Sproughton-based antiques centre, The SHED (www.thesheduffolk.co.uk), was honoured to be visited by the BBC’s Antiques Road Trip (www.bbc.co.uk/antiquesroadtrip), last Thursday, 30th July.
The Show, first aired in 2010, sees two antiques experts set off on a road trip around the UK searching for antiques and collectables, and competing to make the most money at auction; they are allocated a budget of £200 each, with all profits donated to charity. In one episode of the Show, which is watched by millions, a rare antique camera, bought by Paul Laidlaw for just £60, sold for £20,000, smashing all records.
Auctioneer Charles Hanson (www.charleshanson.com) arrived at The SHED in a magnificent classic car, as befits the programme, for an episode filmed behind closed doors and with social distancing fully observed – with The SHED’s trusty Tea Room Manager ‘Berty’ front of camera and in charge of negotiations.
The SHED, which was established in February 2016 by Lesley Austin and Ken Dunn, houses four stunning showrooms packed full of antiques, furniture, militaria, vintage and retro items. Arranged over more than 5,000sq ft of space, The SHED has become well known for ‘Nora’s’, its’ 1940s Tea Room, which enables customers to step back in time and enjoy lunch or afternoon tea accompanied by vintage china and period linen, served by waiting staff dressed in period costume. Nora’s boasts not only many excellent reviews, but a 5* hygiene rating. Located at the interchange of High Street and Lower Street, The SHED is also home to Bunty’s Chalk Paints and the ladies’ fashion boutique, SASS – growing in popularity for its wide range of clothing and accessories, and the convenience of The SHED’s out of town location.
Commenting on the visit, Co-Founder and Proprietor, Lesley Austin said, “We were thrilled to be asked to be part of the new series, which will be broadcast this Autumn, and had a lot of fun with Charles and the crew. The programme will help to raise awareness of The SHED’s presence on a national footing, which is fabulous for a small business, and we are now able to say, ‘as seen on Antiques Road Trip’ too!”