This week, I was invited to The Pop-Up Club to check out their new space located in Dukes Lane. It was my first proper outing post-lockdown as part of a press invite, so I was really excited to celebrate this milestone by visiting an independent business.
Rent is ridiculously high in Brighton, which means a lot of independent sellers, artists and creatives don’t often get the opportunity to be seen. The Pop-Up Club changes that.
As well as two locations in Brighton – in Dukes Lane and on Seven Dials – they also have locations in Chelmsford and Manchester. That being said, their residence is temporary, which means you have six weeks to visit before they move on!
Here’s what I got up to and why you should visit ASAP!
Creating space
If you don’t know who The Pop-Up Club are, they create space for small businesses and artists to promote their work.
Located in the midst of Dukes Lane, which is a hub of gorgeous independent shops and cafés, the shop has a cosy feel to it whilst at the same time bursting with colour (and a faint smell of fresh wood!).
The Pop-Up Club is a community. We take empty spaces and make them beautiful – not just aesthetically, but through the values we champion; sustainability, diversity, uniqueness, and affordability.
During the night I got to spend some time browsing all the different shelves, packed full of lovely creations. I also got to meet the founders of The Pop-Up Club as well as meet and chat to some of the designers and artists.
Because of restrictions, spaces were limited, therefore out of the remaining businesses that weren’t able to attend the event in-person, there were little plaque-style cards on each shelf detailing who the seller was as well as a link to their Instagram via a QR code. This was a really sweet and personal touch and I was able to quickly connect with them. I will be tagging some of my favourite shops later on in the post.
The ethos of The Pop-Up Club is about promoting local and independent businesses, as well as other creatives and artists. They also prioritise ethical and sustainable produce and make sure that their spaces are inclusive and accessible to all.
Although the shop is small, it is absolutely bursting with energy. I found myself having to tour the shop a few times to make sure I saw everything as it was easy to get distracted. There was such variety, from jewellery to clothing to pottery to candles. It would be the perfect location to do some Christmas Shopping!
My favourites
Within the shop there were tons of little shops and it was heart-warming to see so many in one space. Without places like The Pop-Up Shop, smaller businesses are being swallowed in places like Etsy and the cost of rent means that independent business don’t get the same opportunities as larger chains.
Here are just a few of my favourites…
Isle of Avalon
Isle of Avalon make luxury refillable candles that combine style and sustainability. They also have a gorgeous bath and body range.
We utilise soy as well as a blend of coconut and rapeseed waxes to fortify our commitment to the environment. Additionally, our products are designed with reusability and recyclability in mind, to prevent contributions to landfill.
All their products are vegan, cruelty free, plastic free, and are locally sourced from across the UK. They smell DEVINE! I was strict on myself and limited myself to one candle, which was a tough decision!
Follow them on Instagram @IsleOfAvalonLtd.
Bagels Before Boys
Bagels Before Boys (AKA bbbagels) make awesome and ‘punny’ enamel pins. Although their stock is small, their attention to detail in impeccable.
Follow them on Instagram @BBBagelPins.
EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/CO-H7mJBikW/
Sussex Art Prints
Inspired by local landscapes, Sussex Art Prints are two East Sussex based graphic designer-artists. They create wonderful minimalist art based on local landmarks – great and small.
Looking at their work, it was refreshing to see other landmarks from Sussex – such as Hastings Nethouses and Newhaven Lighthouse. I found it really difficult not to purchase a piece that night.
Follow them on Instagram @SussexArtPrints.
Caspara
Probably one of my favourites from the evening, Caspara is a bright and colourful designer of enamelware. From mugs and jugs to bowls and three-tier tiffins for camping.
This shop really caught my eye and I spent a long time browsing everything they had to offer. It was absolutely gorgeous!
Follow them on Instagram @Caspara_Treasure.
EMBED: https://www.instagram.com/p/CRBvogjoDE9/
If you’re in the area I would highly recommend you pop in to The Pop-Up Club before they disappear. You’ll be supporting more than one independent business and you might even find that one gift you’ve been looking ages for.
If you don’t get a chance give them a follow on Instagram @ThePopUpClub_ to find out where they’re popping up next!
