A revolation!
I had not really considered using trade directories when searching for information. However when trying to find the name of the pub one of my ancestors ran, I started looking at them a bit more closely.
I looked up one relative who ran an outdoor beer house, and right next to his name was his mother running a newsagents! I knew her address, but I didn't know what she did for a living. Looking through later directories I found her spinster daughter took over the business. Now that rang a bell
My mother had told of an great aunt who ran a shop, but she couldn't remember which one. Now I know.
I'm no closer to the name of that pub though
Sue