18-05-2025
Florist's second store in Darley Street Market will be like 'cave of flowers'
THE owners of a flower shop in Bradford city centre have revealed plans to open a second site and transform their current premises.
Blossoms & Co on Market Street has become a blooming business since it was opened by John Varey and Lisa Brealey in January.
Their floral creations are crafted by florist duo Kim Farrar and Debs Scott.
It has become one of the most eye-catching sights on the recently pedestrianised road - bringing colourful, floral displays to the streets of Bradford.
Now it has announced plans to open a second shop at the new Darley Street Market when it opens this July.
Its original premises will remain and be turned into a destination for wreath, bouquet and cooking workshops as well as botanical and plant-based cakes.
Little details at Blossoms & Co (Image: Newsquest) It is also hoped that people will be able to sit outside and enjoy their purchases al fresco.
The shop also hopes to introduce a 'posy takeaway' deal - a growing trend where customers can get a hot drink and a small, hand-tied bouquet of flowers.
'It's come from Italy,' said John, who also works on the shop's unique wreaths for funerals.
'You can put it on your desk when you go back to work.
Blossoms & Co's John Varey (Image: Newsquest) 'We're expanding downstairs of the flower shop to become a design studio. We're doing the graphic design studio to support local businesses with affordable graphics.
'The shop is going to be at the entrance of Darley Street Market.
'It's going to be plants, gifts, and designed like you're walking into a cave of flowers.
'We're going to support with floral workshops, plants-based cooking workshops.'
Sign for Blossoms & Co (Image: Newsquest) Reflecting on the journey so far, John said: 'We opened with an amazing team of florists - one being a Harrogate Flower Show award-winning stylist.
'I have the best florists you can imagine. We took over a florist that was there.
'We're very lucky because we've hit Bradford in 2025, the year of the City of Culture. That's helped massively.
'My job's always been creating - marketing, design. Being invited to take on that shop and make it our own has been one of the best projects of my life. I absolutely love it. I love the Bradford people and diversity.
'The customer base is growing. People are coming into the shop and chatting with us.'
John, who has worked in the creative industries and marketing for many years, has just returned from five years of travel around the world.
His work alongside Heather Mills saw him teach people how to make delicious plant-based dishes in places like Hollywood, Palm Springs, and Switzerland.
He is now learning the art of Japanese floristry.
Speaking about how business is going in Bradford, the 56-year-old said: 'I can feel a vibe at last. I can see the light. I've worked in Bradford for 30 years.
'There's a stigma from the past that's been built over many years. With the King coming to the city, that's huge. You can't get better than that.
'With all the support from Bradford BID they've been amazing.
'Business is growing.'
