Wayfarer’s Arcade has always been a hub for great independent businesses and in the last few weeks not one but three great new businesses have arrived in the stunning Victorian space.

We sent the Ambassador’s to find out a little more….

Brickcraft Toys

Brickcraft is an independent Lego specialist supplying Southport with new and retired Lego only found in specialist stores such as theirs. They also offer Lego mini-figures, poly-bags and individual Lego parts.? Their Master builder makes lots of Lego of his own creations and exhibits at Lego events across the UK – look out for great builds on display in the shop! Owner Daniel explained the family had operated a business for many years in Preston but struggled with costs -? Southport proved a more affordable option and they see it as an exciting opportunity and great place to do business.

On most Saturdays they will be hosting Lego workshops in what they dub the ‘Builders Yard’ (the back of the shop).? Their Master builder has over 28 years’ experience with Lego and received direct training from Lego in London.? The Lego workshop will allow children between the ages 5-16? to build with the assistance and supervision of the Master builder.? Time slots are 11am-12pm, 12.30-1.30pm and 2-3pm.? Each session can hold up to 16 children and costs just ?3 per child.

Helping kids learn

During the sessions, their Master Builders promise to:

• encouraging the children to join in
• giving advice and direction as what to build (and indirectly, what they can learn).
• pointing out building skills and tips and help look for parts that will improve / develop their build.
• inspiring and challenging the children to build with greater skill and awareness of what works best for the model they are making.
• praising and appreciating what the child has done and how well they are progressing.
• asking the child what they have built, why, how it works, what it represents, and other such questions that subtly reinforces awareness and understanding of the STEM subjects.

Owner Daniel Pearson says “It may be play and fun but it helps strengthen and support what they are learning in school.? Many Primary Schools know that?LEGO is an ideal way of improving skills of STEM related subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering?and?Maths).? These are four important subjects the at the National Curriculum requires children to learn and that is why many schools run LEGO clubs.? The child building and playing with a 4-wheeled vehicles is also learning about science (e.g. how motion works), technology (observing motion in action), engineering (the design and structure of the vehicle) and Maths (counting where the studs are and getting the proportions right)”

Truly Scrumptious

Truly Scrumptious is an elegant chocolate shop, perfect for the opulent Wayfarer’s setting.? It is run by a mother and daughter partnership, whose dreams of having a business

together have finally been realised.? They have sourced the best in chocolate and confectionery from around the world, catering too for sugar free, gluten-free and vegan diets too.

They chose The Wayfarer’s Arcade as it is the epitome of Victorian elegance, a Southport landmark.? “We chose the name as it represents fun and elegance and Wayfarer’s was the perfect fit for us!”

Strawberry House Pottery

Strawberry House sells stunning handmade pottery from tiles to bowls and planters.? The work is all created by owner Margo.? Her work is functional but quirky and perfect for a one of a kind Christmas gift!

Margo, who has been running the pottery of over a year also offers beginner’s workshops in clay hand building techniques.