The British Emporium

The British Emporium stands as a true treasure chest of delights on Bridge Street in the heart of Bakewell, Derbyshire. We are a proudly independent department store with a clear and compelling mission: to be a shop window for Britain's exceptional makers. Every single item on our shelves, from a humble pencil to a piece of handmade designer jewellery, is genuinely Made in Great Britain. We believe in the skills of the people of Great Britain and the quality products they produce, bringing them together under one roof for customers who value authenticity, craftsmanship, and integrity.

Stepping into our Bakewell store is an experience in itself. Our team, renowned for their friendly and attentive service, has curated an inviting and atmospheric space where every product tells a story. It’s a cosy, welcoming environment where you can browse beautifully displayed collections at your leisure, confident in the knowledge that behind every brand is a commitment to responsible manufacturing and timeless design. Whether you visit us in person or shop online, we offer a seamless experience with free delivery on orders over £100 and a generous 90-day returns policy, ensuring you can shop with complete confidence.

What We Offer: A Curated Collection of British-Made Products

Our range is as diverse as British manufacturing itself. We have brought together an enticing collection that reflects both our colourful heritage and exciting contemporary design. This is not just a shop; it is a carefully edited celebration of homegrown talent, designed to delight anyone who appreciates quality that lasts for generations.

Home & Garden

Transform your living space with our extensive Home & Garden department. For the home, discover elegant home décor including stunning sculptures, vases, wall art, picture frames, and ambient lighting. Add warmth with soft furnishings like luxurious throws, cushions, and rugs. The heart of the home is covered with our Cooking & Dining section, featuring iconic mugs and teacups, premium tableware, serveware, and cookware. For the gardeners, we offer beautiful British-made gardening equipment, from leather gloves and sturdy aprons to HAWS watering cans, alongside charming garden décor for outdoor living.

Beauty & Fragrance

Indulge in the finest self-care with beauty products crafted in Britain. Our Beauty & Fragrance department features an exquisite range of women's and men's perfumes, including eau de parfum and cologne. Pamper your skin with moisturisers, facial skincare, and luxury bath products, or find the perfect beauty gift set. We also provide a dedicated Men's Grooming section with shaving essentials, aftershaves, and beard care products from premium British brands.

Women's & Men's Accessories

Complete your wardrobe with timeless accessories designed to add classic style to any look. Our Women's department showcases handcrafted leather handbags and purses, elegant jewellery—including Alex Monroe necklaces and earrings—and a superb collection of hats, scarves, and lifestyle accessories. For men, we offer a refined selection of leather belts, bags, cufflinks, socks, and our own range of waxed cotton hats, all made in Great Britain for enduring quality.

Stationery & Luxury Games

For those who appreciate the art of writing and play, our Stationery department is a revelation. We stock beautiful notebooks, diaries made with British-made paper, luxury board games, writing instruments, and even model planes. These are not disposable items but heirloom pieces, from precision-engineered scissors to elegant paperweights, perfect for gifting or personal use.

The Perfect Gift Destination

Finding a meaningful present is effortless at The British Emporium. We curate gifts by type, including options under £30 and £50, luxury gifts, and beautifully presented gift sets. You can also shop by recipient, with dedicated collections for her, for him, for gardening lovers, and for newlyweds. With our attentive staff and elegant gift-wrapping, the store is a go-to destination for Christmas shopping, birthdays, and every special occasion, as noted by our many loyal customers.

Why Customers Choose The British Emporium

Our 4.9-star rating and glowing customer feedback reflect an experience that goes far beyond a simple transaction. We are told time and again that our store has a “warm, happy feel” and that it is a place where staff are genuinely friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. Customers choose us for many compelling reasons.

• Genuine British Provenance: We offer true peace of mind. Unlike many companies, we rigorously apply our own strict definition of "Made in Great Britain," ensuring every product has undergone a substantive change here. We reject misleading labels like "Designed in Britain" and provide full transparency.
• Exceptional Staff and Service: From a warm in-store welcome to outstanding online support, our team is the real value. Led by Sue and Lucy, they are known for going above and beyond—quickly resolving issues, fast dispatch, and offering expert product knowledge with a personal touch.
• Beautiful, Unique Finds: We are a treasure chest of delights. You will discover unique pottery, stunning sculptures, exquisite floral wrapping paper, and unusual home items that become talking pieces, all beautifully displayed and chosen with evident care.
• Supporting British Makers: Shopping with us is an investment in the future of British craftsmanship. We partner with a wide array of brands, from household names like Emma Bridgewater to emerging artisans, ensuring traditional skills survive and thrive.

Serving the Bakewell Community and Beyond

Our hundred-yard stretch of Bridge Street store has become a beloved destination for locals and visitors exploring the Peak District. While we are deeply rooted in the beautiful historic town of Bakewell, our online store serves customers across the entire United Kingdom. Many visitors discover us while spending a weekend in the area, charmed by the dog-friendly shop where a delightful chat and a unique find are always guaranteed. Whether you are a local popping in for a specific gift or a traveler chancing upon our door, our mission to provide a warm welcome and showcase British excellence remains the same.

We are a proudly independent, family-run business, and our connections in the area run deep. Customers travel from nearby villages like Over Haddon and throughout Derbyshire to enjoy our unique shopping experience. The store’s reputation for quality and class extends far beyond the county, bringing back repeat visitors who always make a point of stopping by when they are in town, cementing our status as a treasured part of the Bakewell shopping landscape.

Hours, Location & Directions

The British Emporium is conveniently located at Bridge Street, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1DS. We are open seven days a week to welcome you.

Store Opening Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Finding us is easy. We are situated on a main road in the charming town centre. For satellite navigation, use our postcode DE45 1DS. Our store is pedestrian-friendly and we are proud to be a dog-friendly establishment. For any questions before your visit, you can reach us by phone at 01629 812224.

For our online customers, our dedicated Customer Service team is available Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. You can reach them at 01524 237244 or by email at customerservice@thebritishemporium.com.

Questions Visitors Ask

We know customers value clear information before they visit or make a purchase. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about our products and services.

What is your definition of “British Made”?

Our definition is strict and honest. A product must have gone through a “substantive change” in Great Britain. For example, if we import a hide of leather and it is transformed into a pair of shoes here, we consider those shoes British-made. We do not accept products merely “decorated” or “designed” in Britain, as we believe this is misleading. This commitment ensures you are supporting genuine British manufacturing skills.

What is your returns policy for online orders?

We want you to shop with absolute peace of mind. We offer a generous 90-day returns and exchanges policy for all online purchases. If you aren’t perfectly happy with your item, you can return it within this period. This policy reflects our complete confidence in the quality of the British-made products we sell.

Do you offer gift wrapping?

Yes, our team takes great care in presentation. Many customer reviews specifically mention that items arrived “perfectly timed, beautifully wrapped, ready to give as a gift.” Whether you are purchasing a small token or a luxury item, we ensure it is presented beautifully, making your gift-giving experience effortless and special.

Is your Bakewell store dog-friendly?

Absolutely. We are a dog-friendly shop and our four-legged visitors are warmly welcomed. Several of our reviews mention delightful chats with staff while their dogs were made to feel at home, adding to the warm and cosy atmosphere that defines our store.