Make Holt is a curated lifestyle and concept store in the heart of Holt, bringing together the work of more than 50 independent makers, artists and designers from Norfolk and the surrounding area.
Located in The Shirehall on Shirehall Plain, directly opposite Byfords, the store offers a chance to discover beautifully made pieces while supporting the region’s creative community. From ceramics and glassware to paintings, textiles, candles and hand-turned wooden vessels, Make Holt is filled with work that has been carefully selected for its quality, originality and craftsmanship.
The store is housed within The Shirehall, a Grade II listed Georgian building that was formerly a courthouse. Its character has been retained while creating a contemporary setting for the makers whose work fills the space. Inside, exposed soft red brick, flint, stone and ancient wood sit alongside clean, modern displays, creating an environment that feels both historic and fresh.
It is a fitting home for a business built around celebrating traditional skills and contemporary creativity.
Make Holt was founded by Aviva Leigh in December 2020 with the ethos of “buy less, buy better” at its heart. The idea was to create a space where customers could discover high-quality, handmade goods while directly supporting independent creatives in the region.
Today, the store continues that commitment. The makers represented at Make Holt are selected for their diverse creative skills, with the majority living and working across Norfolk. Every piece sold in the shop comes from within a 100-mile radius of the store, keeping the focus firmly on local and nearby talent.
For shoppers, this means there is a story behind much of what can be found on the shelves. Rather than mass-produced homewares and gifts, visitors can discover pieces created by people who have developed their own skills, styles and practices.
The collection includes handcrafted homewares, ceramics, glass, textiles, paintings, prints, candles, books, greeting cards and wooden vessels, alongside a changing selection of work from independent makers.
Part of Make Holt’s appeal is its setting. Holt itself is known for its independent shops, galleries, cafés and historic Georgian character, making the town a natural home for a store dedicated to local craftsmanshi
The Shirehall adds another layer to the experience. The building’s historic materials have been brought into the shop’s design rather than hidden away, creating a backdrop that allows contemporary handmade pieces to stand out while retaining a strong connection to the building’s past.
Make Holt describes the space as an opportunity for makers to connect with customers, both through the physical shop and online. It also gives visitors the chance to learn more about the people behind the products and the skills involved in creating them.
That personal connection is increasingly important for shoppers looking beyond high street chains and searching for products with a stronger sense of individuality.
Whether looking for a gift, something special for the home or simply inspiration, Make Holt offers plenty to browse. The selection makes it possible to find smaller, distinctive pieces that would be difficult to replicate elsewhere, from locally produced ceramics and artwork to handmade candles and carefully designed stationery.
The store’s focus on independent makers also makes every visit slightly different, as collections can evolve with new work and seasonal pieces.
In August 2024, Chris Taylor and Leanne McColm became the new owners of Make Holt, taking the business into its next chapter while continuing its focus on independent talent from Norfolk and nearby.
For visitors exploring Holt, Make Holt provides more than a place to shop. It is a celebration of the creative people working across the region and a reminder of the value of choosing thoughtfully made, locally sourced products.
Set within one of Holt’s historic buildings, it brings together the character of North Norfolk with the creativity of its independent makers, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone who enjoys discovering something a little different.
Location: The Shirehall, Shirehall Plain, Holt NR25 6BG
Website: https://www.makeholt.com/