The recent opening of a sock store on Market Street has only intensified my longing for my go-to Joe’s Club sandwich and Green Mile Juice for lunch. I asked Her Campus girls what they would love to see on our three streets in St Andrews, and here’s what we came up with.
Joe & the Juice
As a protest against Pret tuna sandwiches and Gregg’s sausage rolls, Joe & the Juice is crowned top of our list of things we need in St Andrews. Doubling as a study space, the culture of the brand is to build a healthy life full of aspiration and meaning, which is in keeping with the St Andrews student culture. We have an abundance of fudge doughnuts and mainstream cafes, but Joe & the Juice would be a staple student spot. Their hype travels further than their signature Paris Hilton pink branding; with grab and go pre or post workout juices (option to add protein and collagen to drinks) and fresh and healthy lunches to be enjoyed in a space where you can comfortably set up camp, dissociate and knock out an essay. A Joe & the Juice would be my new study space… sorry Starbucks.
Fitness Suite with a Reformer Pilates Studio
For the novice reformer pilates girl, taking your first class may sound intimidating, as if you are entering the realm of Stanley Cups and Alo grip socks. But trust me, it’s not a class reserved for victims of the ‘that girl’ internet aesthetic; it is a safe space to build female community in a fun and inviting atmosphere. Muscle by muscle, the six pilates principles allow you to slow down and reconnect with your body. Although an independent studio would be super cute, our crowded university gym calls for a new fitness suite in town, and the addition of a pilates studio sounds like a Her Campus dream. As we circle back to our current reality, visit the Hone pilates studio in Edinburgh with your laptop for a pilates and cafe study day in the heart of the Scottish capital.
Tea Bar
With the surge of a sober culture, this one is inspired by the Fortnum and Mason tea bar I stumbled upon in Kings Cross St Pancras station. Tea bars exist in excess across the UK, but for a true tea experience in town, we can only choose to reserve a formal afternoon tea. There would be no better town to embrace this beloved British tradition than the cobblestoned streets of St Andrews. I can’t imagine a better afternoon spent than finding refuge from the rain inside a chic tea bar with live music and a lengthy menu of teas I struggle to pronounce.
Whole Foods Supermarket
We all love South Street’s cosy Naturity store, but it is not where we find ourselves with a basket filled of weekly essentials; I typically visit for nuts as they have fun dispensers. A Whole Foods supermarket would provide a space to shop for groceries that are not super-processed like those lining our infamous Tesco shelves.
Starbucks
Yes, hello, I basically live in Market Street’s Starbucks with a hot green tea as my only company. Coincidentally, if it were not for the cafe’s small-scale nature, I would not have met our HC President, and now good friend, Lily, who is also on first-name terms with the lovely baristas. Given its notorious reputation for being mission impossible to secure a table during the morning coffee rush, I would love to see this space transformed with an upstairs floor. I think the popularity of Starbucks stems from its comforting familiarity – no matter where you find yourself in the world, you can find a Starbucks.
Fashion
The move of Oliver Bonas into a larger space on Bell Street has been to most people’s pleasure; however, their clothes are not serving St Andrews student style. If H&M were to become Zara, and COS and & Other Stories were placed in close vicinity, we would have no trouble in finding a last-minute drinks outfit or restocking on seasonal essentials in town. Moving away from fast fashion fixes, our Senior Editor, Vera, would love to see more local, independent clothing stores in town featuring unique pieces.
Beauty
My relationship with my hair stylist at House of GC and beautician at 11:11 Brow Artistry has stood the test of time, and for good reason. So lastly, I would bring their magic to St Andrews for everyone to enjoy their beauty wizardry.
We can’t help but hear an echo of Violet Beauregarde demanding her parents for a pony when curating the above ideals, so I would like to conclude this playful list on a positive note, with a special mention to the places we LOVE in our bubble. Taste Coffee Shop is a student’s favourite for the pre-class pick-me-up, with scenic run routes along golf greens and beachfronts. Balgove Larder is renowned for its fabulous farm shop and steak lunches, while Spoiled Life is known for its cool fashion brands and tasty matcha. Our treasure trove town is already beautiful and plentiful.