The hidden gem lifestyle store that's championing Northern makers - inside April 11

On the banks of the Wear, a collection of old Victorian warehouses and stables is now home to a hub of artisan businesses.

Fowlers Yard is at the heart of Durham City, down the stone steps at the back of the market, yet it’s still somewhat of a hidden gem away from the hustle and bustle of Market Place and throng of Saddler Street.

It makes for a more peaceful shopping experience, making it the perfect spot for a lifestyle and workshop space that encourages more of a slow living approach to shopping, telling the stories behind the goods you’re buying.

Situated in a picture postcard white wash cottage in this artist hub is April 11.

It was brought to Durham in November last year by friends Miranda Warmington and Bethany Malyan-Fisher who met at the school gates and realised they both had a passion for craftmanship and design.

Both had attended the same school in Durham before moving to London, where Miranda worked in fashion marketing for luxury retailers such as Matches and Net-a-Porter while Bethany worked in fashion design for big brands like H&M and River Island.

Despite their similar routes in life, their paths didn’t cross until they moved back to Durham to raise their families, meeting at their daughters’ school.

While their background is in fashion big hitters, with both still freelancing in their respective fields, they were keen to champion small-batch makers and craftspeople who offer a more unique consumer experience.

On April 11 2025 they decided to open a shop together, hence the name, and that November their vision was brought to life at the store, a treasure trove of ceramics, textiles, paper flower art, prints, flowers and more.

“We love Durham, we both grew up here,” said Bethany as we sat down in their upstairs workshop space, which hosts a whole host of craft events for all ages. “But to pursue our careers in the creative industries we had to move to London. Things have definitely changed now, but we felt that the opportunities are still limited.

“There’s so much creativity in the North East and the wider North and we wanted to create a platform to celebrate that, a space that champions makers and crafts - and all our makers are Northern.”

The business is still in its first year, with word still getting out about this hidden gem, but Bethany says they’ve had a great response.

“It’s been amazing. One of the challenges is that we’re off the beaten track, but I think everything else outweighs that with the surrounding businesses.”

Miranda added: “We both felt Durham was missing something like this and there’s an appetite for really nice shops that sell beautiful things. Because we’re in a cottage, it has such a calm, homely atmosphere.

“And people love the storytelling and the connection with the product. We’re not asking people to come and buy lots of things; it’s about considered purchasing, a connection with people and place.

“Even if people aren’t buying, they like to come in for workshops and a chat. We feel like we’re building a community here and a sense of belonging.”

*April 11, cottage 1, Fowlers Yard, is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sundays from 11am to 4pm.

Workshops

A whole host of workshops take place in the upstairs room, from patchwork cushion making and painting and pizza sessions to lino print tote bag making and ceramics.

Throughout the summer holidays, there’s also a host of kids workshops.

There’s also a number of regular weekly session such as a weekly painting workshop on Wednesdays.

Prices start from £15 for the workshops.

For the full list and dates see https://www.april-11.com/