123 High Street

This property was researched by John Thurston 

Built originally (c.1800?) as Dukes Row, a group of almshouses, which stretched down the High Street to Lurke Street. Contemporary records begin around 1840/411 when Robert Rose, a professor and teacher of music, organist at St Pauls and St Peters and owner of a piano and music warehouse acquired the premises. Though early records show Robert at No 107 High Street, it is believed that this was due to a renumbering of the High Street shops and certainly his premises were at the corner of the High Street/St Peters and confirmed as No 123 on the 1871 Census.

The business prospered and was continued by his daughter, Miss Emma Rose, from 1900 the company trading as R Rose and Co Ltd up until 1934. 

By 1936 the premises had become a milliners – “Ann” – which traded as Ann (Hetheringtons Ltd) and then as Ann (Miss F Borlase) up until at least 1976.

In recent times No 123 has been used as an Indian Restaurant and Bar, Rajkot Indian Tapas (2008 - 2012) and Indian Sizzler (2014 – 2015), a Night Club, The Paradise Club (2008), a Newsagents, Newsfayre (2009 – 2024) and two diners (Piri Piri Chicken (2016 – 2020) and Doorstop Diner (2021 – 2024).

Summary of Occupiers

c.1800: Dukes Row Almshouses built

1841 – 1934: Robert Rose/Emma Rose/R Rose and Co Ltd ; Pianoforte & Music Warehouse (Shown originally as No 107 then from 1871 as No123 High Street)

1936 – 1976: Ann/Ann (Hetheringtons Ltd/Ann (Miss F Borlase), Milliners

2008 – 2012: Rajkot Indian Tapas, Indian Restaurant and Bar

2008: The Paradise Club, Night Club

2009 – 2024: Newsfayre, Newsagents (N.B. Renumbered to No 125, date unknown)

2014 – 2015: Indian Sizzler, Indian Restaurant

2016 – 2020: Piri Piri Chicken, Restaurant

2021 – 2024: Doorstop Diner, Restaurant