What struck me most, however, was the warmth of Charlie and Marie, who personified that Belfast charm and craic we are supposedly famous for. Sew ‘n’ Sew is not an isolated example. Sew ’n’ Sew owners Marie and Charlie McLarnon at their shop ahead of its closure after 41 years. The temporary transformation of the former Sew ‘n’ Sew premises during the Fleadh illustrates that perfectly. If we continue replacing every independent shop and familiar venue with another interchangeable block, tourists may have somewhere to sleep when they arrive.