Back to Lichfield: A Small City with a Big Heart
As summer slowly turned to autumn, I found myself back in Lichfield – the small cathedral city where I was born. I’d been looking forward to visiting, but I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to fall in love with it quite the way I did.
There’s something about Lichfield that feels timeless – a place where community really does come first. It’s small enough to know your neighbours, yet full of energy, creativity and pride. Walking its cobbled streets in early October, with the leaves just beginning to turn, I couldn’t help but think: perhaps this place shaped me more than I realised.
The Heart of Lichfield
For a small city, Lichfield has an incredible sense of self. From its historic Cathedral Close to the independent shops lining the streets, there’s a warmth that runs deeper than architecture – it’s in the people.
I rediscovered that spirit through some of the city’s brilliant independent businesses:
The Kitchen Shop, a Lichfield institution that’s been inspiring cooks for generations — two beautiful floors of kitchenware, tableware and thoughtful advice.
Tipples & Tonics, where creativity meets community through cocktail masterclasses and event bars that bring people together.
HillStart (Wendy Hill), a nutritionist championing women’s health and wellbeing with a holistic approach that feels personal and empowering.
Maverick Security, proving that even essential services can have an independent heart — rooted in trust and local relationships.
And Zephi, whose story I first heard on the Lichfield Chamber of Commerce podcast, Small Business, Big Voice — a brilliant example of what happens when local ambition meets community support.
Each one adds its own thread to the fabric of the city – together, they make Lichfield what it is: proud, independent, and full of heart.
A Taste of Home
No trip is complete without great food – and Lichfield delivers. I ate at LARDER, where the menu changes with the seasons and everything feels grounded in local produce. The Quill & Scholar was another highlight – equal parts restaurant and community hub, hosting quiz nights, book clubs and live music. And of course, The Tudor, a local favourite full of history and warmth, felt like stepping into a story still being written.
Community at the Core
One of the things that stood out most was how deeply connected everyone seems to be. The Chamber of Commerce podcast celebrates exactly that – giving local business owners a platform to share their journeys and challenges. Listening to those conversations, it struck me that this isn’t just about commerce. It’s about care, collaboration, and community.
Visiting Lichfield reminded me that small doesn’t mean quiet — it means close. And that’s exactly what I want to bring into my own work with Burton Road: events that make people feel part of something bigger – whether it’s a networking night, a social, or a singles event that sparks a new story.
I left Lichfield feeling grounded – reminded of where I come from and inspired about where I’m going. Two homes now, and a stronger sense of self between them.
Lichfield is the city that shaped my belief in the power of local spirit – something I hope to keep celebrating, one connection at a time.