INTERVIEW: Inside Lancaster's new treasure trove of curiosities

Friday, 29 August 2025 12:33

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Bev Woollard shows off a pineapple fancy dress costume at Curio & Quirk in Lancaster

A unique shop selling Pokémon cards, collectables, gifts, fancy dress, steam punk, clothing and other curiosities has opened in Lancaster city centre.

Curio & Quirk has opened inside a former hair salon on Church Street.

The quirky store sells a variety of products - everything from inflatable trombones to Lego!

Owner Aisha has big plans for its future and has been speaking to Beyond Radio about this unique new Aladdin's cave on the Lancaster high street.

LISTEN to Aisha talking about Curio & Quirk

"The concept for the shop started with an idea between us, myself, my mum Julie and Bev (Woollard)," said Aisha.

"Bev and Julie were in the Assembly Rooms (shopping hall). My mum does handmade crafts, upcycles, furniture, antiques and collectibles.

"Bev is well known for fancy dress, steam punk, vintage and ethic clothing.

"The three of us talked about expanding into a physical shop.

"I do trading cards and collectables, predominantly Pokemon, specialising in Japanese, Chinese and Korean Pokemon, and also English for collectors.

"We had the idea of getting all of these different things into two floors.

"We've had loads of great feedback.

"At the moment there's lots of antiques out, there's Lego, material to buy, really nice handmade cushions.

"The fancy dress is amazing. If you want an inflatable tombone, or if you'd like quite an exclueive dance record, you can buy that here.

"It's an experience for people to come in. It's kind of indescribable!"

The project has been a family affair as Aisha's brother-in-law worked on the renovations, and her husband Nathan has plans to open a music recording studio inside the premises.

"We've had some really great visits from local organisations, local charities, for having it as a bit of a community hub downstairs," she said.

Curio & Qurk donates 10 per cent from some of its products to UNICEF and they would like to identify a local children's charity to donate to in future.

Here are more photos from inside Curio & Quirk.