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Historic High Street Shop Set for Revival as Dibbens Returns to the Community

A beloved piece of Poole's history is set to return as Dibbens prepares to reopen its doors after more than a decade.

A much-loved former farm shop is preparing to reopen its doors after more than a decade, bringing new life to Poole's historic high street and reigniting memories for generations of local residents.

F Dibben & Sons has been part of Old Town Poole since the 1930s, when Hayleigh Dibben's great-great-grandparents first opened the shop on Poole High Street, alongside a fish market on Poole Quay. Over the decades, the business became a cherished local institution, known for its fresh produce, traditional country fare and strong ties to the community.

For many residents, the shop is remembered for its bustling atmosphere, friendly service and displays of locally sourced game, poultry, fruit and vegetables. It was also lovingly run for many years by Hayleigh's great-great-aunt, Audrey Iris Dibben, affectionately known as "Girly", who became a familiar and much-loved face to generations of customers.

Now, after sitting empty for more than 10 years, the historic premises is being brought back to life by the next generation of the Dibben family.

Hayleigh Dibben said: "When the shop was passed down to my dad, life had other plans and for a time the future of this piece of Poole's history looked uncertain. Rather than see it lost, I was determined to find a way to save it."
"It hasn't been a straightforward journey, but with a huge amount of hard work and the unwavering support of my partner Matthew, we've painstakingly restored the building and are now thrilled to be bringing it back to life."
Renovation work is already well underway, with significant progress made in transforming the building while respecting its heritage. The restored business will reopen as simply "Dibbens" - a fruit and vegetable shop offering freshly baked bread and quality local produce.

While the new-look Dibbens will leave behind some of the traditions of the past, such as the hanging game that many locals fondly remember, the owners are keen to retain the values that made the business so popular: championing local food, supporting local producers and creating a welcoming space at the heart of the community.
Hayleigh added: "F Dibben & Sons will be reopening as Dibbens, a fruit and vegetable shop with freshly baked bread. It's a nod to the honest, good-quality local trade the Dibben family has always stood for. We can't wait to welcome the people of Poole through the door again."

The store re-opens on Friday 19th June and the team is actively seeking input from local residents as plans continue to take shape. The owners are inviting the community to share ideas about the products they would like to see stocked, whether that is favourite items from years gone by or new locally sourced goods that are currently difficult to find on the high street.

As part of the revival, Dibbens is also looking to partner with local farmers, growers, bakers, producers and artisan makers, creating opportunities for small businesses to showcase their products and reach local customers.
The reopening comes at a time when many communities are looking to support independent businesses and preserve the character of their high streets. By bringing a long-standing local business back into use, the family hopes Dibbens will once again become a destination not just for shopping, but for conversation, connection and community spirit.