First Posted: 29/08/01 Last Updated: September 2010
Writer: John Freeman Photos © John Freeman

OLD-TIME MAGIC!

It's one of Lancaster's unsung and some say hidden gems, simply because for many it's on "the wrong side of the street". And yet for those who do make the effort to visit, you'll find even they are often surprised by what they discover -- including a friendly cafe!

Nestling between Lancaster's historic almshouses and Crow's Restaurant on King Street is the Assembly Rooms, an 18th-century building whose upstairs rooms now host the world-famous LUDUS dance company, while on the ground floor many different stall holders offer a wide selection of collectables, from music and antiques to jewellery and period clothing.

The building was originally one of Lancaster's main public venues and was built by the trustees of Alderman William Penny, also responsible for the alms houses next door. The building fell into disrepair, but after refurbishment the ground floor became the venue for many of the stallholders who lost their pitches on the old Lancaster Market balcony, after that burnt down in the 1990s.

Now it is a venue of another kind -- a meeting place for the collector and the shopper, the former seeking some unexpected rarity among the many stalls, the shopper probably stopping off for a well-deserved cup of tea after battling the bustling crowds in Market Street.

After something of a lean period, the Assembly Rooms again has a host of stalls encompassing all manner of collectables and clothing.

Lynne from Bebe Babettte. "I love the individual style of the stalls," she says of the appeal of the Rooms.

As the Rooms begin to fill up with lunchtime customers I can see what she means -- teenagers, senior citizens, everyone, it seems, is on the look out for something that little bit different.

Comics fans should definitely not miss the place: not with First Age Comics right at the entrance to the Rooms, offers a huge range of new and old comics. "At First Age we sell the comics that are out now, not forgetting back-issue." says co-owner Mark Braithwaite.

"That's not all - we also have a healthy interest in TV and movies, so there is plenty of other stuff available - toys, T-shirts, cards, magazines, games and books."

A cornucopia of period fashion, ephemera and collectible awaits you in the Assembly Rooms

Babs Antiques has been in the room for many years. If you're looking for ephemera and collectibles, this is one place to look, selling antiques and collectables such as postcards, posters, gifts, Elvis Presley, Beatles and Marilyn Monroe memorabilia and more.

An addition to the numerous stalls in 2008 is Bootstique, the home of original clothing for original people. Bootstique specialises in original and alternative clothing and accessories including tutus, burlesque clothing, corsets, themed clothing, mini top hats, fascinators and more..

Hazel’s Antique & Vintage Clothes offers vintage and modern clothes for hire including ball gowns, dresses, suits, shoes, hats, gloves, fashion clothes from 1900's - 2007, jewellery and gifts.

Malcom’s Place, in a room of its own, sells clothes and fancy goods, ladies and gents vintage modern and more.

Wonders specializes in unique fair-trade gifts and Nomado original clothing.

Topping it all off, right at the back of the Assembly Rooms is a friendly cafe -- the Assembly Rooms Tea Room. It's great for dropping in for a coffee or snack and Kay, the new owner, has taken the cafe back to the original Team Rooms offering traditional homemade local produce all made by Kay herself and various dishes of the day which are advertised on the blackboard! Yum!

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