Melford Antiques, Interiors and Lifestyle Centre celebrates top accolade at Prestige Business Awards

A Suffolk antiques business has hailed a prestigious award as a testament to the hard work to make it a success since launching in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic two years ago.

Melford Antiques, Interiors and Lifestyle Centre was named the Best Antiques Shop in London and the South East of England at the 2022 Prestige Business Awards.

The accolade arrives less than two years after long-time dealer Graham Hessell took over the former Melford Antiques Warehouse, which had closed suddenly in 2019 after almost three decades of trade.

Determined to ensure that a hub for antiques and vintage wares remained in Long Melford, he reopened the site with a new identity after completing a significant refurbishment to both the interior and exterior of the Grade II-listed building.

Mr Hessell, who has also run Bumpstead Antiques and Interiors since 1995, said: “The award, which is very much appreciated, reflects all the hard work and effort that has gone into creating this new and vibrant antiques and retail centre over the last two years.

“It is also testament to the quality of the specially selected professional antique dealers and other retail dealers, craft personnel and artists who now trade from the centre.

“The centre has something for everyone, from a few pounds to many thousands, and is a real place of destination for all those who love antiques, interior design and the finer things in life.”

The centre now plays host to approximately 58 independent vendors across four floors, selling a broad range of items, such as furniture, collectables, artwork, jewellery, vintage coins, silverware, bronzes, military memorabilia, books and artisan crafts.

It also operates a café and tea room on the ground floor, an art gallery on the second floor and an auction space on the top floor, which began in February 2021.

Opening hours are 10am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 4pm on Sundays. To find out more, call 01787 323626.