Discovering Smith Street: Stories behind Warwick's independent businesses - PART THREE
Warwick's Smith Street is lined with independent businesses that bring character, creativity, and community spirit to the heart of the town. But how well do we know the people and stories behind the shopfronts?
At the end of July, the Smith Street party will be held once again, bringing together a host of businesses for a day of community celebration.
As with previous years, it will see the street pedestrianised for the day and lined with stalls, with live music on the stage throughout the day.
Ahead of the event, we reached out to every business along Smith Street and asked them to share a little about who they are, what they do, and why they do it.
Welcome to the final part of our three-part series showcasing the businesses that responded to our questions.
Did you spot part one and part two?
Fusion Clan
Fusion Clan was founded by three friends, Aby Joseph, Joshi Johny, and Thomas P Mathew. All originally from Kerala, they shared a vision to bring the bold, authentic flavours of South India to the heart of Warwick.
What is your favourite thing(s) about running your business in Warwick?
To find something very South Indian, or the kind of spice blends we use back home, was really hard here. We wanted to fill that gap and create something truly representative of where we come from.
When we found this location on Smith Street, it just felt right. It's really nice to see customers chatting with each other, it's not just about eating, it's about experience. We've had locals from Warwick, Leamington, and Kenilworth support us from day one.
When we first opened, some of our customers even waved people in from outside the window to try the food.
That kind of support… It's just amazing!
What have been some of the most rewarding moments and biggest challenges you've faced as an independent business?
We tweaked the menu a few times to get it right. Now, we've reached a version that really reflects who we are.
We are just trying to get the word out now about us. We have only been here for just over a year so we are still quite new.
What fusion means to us is bringing our roots into dishes from around the world. We didn't want people to think we just do curry, Indian cuisine is so much more.
HAPPY PUCCIA
Happy Puccia on Smith Street brings a taste of Puglia, in southern Italy — the region its owners come from.
What is your favourite thing(s) about running your business in Warwick?
When we decided to start our business seven years ago, we had a very clear vision in mind: to do something different by introducing the people of Warwick and Leamington to a taste of Puglia (the region in southern Italy where we come from), while also showing Warwick to our loyal followers in Italy. We're always proud when people walk into our shop and tell us they've visited Puglia, recognising places from the photos we have on display.
A fun fact: over the years, we discovered that in New York, some guys from Puglia run a shop similar to ours on a street called Smith Street — and even there, during the summer, they host a Smith Street Party. The next one will be next Saturday 31/05.
What have been some of the most rewarding moments and biggest challenges you've faced as an independent business?
Our idea of a food business has always been about being authentic and original, offering our customers something different from what most coffee shops and sandwich shops in the area provide. Of course, this came with some risks, like the initial scepticism from customers who often prefer to stick to comfort food; but once you overcome that first barrier, you're taken on an innovative taste journey that is truly Italian.
The pandemic was definitely a turning point for our business: we had only been open for a few months, and it was really tough. When situations beyond your control happen, you can either be overwhelmed or ride the wave — and that's exactly what we did. Today, after seven years, we are proud and happy to still be here, stronger and more aware of our business. Over the years, our story has also been featured in local and national newspapers, and that makes us even prouder, because we brought a small piece of Italy to Warwick while helping Italians discover this beautiful town.
Create - Ursula Westwood
Ursula opened her shop in Warwick last May. She is a felt artist and art teacher and has been making felt for 25 years.
What is your favourite thing(s) about running your business in Warwick?
Meeting people who come to Warwick and talking about the lovely places to go to eat after doing a workshop, or where they can go nearby to have a lovely coffee and cake. What the local area has to offer. Being part of a network of small independent shops, and being proud of having an exciting business that gives people and adults joy and nurtures their creativity!
What have been some of the most rewarding moments and biggest challenges you've faced as an independent business?
I am giving children and adults the opportunity to make time for their creativity. When people give me excellent reviews! How people come to Warwick from different parts of the country to meet at my shop and do a workshop! Having enough time to do everything !
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