Our Story

Tucked away in the heart of Somerset, The Black Thistle began as a quiet idea - rooted in a love of plants, calm spaces, and the simple act of caring for something living.

What started as a personal refuge has grown into something shared. A space to slow down, to reconnect, and to bring a little more life into the everyday.

In 2025, The Black Thistle was selected for the Interim Spaces retail incubator programme, opening its first home at 10 Market Place in Shepton Mallet. Over nine months, the shop grew from a small beginning into a place of community - shaped by the people who stepped through the door as much as the plants on the shelves.

From there, it felt only natural to grow.

Now based on Shepton Mallet’s High Street, The Black Thistle has expanded into a larger space - allowing room not just for more plants and objects, but for new ideas to take root.

Alongside the shop, The Rising Gallery offers a dedicated space for artists and craftspeople to exhibit their work, while The Green Room provides a setting for workshops, talks, and gatherings. Together, they form a space that brings together plants, creativity, and community.

Today, The Black Thistle is home to a carefully curated collection of houseplants, pots, and botanical homeware, alongside pieces made by independent artists and makers. Everything is chosen with intention - for its beauty, its character, and the feeling it brings to a space.

Whether you’re looking to bring life to a quiet corner, find a thoughtful gift, or simply spend time surrounded by greenery and creativity, you’re always welcome here.