Rosehip
226 Munster Road
London
SW6 6AZ
020 7385 9638

Who: Sophie Meacock
“The inspiration for the shop is all about my childhood. It’s all very nostalgic, all about my upbringing. What I have, what I choose for my shop are all things my granny would have had, or my mother would have bought me as a child and I only choose things we would have in our own home. I hate anything tacky or new or shiny, it’s all about old-fashioned living.

Even though I was a brand new company and no one knew me, I think people were intrigued. The Munster Road is so busy traffic wise and I got millions of people just stopping off. People would say, “You’re like a new Cath Kidson, your vintage stuff is so one-off!”. I never want to be too commercial. I want to be in my shop everyday for the rest of my life, I never want it to get big. I want it always to be really personal, that’s what people love – the individuality, the one-off little bits.

My advice to anyone setting up a business would be to believe in yourself and your product, to love what you do and have faith in yourself. If you’re creative, stick with your creativity and don’t lose it. Be individual and try and be different.”

What: A treasure trove of vintage and interior design delights, Rosehip was opened by Sophie three years ago. This light and airy boutique is perfect for pressies for anyone settling into a new abode or fancying a purely self-indulgent treat. Also good if you have kids – the children’s aprons and mini deck chairs are really popular. You will find fabrics and wallpaper, big summer tote bags, fun oven gloves, bikinis and pretty knickers. Sophie designs her own range which she has a team of knitters and sewers around the county make up, and trawls antique fairs for one-offs.

Why: You won’t be able to leave without wanting to take the entire shop with you. Look out for this autumn’s wide-brimmed wool and felt flower hats, Sophie’s re-design of an old classic. And the Dora Rose wallpaper design, which Sophie designed in memory of her grandmother Dora – wonderful to behold!

Where: Halfway down Munster Road. Closest tube is Parsons Green; it’s a ten-minute walk. You can find it quite easily from Fulham Palace Road, by turning into Kingwood Road, which leads you directly to it.

When: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm

Photograph: Richard Jones