InFowey: Trafalgar Square's New Chapter

I’m trialling something new! InFowey is a fresh news series focused on what’s happening in Fowey - from small business updates to community news, cultural moments, and everything in between. It’s a companion to my Inside Small Business series but with a broader, newsier lens.

I’d love to know what you think, and if you’ve got a story, event, or update to share, please get in touch!

Rachel Roberts

Something is happening in Trafalgar Square, and it’s being written in fresh paint, new shopfronts, and in the conversations that only small‑business owners can create. In recent months, this little corner of Fowey has started to feel less like somewhere you pass through more like a destination - a pocket of independent enterprise where art, lifestyle, and community are redefining the space.

The latest chapter begins with Sandy Paws of Fowey, a new boutique due to open around 20 March (I’ll come back to that with a full Inside Small Business feature once Kelly and Alan finish redecorating and shop fitting!). On the surface, it’s a haven for pet lovers: when I popped my head around the corner, Kelly was fizzing with excitement – telling me about dog treats, accessories and cosy beds – perfect for a pet-loving place like Fowey. The shelves will brim with accessories that feel at home on a dog‑walk to the Gribben or the Hall Walk.

But what really piqued my interest was something for the humans too … alongside its pet offering, the shop will stock well-known brands for both humans and dogs, including coordinating pieces from Joules, Morris & Co., and homewares and practical walking accessories for dogs and their owners from Sophie Allport. There will also be Dryrobe, alongside premium footwear, clothing and aqua wear from Dubarry of Ireland - to name just a few, as well as artisan designers, bringing a touch of ultra-stylish credentials to the square.

Sandy Paws joins a changing lineup of independents that’s evolving. One of the most exciting shifts is underway at Treasures of Fowey, which has recently been taken over by Mandi Dellow, owner of the Fowey River Gallery. Mandi’s name is already familiar to followers of Inside Small Business from the earlier feature on the gallery, where she talked about building on what the previous owners had created and evolving it into something uniquely hers.

Under her ownership, Treasures of Fowey is set to continue that trend - blending its existing charm with a refreshed creative direction. Expect a mix of artisan gifts with perhaps a little more art‑lover’s curation than before. It’s a subtle reshaping rather than a reinvention - a sign that even long‑standing shops can grow and adapt without losing their soul.

These changes sit alongside some of Trafalgar Square’s more established favourites, each of which has become part of the local fabric. Liga Eco Store continues to champion sustainable living with its beautifully designed cork tableware, organic cotton fabrics, and reusable lifestyle products - proof that eco‑conscious shopping can be as much about aesthetics as ethics.

Just a short walk away, The Old Bank Gallery is fast becoming one of Fowey’s must‑visit spots. Featured in a previous Inside Small Business piece before Christmas, the gallery has grown in confidence and reputation, drawing visitors who are keen to take home pieces that inspire them. Its curated blend of Cornish art, changing exhibitions and artisanal gifts sits in perfect harmony with the other independents, creating a sense that this corner of Fowey is being carefully curated.

Of course, none of this would feel quite right without the presence of The Ship Inn, the long‑standing Fowey favourite; it’s the anchor - the place where locals stop for a pint, friends meet after work or sailing, and visitors warm up after a blustery walk from the Coast Path. In many ways, The Ship is the beating heart.

What makes Trafalgar Square so compelling right now is not just what’s for sale, but how these businesses talk to one another. Sandy Paws celebrates the joy of owning pets in a coastal town. Treasures of Fowey, under Mandi’s guidance, leans into craftsmanship and curation. Liga Eco Store champions sustainability that feels joyful, not preachy. The Old Bank Gallery gives space to artists and conversation (and cake!).

"small businesses thrive not in isolation, but in conversation with one another"

Together, they’re illustrating a core idea that Inside Small Business has always been interested in: that small businesses thrive not in isolation, but in conversation with one another. Every new shop, every change of ownership, every new window display is an act of optimism.

As spring arrives and tourists begin to return, Trafalgar Square is beginning to feel like one of those corners of Fowey that deserves a proper pause - a place to browse, talk, and discover the stories behind the counter. Whether you’re in for Dubarry boots, some new art, treats for your furry friend, a coastal‑inspired gift, or just a pint of beer or a coffee and a chat, Trafalgar Square is becoming a living case study in how small businesses can shape the character of a place