The latest from the ‘Spotlight On’ series takes a look at The Dandy Lion, with Lucy Ward and Lewis “Carl” Gibbs.
Why did you chose Frome?
Lucy: When I was thinking of starting a business back in 2006 I looked at other towns in the area but Frome came out on top. The fact that the council were so progressive in offering small business rate relief and we found a great landlord who understood that starting a business was a risky venture and offered us a very reasonable rent, made me decide Frome was the place. Also the area of Catherine Hill was just beginning on its meteoric rise to stardom and it felt good to be in at the start of something.
Favourite thing about Frome:
Lucy: I love the people; they are so open and friendly and made me feel welcome straight away.
When I first opened the shop it was fairly compact as I only had one half the space we do now. It didn’t take long to realise that choosing Frome was the best decision I could have made and when the opportunity presented itself to expand, we took over the shop next door and knocked through to make the amazing space we have now.
Lewis: The people. I have got to know lots of people in Frome in the last five and a half years of working here. People from all walks of life and they are genuinely some of the best most interesting people in my life. Although not technically a “Fromie” I feel part of this town and this town feel part of me.
Little known fact about you, your business or Frome:
Lucy: I have a full time job as an insurance broker.
Lewis: My name is Lewis but lots of people know me as Carl from my Facebook page. This is because Carl is my birth name! Facebook changed the name of our page from The Dandy Lion to Carl……maybe not so interesting, but might clear up some confusion!
