Emerald City

Only one star as Emerald City has now closed and this is quite sad for New Road Side.

I was trying to come up with something witty along the lines of something Irish and the obvious reference to The Wizard of Oz, but alas, it has failed me, and I shall plough on regardless.
Whatever connotations do come to mind, if your expectations are like mine, high, you expect a large opulent style space with tidily arranged showrooms and either a wizard or a leprechaun secreted somewhere. No jokes aside, whatever your expectations are they are quickly shot out of the water, and when you do look up and right at Emerald City, you feel a bit let down, it’s essentially a small shop front on a pretty dull road, but once inside there’s a complete overhaul of opinions.
I’m hoping to move house soon (fingers crossed sweet Jesus) and I’ve been eyeing up furniture to go into my grown up house for so long, as evidenced in the Barker and Stonehouse, and the Habitat reviews of late, and whilst Emerald City is different in style it is no less impressive. The item I spent far too much time lusting over was an antique silver and black dresser that unfortunately had a sold tag on and left me bereft. But there are plenty of other things to drool over in the way of beautiful furniture items, in the vintage style, quite randomly there was a Batman lunchbox, some luxury toiletries of the flowery purfumed variety, bold beady jewellery, more smellies, bath products and flowery scents, and capped off by a bit more fancy furniture. A wonderful and strange combination that suits the girlies down to the ground for shopping experiences. First impressions are often deceptive.

As gift shops go, I don’t think I’ve been that impressed in a long time. Up until this point I’ve been operatically singing the praises of the likes of Ilkley and Otley for the absolute shopping experience, but due to a misunderstanding as to the locale of this part of Horsforth, I had completely overlooked the wonders along this little stretch of road. This shop happens to be one of them!
My friend and I managed to vanish about, I don’t know, half an hour in here in one little blink. The shop is literally bursting with oddities, quirky exciting little bits and gorgeous things. I’ll warn you now, don’t bring your children in here — you’ll never manage to get away without spending something as I am certain they’ll want to take home every thing!
My absolute favourite thing about this shop was the vintage style furniture. At the moment (March ’10) they are selling some of it at a massively reduced price — so I’d be sharpish about visiting. I can’t tell you how much I want their chaise long, their victoriana sofa and their beautiful bureau. You could easily spend just over a grand and come away with a house full of furniture — beautiful vintage style furniture! And they even deliver for a meagre £17.50. Bargain!
As well as those lovely things, they sell hoards of shiny jewellery, gold gilt mirrors, butterfly shaped memo racks, vintage lamps, perfumery items, candles, grow my first vegetables, exquisite clutch bags and all manner of other interesting bits and bobs. It’s just too much to try and express it to you here, you-​must-​you-​must go and see for yourself!

Another novelty gift shop but this time it is mixed with interior decorating items too which to a certain extent some gifts do cross over into this category but this shop actually sells up-​lighters and arm chairs as well as a stunning selection of gifts and cards. This makes for a lovely place to hunt down a quirky gift or two for a special someone.

If anyone feels like buying me a present and happens to have three hundred quid lying around, I’ll have the Moulin Noir console table please. This shop is full of the sorts of pretty things that you want to fill your home with, even though you disagree with paying hundreds of pounds for a table on a very base level. On the more affordable side, they also stock an array of pretty jewellery and gifts as well as some cute, old fashioned kids toys. A good spot to pick up Christmas presents, but get in there early — I suspect everyone else in Horsforth might have the same idea.

Indulgent and extravagant are two words that come to mind when thinking about Emerald City… I’m not talking about The Wizard or Oz though, oh no. In the heart of Horsforth located on New Road Side is a tiny boutique filled with delights old and new.
Emerald City is an exclusive gift boutique with a simple philosophy: «to provide customers with those must have items that are just that little bit different and to make this as affordable as possible.»
Ranging from exclusive luxury jewellery brands such as Martine Wester to Coach House furniture. This boutique is definitely worth a visit.
What’s more is that the staff have an extensive knowledge of their products and can help you pick out the perfect gift for that special someone in your life.
I visited in search of unique Christmas gifts for my friends and family and found the shop to be enchanting. If you like pretty, vintage, and unusual trinkets then you will love it here. I came away with a smile on my face, a dent to my bank balance and a few beautiful pieces of jewellery.
Oh and I was somewhat starstruck as Nicola Blackstock of Emmerdale popped in to buy a card whilst I was visiting…
What will you find at the end of the yellow brick road?

A gorgeous little gift shop in Headingley with a fantastic range of cards, gifts and homewares. Well chosen selection of products– not the usual high street selection, ideal for finding unusual gifts for loved ones, or better still finding something to take home for yourself!