Arcade – the collection of independent retailers within the Grade I listed Brewhouse building at Plymouth’s Royal William Yard – is now full, as a new wave of businesses join the waterfront destination. This month, The Tipple Cellar takes up permanent residence, the Pop-up Market is here to stay, and Natural Source has started trading.

Elsewhere in the Brewhouse building, artist Sally Holt has opened a dedicated studio – adding to a creative community at Royal William Yard and giving visitors the chance to watch, browse and commission artwork from her studio by the sea.

The Tipple Cellar: a new home for over 500 spirits

The Tipple Cellar has been trading in Plymouth for five years, but its move marks a significant step forward. After a short-term pop-up in Arcade, moving to Arcade’s largest space (Unit 1) has allowed them to bring everything under one roof for the first time. Stock that was previously held elsewhere in the city is now here. The new space also adds something the business hasn’t had before: a speakeasy-style lounge for tastings and events.

The shop stocks over 500 spirits – including more than 200 whiskies, one of the largest selections in the South West – alongside wine, beer, fine foods, cocktails and a fridge stocked with cheese and caviar. Sister business, The Tipple Hamper Company, operates from the same space, allowing visitors to handpick items and collect a bespoke hamper to take away.

Doreen Canale-Dow, owner of The Tipple Cellar, said: “We wanted to offer something different, a shop stocking a vast array of spirits, drinks and fine foods, but also a lounge area for tastings and events. We hope people will come for a browse and stay for a drink. The Arcade really appealed to us; it has the right feel and plenty of visitors enjoying the array of businesses based here.”

Arcade a year on

When Arcade launched in the summer of 2025, it offered something new: a cluster of flexible retail units in a spectacular industrial heritage setting, designed to give independent businesses space to flourish. Less than a year later, every unit is occupied.

New addition The Tipple Cellar joins a vibrant retail collective. Natural Source grocery and farm shop opened earlier this month, and is already a hit with customers. The Pop-up Market – showcasing South West makers and traders – originally launched as a spring pop-up but proved popular enough to secure a longer-term home in a new unit within Arcade, where it will stay for the rest of the year.

Together with existing businesses in Arcade – Nala's Pet Co, Pebble, and DockSide Coffee Bar – across Royal William Yard, this is fast becoming one of the most distinctive independent shopping spots in Devon. And in response to visitor demand, Pebble, DockSide Coffee Bar, and the Pop-up Market have all recently extended their opening hours and will now be open seven days a week.

Sally Holt: artist in residence in Brewhouse

Round the corner from Arcade, in a dedicated studio space within the same Brewhouse building, artist Sally Holt has returned to Royal William Yard. Sally previously spent five years at Ocean Studios and her new space in Brewhouse building gives her a bigger, dedicated home for her craft.

A painter and illustrator, Sally has worked for clients including Disney, the BBC, Netflix and Tate St Ives. She is best known for her charcoal and canvas work, and specialises in dog portraits, an apt fit for a destination as dog-friendly as Royal William Yard. Her own dogs, Freddy and Lily, will make regular appearances in the studio.

During the week the studio will operate as a working space for her artwork and commissioned pieces. During the monthly Good Food & Craft Market and other events, the doors will open to the public. Prints and greeting cards will be available to buy, artwork on display to view, and Sally will take pictures of dogs for portrait commissions. Sally plans to open the doors to the public for the first time on Sunday 5^th July.

Sally Holt said: “Come in, drop in, bring your dog! I love the energy that having guests in the studio brings and I’m so looking forward to welcoming people and their pets into my new space. Working in the week as a working studio, then opening for events at weekends has been my model for a few years, and I love the sense of community that has built.”

A retail success story

Richard Lace, Head of Commercial Lettings at Urban Splash, said “Reaching full occupancy within the Arcade represents a significant milestone, not just for the Yard, but for independent retail in Plymouth. What has been created here is a genuine community of occupiers, each bringing something distinctive and delivering it exceptionally well. From gifts to groceries, clothing to artwork, the breadth of offer is both vibrant and diverse, ensuring there is something to appeal to everyone. Combined with the wider mix of uses across the estate, this is what makes Royal William Yard a destination worth visiting.”

Arcade sits within a wider Yard that has always championed independents. Identity Fashion boutique and ethical hair salon YOKE are longstanding favourites. Steel Brew’s craft beers are brewed on site and available to take home. Le Vignoble wine bar, shop and merchant, rounds out a retail offer that spans fashion, wellbeing, food and drink. Add in the monthly Good Food & Craft Market, year-round events and exhibitions, and there is always a reason to visit.

Further opportunities remain available across the estate on flexible terms, including additional retail, leisure, food and beverage and commercial workspace offerings. These opportunities provide scope to build on the existing mix, attract new occupiers, and continue enhancing Royal William Yard as a dynamic and well-rounded destination.