One very noticeable change has happened in the high street in the town next to mine. At once time there were lots of charity shops and the odd stationers and newspaper outlets. I noticed the other week that there are lots more shops of general interest, household goods and particularly kitchen goods and anything to do with baking.
This is a most cheerful improvement to what was turning into a drab and soulless high street. There has to be a wide variety of goods to bring interest. The pubs and restaurants are still there and it needs new visitors to maintain the cashflow in the area. The rise in popularit for all things connected with kitchens has come about from the number of tv programmes on maintstrem and lifestyle channels. Competitions aside, there is no excuse for not being able to knock up a quick meal these days – help and products are online 24/7.