Nine great reasons to visit Helensburgh's very own New Virtual High Street

HELENSBURGH PET SHOP

Having worked for 19 years as manageress in Helensburgh Pet Shop for the Owen family, Lesley Reeve bought the business in August 2019. In keeping with the tradition of family ownership, Lesley has taken over the shop in partnership with son Alan.

Being a family of animal lovers running the business is something Lesley and Alan are passionate about. They are keen to continue to grow and develop the Pet Shop to meet the needs of pet owners and animal lovers throughout the Helensburgh area, especially through the current pandemic.

“We are fortunate that through the current pandemic lockdown we are classed as an essential service and have remained opened throughout,” explains Lesley. 

“It took us a bit of time to get used to the changed ways of working but with great teamwork we have successfully managed to continue to meet the needs of all our customers both existing and new.”

Opening hours are 8:30am – 3:30pm Monday – Saturday throughout the lockdown. The shop is doing large numbers of deliveries both large and small, free of charge and have also broadened deliveries out across the wider local area and round the peninsular.

If anyone has any requirements for wild bird food, hedgehog food, pet food, treats, toys and equipment then simply contact the shop and they will do our very best to help you. Contact by phone – 01436 672483, through facebook messenger www.facebook.com/HelensburghPetShop or email to petshelen@outlook.com.

Sincere thanks to all the team – Alan Reeve, Eoin Jordan, John Stead , Casey Devine, Cathy Parker and Marianne Owen. Everyone looks forward to helping you all with your animal needs and hope that you and your families stay safe and well.

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LA JUPE

Bonjour to all of you! 

La Jupe is passionate about good food and good drinks – as they say themselves life is too short to be wasted on quantity over quality.

Helensburgh’s only dedicated wine and craft beer bar, as well as being a purveyor of all things continental and delicious, also stocks a range of authentic cured meats, hams, and quite outstanding cheeses to match with your tipples.

While we're still in lockdown, La Jupe reminds customers that it can still deliver your favourite tipples to your door to enjoy during these unusual times.

All La Jupe’s menus – whether it’s wines, beers, breakfasts, cheeses, meats, cakes/coffees - are available for home delivery while the venue’s doors are closed. Simply email on iwantlajupe@gmail.com, and they will send you delivery menus. 

Once you've decided what you're after, let them know and it will be delivered to your door. It’s that simple. As an extra incentive, all delivery menus are discounted from the bar prices by 20%, so you can pick up some exceptionally well-priced and interesting products right now.

As many customers have already discovered, La Jupe is very happy to make up hampers of curated wines/beers and food for your enjoyment, or as presents for those loved ones you're missing.

So, if there is a special anniversary, a birthday, or just a significant day coming up for family or friends, let them know and they will discuss how to make sure the occasion doesn't pass unmarked just because of the lockdown.

The delivery service operates Wednesday to Sunday.There's no delivery charge for Helensburgh, and we will deliver out to Cardross (or as far as the Rosneath Peninsula in the other direction) for a small fee.

La Jupe’s breakfast service, available on Saturday and Sunday mornings, has become something of a weekend treat in the area.

“We've found people seem to love a mix of fresh pastries with a nice bottle of Prosecco - and all we can say is that it’s a perfect way to start your weekend,” say the team.

“Lots of customers have been buying these brunches as surprise deliveries for family and friends, and they love it. The look on people’s faces when we drop off fresh croissants and bubbles is priceless!”

Deliveries can be made on Monday/Tuesday if urgent, but La Jupe asks that the order is for at least £50 on those days. Message them directly to discuss any such special requirements

Delivery email: iwantlajupe@gmail.com

Facebook link: www.facebook.com/lajupewinebar

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lajupewinebar/

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LENNOX LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES

THE country is now into its second month of lock down and there is no better time to get your garden in tip top shape and looking good for summer. 

Lennox Landscaping Supplies is a family run business that sources the best range of Aggregates, Soil, Barks, Decorative Aggregates, Sand, Building material and Cements for all your garden needs. 

Loose or bulk bags, small or large orders available at reasonable prices. 

Open to the public and trade. The firm has a vast experience working with a wide range of products and can offer great knowledge and tips to ensure your project runs smoothly.

Lennox Landscaping Supplies can also supply building material for Block Paving, Garden Maintenance, Paving and Driveways, Garden Fencing, Artificial Grass and much more.

You can either collect the materials from our yard or have it delivered to your preferred location.

The firm is proud to deliver excellent customer service. To place your order online, visit www.lennoxlandscapingsupplies.co.uk or you can call the team on 01389 756 857.

Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/Lennox-Landscaping-Supplies-343269273035869/

The company is based at Lennox Foundry, Lennox Street, Alexandria G83 0ED, see you soon!

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MANDARIN CHINESE

Mandarin Chinese in Helensburgh is open for deliveries and collection service, bringing you the finest authentic Chinese cuisine. 

