Southampton: Antiques store and coffee shop Robin's Nest shuts down

Robin’s Nest at 129 High Street has been trading since February 2020 but had its final day on Wednesday.

Professor Edward Chaney, 72, lives nearby and has been a regular visitor since the shop first opened to the public after lockdown.

He said: “I was told it was closing which is a great pity.

“It is one of the few things that has improved Southampton which is in an ongoing state of decline.”

Located in the former Natwest Bank, a listed building, the store sold retro and antique items and also housed a coffee shop and delicatessen.

Professor Chaney described the building Robin’s Nest is located in as having a ‘magnificent interior’.

He added: “I feel very sad for the people that work here and very sad for the community.”

Robin's Nest at 129 High Street, Southampton has closed down (Image: Charlotte Coles)

One woman who lives nearby, but did not want to be named, has also been a regular visitor - going five times a week on average.

The 69-year-old said the closure of the shop is ‘another loss’ and described it as a ‘friendly place to visit’.

She added: “It’s the only unique building in Southampton that people can visit.

“Southampton needs more iconic buildings, especially with the number of tourists.”

Jeff Hooper, 69, shared her feelings about Robin's Nest shutting up shop in the city centre.

He said: “I feel very upset [about the closure].

“Everyone makes you feel welcome.”

He added: “Whatever replaces it will not be better than [Robin’s Nest].”

Shopper Jeff Hooper, 69, outside the Robin's Nest in High Street, Southampton (Image: Charlotte Coles)

Thankfully, fans of Robin's Nest were not left totally bereft, as the company still has two other stores.

These can be found in West Street, Fareham, as well as the emporium closer to home in Oakley Road, Southampton.