The next tenant setting up shop in Norwich's Royal Arcade is 'florist with a difference' Basil and Pip.

Opening at the end of November, the brand will focus on flowers and events.

For owner Gemma Murray, keeping to the brand’s ethos of using natural and homemade products is key - stocking a range of candles, soaps and self-care treatments as well as books on flower arranging and self-care plus cards for all occasions.

Norwich Evening News:

Gemma trained as a florist five years ago and upped sticks to Norfolk from London with her seven-year-old son - who has autism - 

She visions Basil and Pip to be a non-traditional and multi-functioning florist space.

Norwich Evening News:

Gemma said: "Whenever I’ve visited Norwich it’s always had such a lovely, buzzing atmosphere with an abundance of visual creativity and history.

"It offers so much in the way of originality and I’ve found the people of Norfolk really do support Norfolk-based businesses that use Norfolk-grown produce, which is amazing in these days of mass consumption and big, dominating brands.

Norwich Evening News:

"We want to focus largely on sustainability, so this means having a zero tolerance to plastic - particularly single-use - using natural, biodegradable products and reusable or recyclable packaging.

"With so many local growers of seasonal flowers and foliage and textile suppliers on our doorstep we will strive to use local sources wherever possible which in turn should help other independent businesses."

Norwich Evening News:

Basil and Pip will offer customers a range of options to create the perfect gift box for their loved ones for a variety of events.

The new store will also have an event space for small gatherings of up to 20 people to host workshops or hire for events.

Simon Ashdown, director of LPC1 - the arcade's management company - added: "I am delighted to welcome Basil and Pip to the Royal Arcade.

Norwich Evening News:

"Gemma is another young entrepreneur with some amazing ideas that I am sure will be a big hit with shoppers visiting the city.

"It seems that the people of Norfolk really do take independent brands to their hearts, so I am confident that Basil and Pip will prove to be a very popular choice of florist with them."

Norwich Evening News: