An extract from the upcoming edition of the Indie Bath 2025.
Meet Guy Douglas, owner of The Silver Shop in Union Passage:
Tell us a bit about The Silver Shop
The first time I set foot in The Silver Shop was when I was about nine years old, and I remember buying tiny yellow hand-painted bears for my Mum. I never imagined that 15 years later I would be running the shop, initially with my parents and now with my wife. The shop first opened in 1952, and we have tried to keep the traditional character and personality, and still stock a huge variety of gifts, as well as Bath’s largest collection of Silver Jewellery. We have had to adapt and change over the years, and now offer engraving and soldering in our workshop onsite, and our website holds a large range of jewellery too. The thing I love most is connecting with our customers, and nothing brings me more pleasure than people leaving our shop happier than when they came in… hopefully with something shiny in their hand.
Why Bath?
Bath has always been central to my life – I was born in Bradford on Avon and grew up in Bath. Although I moved away for university and lived near London for a few years, my heart has always been in the city, and I came back to work in the shop to help my parents for six months… and 25 years later I’m still here!
Share something new and exciting you have discovered in Bath
Even though I have lived in Bath for years, I am always amazed by how much goes on in the city. My latest discovery has been Junior Parkrun, which we do as a family every Sunday morning at Odd Down Cycle Track. The atmosphere is great, and there’s a real sense of community and achievement… although my 8 year old daughter and 6 year old son regularly beat me!
What do you do to spoil yourself?
I adore cycling, and my idea of heaven is a day on my bicycle up on the plateau beyond Corsham. I deliver most of our local online orders by bike, so that’s always a good excuse to get out on my bicycle round the city – although Malmesbury was probably the furthest order I delivered! It’s a family affair though, and my wife and children often hop on our electric bike to deliver online orders too!
Your top indie recommendation in Bath?
My recommendation would have to be Rossiters – I had my first ever job there as their ‘Christmas Boy’ and 30 years later it still even smells the same (a nice smell I ought to add!), and of course I love Avon Valley Cyclery and the team there, for all things two wheeled!