Dunstable family independent businesses: High Street highs
by Cllr. Peter Hollick, Former Dunstable Town Mayor
The ‘High Street’ continues to develop with new businesses moving in, a few closings and, a sad reflection on the way some businesses operate, three mini-markets closed by Court Order having sold illegal cigarettes and vapes.
Since July 2025 a further nine businesses have told their stories in this column representing the High Street, the Quadrant Shopping Centre, Ashton Square/Middle Row, the Town Council’s Middle Row Markets and the Street Food Heroes. Future contributions will come from the Mayfield Road and Katherine Drive parades of shops as well as others from around the town.
Peacocks (High Street North/Queensway), Clinton Cards and Poundworld (The Quadrant), have closed.
However, new to the town, Boyes (replacing Wilcos - Ashton Square) offers a wide range of goods including a fishing section and clothes; Hays Travel (Quadrant); Tufty’s Flowers (Middle Row) and Donna Maria (formerly Chez Jerome) have all quite recently opened. We still wait to see the Mintroom (formerly the Winston Churchill Pub) open after many years of on and off activity and learn where the new Banking Hub will be situated. W H Smith (Quadrant) is now T G Jones.
Of the businesses represented here over the past four months -
A recent addition to High Street South has been La Trei Frati (family baker and patisserie), now offering a range of hot food. Opposite, Stoten Gillam (Accountants), has also featured.
On High Street North, You Want Beef (Angus beef and fresh chicken) opened in the Summer.
S R Wood (commercial property consultant and agent) have had a presence on the High Street for many years.
The Quadrant welcomed Mango’s (Coffee 2 Cocktails).
Salvator (dog grooming) represented Middle Row; Tufty’s Flowers is another newcomer here.
The market saw Beats and Shouting (vinyl and music memorabilia) and Scent and Bloom (home fragrances) on Middle Row Markets. Market stalls have increased in number over the past couple of years and now regularly see some 30 stalls each market day (Saturdays, second and third weeks of the month, March to December).
The Weeping Chef (hand made burgers) joined the Street Food Heroes on The Square. This popular event drew a good crowd on the third Thursday of the month throughout the Summer.
The annual Twilight Markets were held on The Square on 11th, 12th and 13th December. The last Middle Row Market this year will be held on 20th December. The markets open again in March 2026.
In 2026 it will be a pleasure to relate more stories about your local Dunstable family and Independent businesses.,
I do wish the many readers of this column, Season’s Greetings and best wishes and good health for 2026.