AFTER the demise of their village store last year, John and Naomi Foy decided to open their own place to fill the gap… and offer much more.

The couple, who moved north with their four children and four dogs from Wiltshire six years ago, opened the upmarket deli Savilles of Shotley Bridge just before Christmas.

As well as supplying villagers with mundane staples such as bread and milk, they sell an impressive array of delicacies. There are 30 different types of cheese: Valdeon Picos Blue, a Spanish cheese wrapped in maple leaves; Cornish Yarg, wrapped in nettles; as well as more local produce such as Reiver and Coquetdale, from Northumberland, and their biggest seller – Cotherstone, from County Durham.

And business is booming. “Every week has been an improvement on the last,” says 43-year-old John. “We were very busy at Christmas and we thought that might be a fleeting thing and it would get quiet again, but that hasn’t happened. We hadn’t expected the cheese and the olives to go so well.”

■ Savilles, 13b Front Street, DH8 O88. Tel: 01207-593623.

Nothing if not graphic

ELECTRIK Sheep, an independent store and gallery on Pink Lane, is one of Newcastle’s best-kept secrets. It opened almost four years ago and sells a range of products including clothing, books, magazines, artwork and toys. The shop is the brainchild of graphic design company Reluctant Hero who create graphics, marketing campaigns and branding for companies such as Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Dazed and Confused.

The idea behind the store was to celebrate all things graphic that both stimulated and inspired people. The clothing sold here can be bold, bright and very different, which is its appeal, and with very low quantities of each item you’re getting something exclusive. They have a huge selection of tees and have recently expanded their womenswear selection. Brands sold include 10 Deep, 2K, Perks and Mini, The Hundreds, Something Else, Girls from Omsk and arriving soon is Alife. To those in the know, these are some of the hottest brands around right now.

■ Electrik Sheep, 22 Pink Lane, Newcastle NE1 5DW. Tel: 0191-261- 4444. Open 10am-6pm, Monday to Saturday. electriksheep.co.uk