THE independent spirit is thriving in the Sidbury area of Worcester.

With independent shops of all shapes and sizes, from well-established firms such as Cornucopia in College Street to relative newcomers such as bridal gown store Your Dreams in London Road, companies share a sense of purpose and they are proud to be local.

Your Worcester News is encouraging readers to buy more from local independent businesses as part of our Buy Local campaign.

Duncan Mitchell, head chef at the Glasshouse in Sidbury, knows the merits of local ingredients and uses them to ensure the independently-owned brasserie maintains its reputation as one of Worcester’s top restaurants.

“Obviously at this time of year we can use Vale of Evesham asparagus,” said Mr Mitchell.

“I will always use as much good seasonal produce as possible.

“I always buy English meat such as Herefordshire beef. You should support your own.”

Even the Bloody Mary’s served at the Glasshouse bar are made with local tomato juice.

There is a wealth of long-running companies in the area – Charlie’s Cafe, a vegan and vegetarian friendly eatery, has been in owner Fran Fosh’s family for more than 20 years, and Orillo, the bathroom company based in nearby Foundary Street, was established in 1978 and prides itself on being a family-run firm.

Just last month husband and wife Heather and Chris License relocated their shop All Music Plus from a small premise in Sidbury to a larger one just a few doors down. “It’s nice to have such a thriving independent area,” said Mrs License.

“It’s nice to be able to support each other which is something we all try to do.

“When we were starting to think about bigger premises we looked elsewhere, but here is just so nice. It’s friendly and it’s only going to get better.”

The refurbishment of Diglis waterfront will have an affect say local traders and, it is hoped, attract more people the area. While the recession all but halted work on the Diglis water site during 2009, developers are optimistic that the building work will pick up now the economy is starting to recover.

l On Wednesday, we look at independent businesses in Welland and Hanley Swan.