Owners Amie and Kenny said: "We have had the Mandarin for 9 years in Helensburgh and given the challenging times we would like would like to thank all our customers old and new for their continued support and we look forward to welcoming them back in to the restaurant when that time comes.  We would also like to say a special thank you to the NHS and Key Workers for the amazing work they are doing during this pandemic.

"We have always received fantastic support from residents on the Rosneath Peninsula and we hope to reopen Lotus Takeaway soon."

Full menu is available to order. The shop uses fresh local produce in preparing theirdelicious dishes, and operate a collection delivery service too. 

Deliveries to Rosneath Peninsula, every Thursday to Sunday

Deliveries to Helensburgh and local areas including Rhu, Shandon and Cardross are 7 days

Collection Service available 7 days

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 4.30pm - 10pm / Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 4pm - 10pm - the full menu is available to order from.

Feast your eyes on customers' favourite set meal choices:

Set Meal For 2 — £19.50

King Do Ribs (Mandarin Sauce), Sweet and Sour Chicken Hong Kong Style, Beef with Green Pepper in Black Bean Sauce, King Po Chilli Chicken, Served with Egg Fried Rice

Set Meal for 4 — £37.00

King Do Ribs (Mandarin Sauce), Satay Chicken, Pancake Rolls, Sweet and Sour Combo (HK Style), Mar Lar King Prawns (Spicy), Crispy Shredded Beef in Chilli Sauce, Roast Duck in Plum sauce, served with Yong Chow Fried Rice or Stir-fry Noodles

12" Munchy Box — £14.50

Salted Pepper Chicken Pieces, BBQ Ribs, Chicken Wings, Salted Pepper Chips, Chicken Balls, Mini Spring Rolls, Vegetable Samosa, Onion Rings  and 2 tubs of sauce 

Until now, Mandarin could only offer delivery or collection of food, and now the shop is delighted to offer drinks as a refreshment with your meal thanks to their new off-sale licence.

So compliment your meal with a bottle of wine or Chinese beer - served bottled or draft in disposable cartons.

To see the full menu visit Facebook.com/Mandarin-Helensburgh

To place your order please call 01436 672 228 or Message via Facebook

(pre-order service is available)

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MATHER HIRE

Spring has sprung and summer is just around the corner. Mather Hire has all the garden equipment required to work on your garden projects.

Call Mather Hire for all your Gardening, Landscaping and Excavation needs,

*Garden Equipment for hire or purchase

*Small Hand Tools to Power Tools available

* Painting and Decorating equipment

* Work wear available – including Gloves, Boots, Jackets, Trousers, Hats etc

* Gas Bottles

* Dealers of all Husqvarna equipment including the Robotic Automower

*Construction machine hire – from Micro Diggers to 8 Ton Excavators, Dumpers, Rollers and Wood Chippers.

For further information, Visit www.matherhire.co.uk or call on 01436 676560 (Helensburgh) or 01389 761887 (Dumbarton)

Branches at:

102 East Princes Street, Helensburgh G84 7DG

7 Poplar Road, Broadmeadow Ind Est, Dumbarton G82 2RD

Email: hiredesk@matherhire.co.uk

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Riva Helensburgh - Italian Bar & Restaurant 

A dining experience in the comfort of your home, Riva is here to deliver. 

Inspired by a small town in Trento province in Northern Italy, Riva Del Garda, Riva has been serving the Helensburgh community since 2018. 

A family-owned endeavor providing fine dining at takeaway prices.  Despite the lockdown, the people of Argyl & Bute have supported the business, allowing them to continue to offer authentic Italian dishes and classic Italian wines. 

Drivers are from the local area, so once ordered, you can rest assured your meal will be as hot and tasty as the chefs intended it to be. The selection of wines and spirits has also been carefully curated to ensure they complement your favorite dishes.

And as a thank you for the communities' continued support for a limited time, Riva will be adding seasonal cocktails to their selection because they don't want you to miss out on a summer cocktail in the sun. 

Riva's food is a partnership between classic Italian flavours and strong Mediterranean influences, meaning each dish is bursting with exciting flavour and taste.

To view the menu and order online visit www.riva2go.co.uk or call 01436 677 796 and with a few clicks your dinner will be at the door.

• 15% OFF your first online order - quote code ‘Launch’

There are three fantastic deals for you…

£20 - 2 Pizzas and bottle of wine

£22 – 2 Burgers and two chips and two bottles of beer

£35 – Family Deal, 2 Pasta and 2 Pizza and 4 sides

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CRAIGARD TEA ROOM

Craigard Tearoom is set to open its doors again on Saturday May 9, but not as you know it!

Melanie Andrews has worked tirelessly over the last seven weeks to maintain her customer base and ensure her elderly customers were kept fed and watered.

She has also introduced an extremely popular afternoon tea to those far and wide and has even given free tutorials live on her Facebook page to keep people motivated.

