About Hornseys Boutique
Welcome to Hornseys Boutique, a family-run independent clothing store nestled in the heart of historic Clare, Suffolk. We are passionate about offering a carefully curated selection of men's and women's fashion, from everyday essentials to statement pieces, all chosen with quality and style in mind.
As a small business rooted in this community, we believe in personal service, timeless style, and celebrating the rich heritage of the town we call home.
Our Building: The Old Jug & Bottle
Our boutique occupies a building steeped in local heritage on Clare's High Street. The premises once housed The Clare Jug & Bottle, a beloved local off-license that served the community for decades.
But the building's history extends even further back. Before its time as the Jug & Bottle, these walls sheltered a traditional barbershop, where generations of Clare residents came for their weekly trim.
Most significantly, this building was once part of Peck & Bloomfield's forge, founded in the 1960s at Bridewell Works. The forge was renowned throughout the valley for its skilled ironwork, continuing Clare's centuries-old tradition of metalworking craftsmanship.
Just steps away at 13 High Street stands The Brewer's House, home to the legendary Dr. Ian Hornsey, co-founder of Nethergate Brewery.
Remembering Dr. Ian Hornsey (1943-2021)
Our father, Dr. Ian Spencer Hornsey, was a man of remarkable talents and passions. Before becoming one of the UK's most celebrated brewers, he spent over fourteen years as an academic, teaching microbiology at CCAT (Cambridge College of Arts and Technology) from 1971 to 1985, where he influenced countless students in the sciences.
In 1986, Ian and his old school friend Richard Burge found themselves lamenting the sorry state of local beer. That conversation sparked an idea: they would brew beer the traditional way, with character and quality at its heart. They constructed a small 10-barrel Peter Austin brewery on Clare's Nethergate Street and named it after its home: Nethergate Brewery.
With Ian as Head Brewer, Nethergate quickly became famous for its award-winning ales, particularly the legendary Old Growler. Ian's scientific background in microbiology brought precision to the brewing process, while his passion for traditional methods ensured every pint had soul. He authored several definitive works on brewing history and remained active in the Cambridge CAMRA community until his retirement in 1999 due to ill health.
Though Ian is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in every pint of Nethergate beer and in the hearts of this community he loved so dearly.
Our Promise
At Hornseys Boutique, we are proud to be part of Clare's ongoing story. Every purchase you make supports a local family business and helps us continue serving this wonderful community. We strive to offer fashion that makes you feel confident, service that makes you feel valued, and a shopping experience that feels personal.
Thank you for supporting independent retail.