Independent retailer’s delight at playing part of Royal visit

ARCADIA DELICATESSEN, a Lisburn Road business of over 90 years standing, was delighted to represent small independent retail businesses during the recent Royal visit by Her Majesty The Queen.

ARCADIA DELICATESSEN has been part of the retail offering of Belfast’s Lisburn Road since 1933, a third-generation family business with grandmother Eileen Brown running the business originally, followed by her son, William.

Son Mark and his wife, Laura have two daughters Matilda (16) and Dolly (13) who accompanied them in the shop to highlight the strong family ethos behind the business. Three generations of the Brown family were also present.

Laura and Mark spoke to Her Majesty about the role small independent retail businesses play in maintaining a sense of community and social cohesion and about the importance of shopping local.

“Small family businesses are important to the local community and we were thrilled to welcome Her Majesty The Queen,” said Laura.

The shop is a traditional style delicatessen selling cheese, charcuterie, pasta, olives and all sorts of delights.

“With a small, but long-standing and dedicated team of eight staff we are honoured to be a well-loved part of the local high street. Great customer and renowned poet, Michael Longley recently described this part of the Lisburn Road as ‘the centre of his universe’,” added Laura.

Mark and Laura’s daughter, Dolly presented a posy of locally grown spring flowers to The Queen, created by local florist Allison Hood.