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89 High Street

This property was researched by John Thurston.

Pigots Drectory from 1830 gives Sarah Peers, a Lace Manufacturer and Dealer, as the occupant. Along with her husband, John Peers, they run the shop until at least 1841.

Charles James Sims, their former apprentice, then takes over from 1847 – 1861 who, along with his wife (?) Elenor/Ellen Sims trades as Lace Dealers and as a Berlin Wool Depository.

In 1861 William Lyon, a Tailor and Woollen Draper, is the next owner who stays until 1871.

William Barritt who is described as a Manager of a Boot and Shoe Shop is living there with his family according to the 1871 Census.

The owners from 1876 until 1885 are Amies and Tyler, also Boot and Shoe Manufacturers. A name change occurs in 1887 when Amies and Sons are now listed. Their Managers living on site are John Inwood and family in 1881 and Edward Burrell and family in 1891.

The business is then taken over by Thomas Edward Smith, a House Furnisher, who is in business from 1903 – 1907, and who also occupies no’s 91 and 93 High Street.

Hockney Brothers, Ladies and Childrens Outfitters, trade from 1908 – 1911.

In 1914 the premises are shared between Achille Serre Ltd, Dyers and Cleaners, and Wilsons Dentist Surgery.

In 1934 Achille Serre are the sole traders but then share with Rowland Smith and Son, Insurance brokers, from 1936 – 1940 and with  Greenway Embroideries Ltd from 1947 – 1959.

From 1961- 1970 Achille Serre are again the sole traders.

The premises then become a food outlets, the owners being the Steak and Omelette Bar (1971 – 1976), Tasty Kebab (c.2008), Reem Lebanese Café and Restaurant (2009 – 2019), Ali’s  Turkish Restaurant (2020 – 2021) and finally Ayanis,Turkish Restaurant (2024).

Summary of Occupiers

1830 – 1841: Sarah and John Peers, Lace Manufacturers and Dealers

1847 – 1854: Charles James Sims, Lace Dealer &Ellen Sims, Berlin Wool Depository

1861 – 1871: William Lyon, Tailor and Woollen Draper

1871: William Barritt, Manager of a Boot and Shoe Shop

1876 – 1885: Amies and Tyler, Boot and Shoe Manufacturers

1881: John Inwood, Manager of a Boot Shop

1887 – 1900: Amies and Sons, Boot and Shoe Manufacturers

1891: Edward Burrell, Bootmakers Manager

1903 – 1907: Thomas Edward Smith, House Furnisher

1908 – 1911: Hockney Brothers,Ladies and Childrens Outfitters

1914 – 1970: Achille Serre Ltd, Dyers and Cleaners

1914 – 1932: Wilsons Dental Surgery

1936 – 1940: Rowland Smith and Son, Insurance Brokers

1947 – 1959: Greenway Embroideries Ltd

1971 – 1976: Steak and Omelette Bar

2008: Tasty Kebab

2009 – 2019: Reem, Lebanese Café and Restaurant

2020 – 2021: Ali’s, Turkish Restaurant

2024: Ayanis Turkish Restaurant

For a more detailed list of owners and occupiers of 89 High Street see here.