.

The story of Storm begins with Sean, who first started selling clothes at local markets before opening the first shop in 1995. Just two years later, the business expanded to its current location on Gold Street, where Sean and his business partner Lesley, along with their brilliant team, continue to keep customers looking sharp. Their keen eye for the latest fashion and trends has made the shop a trusted destination for style-conscious shoppers both local and from further afield.

Step inside and you’ll find a bright, well-organised space packed with clothing, shoes, caps, bags, accessories and more. There’s something for everyone, with prices to suit all budgets and regular sales throughout the year where you can pick up designer pieces at great prices. Alongside adults’ clothing, Lacoste Kids is a big hit with families too.

Storm’s customers are at the heart of everything they do. Some have been shopping here for years, growing with the business, and now bring in their own children. The team pride themselves on outstanding customer service and love helping people put looks together. Storm also sells online with shipping across the UK.

Fashion is fast-moving, and the team enjoy keeping ahead of the curve, often noticing how TV shows, celebrities, and social media trends can make certain items fly off the shelves. Sean has a real passion for clothing and style, describing the business as more of a lifestyle than a job, with holidays being few and far between!

Upstairs at Storm, you’ll also discover Groovy Garage, a vintage clothing business founded by local entrepreneur Jack. What started in Kettering has now grown to include a second branch inside Urban Outfitters in Bath, a brilliant success story that shows how independents can thrive and support one another.

After three decades in business, Storm continues to prove just how important independent shops are in keeping our town centres vibrant. It’s a reminder that by choosing local, you’re not only supporting passionate business owners but also discovering unique styles that help you look and feel your best!

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