So Matt, what will we discover if we pay you a visit at The Green Duck Emporium?
Our handmade luxury soaps take pride of place in the centre of the shop, so you will be greeted with their gorgeous scents when you enter. We passionately believe that The Green Duck offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for interior design inspiration, a ‘one-off’ piece of beautiful furniture or a special gift, we have you covered.
You opened during the pandemic – how did the shop come about?
I have worked as a stage manager since leaving school and overnight, with the closure of our theatres, my work and life as I knew it stopped. I needed something to do, was familiar with retail and wanted to be creative. And so The Green Duck was born!
Where does your love for interesting things come from?
I have grown up around shops. My Mum, Jenny Elesmore, started trading with Odds & Suds thirty years ago at Tavistock Market and went on to open three shops, which are today run by my sisters. The furniture and one-off pieces we stock reflect my love of theatre.
Just 15 months after opening the Emporium, the Green Duck expanded with the opening of the Coffee House & Bar. Was that always the plan?
Not at all! We began selling coffee as I’ve always had a love for good coffee and I wanted to make use of our amazing courtyard and cave. We soon needed more space so I took the plunge and opened a second site, moving the emporium just down the road to give us a dedicated coffee house and an events space.
How would you describe the Coffee House & Bar?
It’s a relaxing space with charm, good food and drinks and an amazing secret courtyard and cave.
Your events are in full swing now, what can we look forward to in the coming months?
Everything from Bottomless Brunch, Cockney Sing-a-longs, Wine Tasting nights, Annie Sloan paint courses, Christmas wreath courses, and this September we’ll have our new ”NAKED” sing-a-longs. We’re also available for private hire. Our events are pre-booked only via our website.
You have now opened a second shop in Brighton, what is next for The Green Duck brand?
Yes we have been very busy! We opened our Brighton store in April this year in the Lanes, and I am planning to open our Canterbury store in time for Christmas 2022.
What do you love about Grosvenor Road?
I’d have to say it’s the people and the buzz. We are becoming a very up-and-coming road with many new independents opening, and I am proud be a part of it.
Why did you join the TN card?
We really want people to support local and feel part of a community, and we get this from the TN card!
