Just started going through history posts from begining and came across this.
Looks like it is the original building with new builds either side and the original shops were where the the bottom entrance and windows are now
I suppose the upper parts would have been where the shopkeeper lived
and wonder how those rooms are used now
anyone know?

They're all flats now.

Many years ago, the building that's now The Brass Balance was the Al Fresco restaurant. But I don't think it stretched all the way along the present frontage - it was just the right-hand side, next to the ABC Savoy cinema (now a snooker hall, I think).

Al Fresco did cover the same frontage as the Brass Balance. Bar and seating on the left dining on the right.
Couple of friends of mine were involved, one owning the other running. Lets just say it didnt end sweetly.
Had my engagement there back in 2000.
And back then they were flats above.