Boutique and Unique - shops and the arts - Quay Arts, Isle of Wight

We've been lucky enough to supply the Quay Arts Craft Shop with some of our hats and having just sent off another order, I thought I'd check out the centre as it is so much more than just the shop.

This converted 19th-century brewery warehouse complex overlooks the river Medina.  A light, generous space with three galleries, theatre, shop and cafe/bar, as well as artists' workshops and studios, it's a great place to get the measure of the island's and other regional craft makers, whose work is available to buy in the shop.  Items include ceramics, glass, textiles, metalwork, wood, jewellery and of course knitted hats!

Their theatre is named after Anthony Minghella, the Island-born Oscar-winning director and offers theatre, comedy, music, dance, kids and literature with a cinema that shows the best in world and classic film.

I must book a weekend away and pop over to check it out for myself.

Encore - Beverley Craven in concert.

Forget the Big Reunion Arena tours.  I promise you won't be disappointed if you check out the local listings in your area and see whether one of your favourite artists or bands from yesteryear is playing at a venue near you.

If you loved their music back in the day, chances are your taste hasn't changed that much and you'll soon be transported back to those carefree or angst ridden days of your youth that seemed to be accompanied by your own personal soundtrack. 

Proof for me that small gigs are much better than arena tours (what's the point of being stuck at the back of an arena where even the large screen offers only a pin sized version of your favourite songster) came when I was offered a couple of free tickets to see Beverley Craven last night.

Still an amazing singer and with an incredible saxophonist (Frank Mead) to accompany her, she had no need of the orchestra she apologised for not having.

What's more, she's very funny and her brief soundbites between songs were witty, poignant and enlightening.  

She offered up a great mix of old classics and more recent releases and I loved Rainbows, which was a new one for me.

I heard her once say in an interview that once she was happy with her lot in life she'd have no source material and so, whilst I don't wish her ill, I hope she continues to write great music for a long time to come.

And Beverley, next time I promise to pay!

www.cobwebknits.co.uk