But now Craigard Tearoom has re-emerged, totally refurbished as the Craigard Bakery and Take-Away. 

For the time being, Craigard will operate solely as a Take-Away and Bakery until safe seating is planned in and customer confidence returns. 

Craigard has seen many changes over the last 30 years, but none as big as this. However, it will be sticking to its ethos of high quality homecooked food using excellent, locally sourced ingredients. Add the 100% strict food hygiene record and it’s sure to be another winning combination with the customers.

The same extensive display of popular cakes will still be on offer, as well as a few new ones and a great savoury menu too.

Pictures of Craigard’s three massive display counters will be uploaded daily to Facebook so you can see what you would like to order.

There will be no entry to Craigard itself, only shop door collection, browsing or ordering and no cash payments or contactless. Safety first at all times…

Teresa, Craig, Joanne and Melanie herself look forward to welcoming you all back home again on Saturday. To order just pick up the phone to 01436 677787 or 07855825367 or order on Facebook. 

Payment is via Bank transfer/PayPal.

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WRIGHT'S HOME HARDWARE

Wright’s Home Hardware Helensburgh is part of a family-run business based at 10 Sinclair Street. The Wrights have owned the shop since 2003, after purchasing it from C G Reid’s, which was part of the original membership of the Home Hardware Buying Group set up in 1983. The shop was rebranded as part of the Home Hardware group in the late 90s.

Home Hardware Scotland's Head Office and warehouse is based in Ardrossan and this is where most of the products are supplied from. The innovative buying group was set up to support independent hardware retailers supply a full range of traditional and innovative products for the home, garden and DIY enthusiast. They are classed as an Essential Business by the Government during this Coronavirus crisis.

Like most businesses, the company have found the current environment due to the coronavirus crisis to be very challenging. To enable them to continue serving their customers, they closed our store to the public and concentrated on phone and click and collect orders.

The amount of orders Wright's received via this method increased greatly, and as a result, allowed the business to continue serving the public during this difficult time. They have been working with a much reduced workforce, to make sure that high risk individuals are kept safe, and that the staff team could work under strict social distancing conditions.

Wright's have also been offering FREE local delivery during the lockdown period to help out the shielded and elderly in the community, and because of the amazing response they have received, Wright's have decided to continue this FREE service until the lockdown is lifted.

The company's friendly driver will deliver your order in their branded delivery van and ensure your goods are place a safely at your home for you to uplift – and all done within social distancing guidelines.

Essential products that can be delivered at great prices:

*Plumbing supplies

*Electrical 

*Cleaning products

*Batteries

*Light bulbs

*Pest control

*Coal, logs and gas

*Housewares

*Spares

The firm is currently in the process of opening their store for social distance shopping. Staff have worked hard in collaboration with Trading Standards Officers to ensure that essential local businesses can supply the community safely and in accordance with appropriate social distancing measures. Customer numbers will be limited at any one time in-store. There will be hand sanitiser available and basket handles will be sanitised on a regular basis. They will also be erecting screens for customer and staff safety.

Orders can be made at:

*Email: orders@wrightshh.co.uk

*Click and Collect: homehardwaredirect.co.uk/StoreLocator

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ELLIES CELLAR

Ellies Cellar is a family-run business with a small number of specialist off licences, including our Helensburgh shop which has recently changed base to the Old Post Office on Colquhoun Square. Owner Gordon is extremely passionate and knowledgeable about wines and spirits, and uses his years of experience to source good value wines, beers and spirits from across the world.

Since the lockdown, the firm has seen a massive movement towards ‘Shopping Local’ along with an increase in online demand. Like many others, Ellies has adapted their business to meet those demands with a new local delivery service and online shop www.elliescellar.com

Being local means they are able to deliver a lot quicker than the big national chains and have now gained a loyal following of regular customers who are enjoying the benefits of shopping local while receiving safe, friendly delivery service at this difficult time. And more importantly you don’t need to compromise on quality and value.

The website contains a range of great value wines, craft beers, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks. It's growing all the time as Ellies Cellar learn what customers want – for example, working on offering mixed cases of wines, comparable with those offered by some of the well-known national companies.

If online shopping still isn’t your cup of tea, you can still shop the wide range of wines, spirits and craft beers in the Helensburgh shop – while adhering to social distancing rules of course. It is currently open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm.  

So for those that want to shop local but don’t want to leave your home, orders can be placed online at www.ellliescellar.com. They aim to deliver your order within four days (sometimes sooner). They are currently delivering in Helensburgh and surrounding towns as far as Garelochead and Dumbarton twice a week. The minimum order is £30 with free delivery for orders more than £80. Otherwise there is a small £2 delivery charge.

Despite the challenges everyone is facing at the moment, there has never been a better time to discover the expert and enthusiastic businesses on your doorstep. Give Ellies Cellar a try and tell your friends. And maybe you will find a new way of shopping that lasts long after these difficult times are a distant memory.

Shop: www.elliescellar.com