Cafe Rouge occupies the first building displaying the transition from a small market town into a Victorian shopping centre.
It was built in 1883 by local draper, Herbert Collings, well known for banishing the old system of credit in favour of the modern concept of cash only sales and introducing the idea of window shopping displays, which were made possible in the design of his new premises.
Before this time it was normal for people to hold an account at the shop and pay every month. Quite often a ‘House’ might send someone with the order, or latterly telephone, and the shopping would be delivered later.
Browse our old photos, in 
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