Exeter’s very own Aladdin’s cave: Simply Roka Gift Shop

Gandy Street in Exeter is renowned for it’s wonderfully varied shopping experience. Here you can find everything from artisan chocolate to healing crystals. The main street isn’t very long but it is easy to miss a gem or two if you don’t pay attention. One of those gems is a gift shop I was invited to visit, called Simply Roka.

Tucked away down an alleyway behind every student’s favourite hippy hangout Firkins, you could be forgiven if you haven’t discovered Simply Roka yet. If you haven’t, I can tell you that it is an aladdin’s cave of goodness. With everything from candles and mirrors to handcrafted pieces of artisan Indian home decor, it is perfect for Christmas shopping and houses some lovely kooky gifts. You’ll also find some wonderful gifts that resemble those you might spot in the bigger high street shops but at a snip of the price.

I was invited by the owners (Raji and Kenny) to their warehouse (just around the corner from Dart’s Farm) where I viewed some of their products and we discovered that we had a lot in common!

Raji and Kenny moved with their two children from London to Exeter in September 2016, looking for a better work / life balance and to take a step back from the rat race. They are passionate about bringing beautiful products to the UK from India ethically. Supporting their artisan family and the villages they come from. Their products are made by skilled artisans who love what they do.

 

“Our artisan family have been making these unique items for generations and have been making products exclusively for Simply Roka since 2015. As well as supporting the local economy, we take care of their kid’s education, healthcare and we pay them wages that are well above the standard wage in that region.”

 

When I asked them what they love most about living in Exeter. They told me the lovely people, beautiful surroundings, and the fact there is loads to do. When they aren’t working, Raji and Kenny hang out with their two children exploring the local beauty spots like Exmouth beach and Dartmoor, they are still exploring the cities eateries but can recommend Curry Leaf for a good meal out.

After a long chat, they gave me this beautiful Ocean Conch Shell Bowl, which looks stunning on my windowsill, the shell is handmade and the lacquered enamel is painted by hand. It totally appeals to my inner magpie. 

There is plenty more where that came from too; Simply Roka also sell unique handmade home decoration and gift products online. Made from a variety from metal to wood, glass to crystal, Simply Roka has something for all tastes.

Take a look for yourself

So when you’re Christmas shopping is underway and you’re heading to Gandy Street, why not pop down New Buildings Lane and check out what Simply Roka have to offer. Alternatively, find them online or at Exeter’s Christmas market where they will be bringing their beautiful handmade Indian Christmas decorations.

Dates for your diary

Catch Simply Roka at the Christmas Market on Cathedral Green which starts on the 16th Nov and runs to 17 Dec.

Simply Roka’s shop (off Gandy Street) is open everyday apart from Tuesday from 10th of November till 17th Dec 11:00 – 17:00. 

On Thursday 23rd November, Gandy Street traders take to the cobbled street to welcome Christmas shoppers with a spectacular Christmas Festival: Countdown to Christmas.  Expect lights, music, mince pies, fizz, discounts AND SNOW!! It’s also a good opportunity to pop in and meet Raji and Kenny.

And, last but not least, 24-26 November sees the Christmas Shopping Fayre return to Westpoint. 

*This is a sponsored post