Welcome to the DARK SIDE

Hi, I'm Verena, your neighbourhood Gothmother,

If you’re anything like me, you’re allergic to magnolia walls, bored to death of “white bread” companies filling our cities, and never truly grew out of your Emo phase flicks excessive 2007 side fringe. Come on in, grab a ghostie blanket, and warm your feet by the hellfire, your kind of weird is always welcome in this house.

Originally, I created this movement to provide a retail shop and café/events space on Lincoln high street that was designed by and for the alternative community. I was so close to signing a 3yr lease, but as soon as the landlord caught wind of my desire to paint the walls black and have tattooed people hanging out, they pulled the plug. I was enraged to be discriminated against like that, it took weeks of my pestering questions before they said “oh it’s actually cos we can’t have a coffee shop in that building due to a non-compete with another tenant” – there are roughly 10 coffee shops within a 7min walk radius of this spot (none of them do what we would’ve done) and I introduced my Head Barista at the first viewing - I call BULLSHIT.

In proper punk fashion, I decided to not give up and instead prove them wrong about us by forcing them to see our success and rue the day?

That’s what Lincs Dark Side is today. I invested in our online presence and pivoted the plan to support alt makers across the UK with an ecommerce platform that isn’t morally corrupt or greedily profiting off of their hard work – shoutout Etsy. We take a commission for the work we put in on their behalf, but we don’t take the piss. We will build our reputation and demand for the bricks and mortar of our dreams, so next time we ask we can’t be denied.

I miss hanging out in City Square with other emo kids and having shops like Blue Banana and Converse on my doorstep. All of those alternative spaces have been replaced with mainstream restaurants or fast fashion brands – UGH! Even the music shop got shut down! Where are angsty teens supposed to get a taste for the drums these days?

It’s true that the commercial tapestry has changed, but I’m a professional embroidery artist so I’m just gonna stitch us back into it – that cool with you? I thought so.

Join the movement and be part of the reintegration of alt in your local area. Supporting Lincs Dark Side mean supporting a canvas of alternative small businesses and the bigger picture. If you’re a maker reading this, you can apply to sell with us here. We have rules about sustainability and copyright practices so not every product may be accepted. You can chat with me if you have any questions, just email verena@lincsdarkside.co.uk.

K, love you, bye!

V x