Unique Antique Shop UK opens its doors in Dovercourt

Gina Patrick opened Unique Antique Shop UK in High Street in the former home of the Thomas Cook travel agent. 

She and her partner share a passion for antiques and started their journey with online shops, gathering knowledge through research and travels to auctions and fairs. 

Gina said: “We just set up a side plan with selling ceramics on Etsy. We have been selling antique and vintage china all over the world.” 

The couple ended up with three containers full of antiques and decided to find a shop. 

“We said to ourselves we should try to find a premises since didn’t want to keep working from home," she added.

“We love the new shop, it is amazing, especially the massive basement, which is perfect for storing a couple of items. 

“We didn’t want it to look like an emporium, with just things standing around, but we wanted it more to look like a lounge.” 

The couple is determined to save treasures from landfills, where a lot of old pieces unfortunately end up, as many people might not realise the value of their belongings. 

The shop opening ahead of Easter was a full success, with many residents excited to see a once-empty shop filled with new life. 

“The traditional high street shops are being replaced a lot by online shopping and it is the niche shops that remain," they added.

“We hope that we can fill one of those niches and people have been nothing but supportive.” 

In addition to the shop, Gina would love to organise an antique fair and auctions using the event space at Orwell Place car park. 

As Harwich is also their home, the couple is hoping to help improve their local High Street and draw in visitors. 

“We are hoping that more and more niche shops come here and grow the popularity of the high street. It has so much to offer, just like Harwich.” 

The shop has adopted flexible opening hours, but the couple will be available by phone when closed.