A talented family are opening a new piano shop in Norwich promising a personal shopping experience.

The Earlham Road store will be the only one of its kind in the city.  

Matt Hodges, from Blofield, is a professional pianist and has also taught for 20 years. During this work he helped friends and family find pianos of their own.  

Norwich Evening News: There will be a room opened in the back to allow for piano lessons There will be a room opened in the back to allow for piano lessons (Image: Matt Hodges)

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Five years ago, he decided to turn his talent for finding pianos into a business which he runs along with his wife Laura Hodges who is head of performing arts and teaches music at Thetford Academy.

Laura also plays bassoon, flute and piano and their daughter Milly plays violin, saxophone and bass guitar.

The 43-year-old said: “I have run Berries Barn Pianos for five years, from our barn in Blofield, starting from just a few uprights which we would restore and sell.  

Norwich Evening News: Berries Barn Pianos will open in Earlham Road Berries Barn Pianos will open in Earlham Road (Image: Matt Hodges)

“During Covid I was able to build the business thanks to a Bounce Back Loan and we now have around 20 uprights and six grand pianos available in Blofield and with the new shop in Norwich a further 15 uprights and one grand on display.” 

Matt wasn’t originally looking for a shop but instead some storage space.  

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Norwich Evening News: There is an open weekend September 9 and 10 There is an open weekend September 9 and 10 (Image: Matt Hodges)

He said: “I was looking for more storage space and the premises came up for auction.

“Laura and I went to look at it and thought it would make a great little piano shop. 

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Norwich Evening News: Berries Barn Pianos will aim to deliver in a week, sometimes the same day Berries Barn Pianos will aim to deliver in a week, sometimes the same day (Image: Matt Hodges)

“Since Cookes closed a few years ago there has not been a piano shop in the city, so we’re thrilled to be here.” 

The store will usually operate by appointment only but on September 9 and 10 there will be an open weekend complete with live music and special offers.

Matt said: “I’m very picky with the pianos that we stock and only pianos that I would be happy to play myself make it into the shop.”

Norwich Evening News: The Hodges all play instruments and understand the importance of finding the right piano The Hodges all play instruments and understand the importance of finding the right piano (Image: Matt Hodges)