We say ‘this month’ but we actually love all of these places and businesses all year round, but we needed a title for the blog.
Let’s start with a quick look at a Guildford favourite that is all too often overlooked. The Guildford Flames have been competing in elite level ice hockey for almost 34 years now, rubbing should protectors with the biggest names in this high-speed, all-action sport.
Their home ice is at The Spectrum, and you can see a full fixture list here with games against Manchester, Cardiff, and Sheffield scheduled in February.
Go Flames!
Guildford is a beautiful and fascinating town at any time of year, whether you want to explore shops or visit historic sites, and you can do both with a stroll down our iconic High Street. First stop is Guildford House Gallery, then it’s a short step to Art & Grind for a coffee and a cruffin (please try one, they are delicious), before continuing down the High Street and turning left onto Quarry Street to the wonderful Guildford Museum.
But what about the shopping that you promised!
Well, just a five minute walk from the museum is Tunsgate Quarter, and we love their selection of high-end stores, including Oka, Seasalt, Tag Heuer, Nordic Style, and Aura Fine Art among many others.
Tunsgate is a great place to wander, get a bite to eat at The Cosy Club, grab a coffee and a cake at Gail’s or for something a bit special you can take you pick from The Ivy or Ivy Asia.
You can even ‘glam up’ at Bobbi Brown, get new look at Elem Hair or Jacks of London, and treat yourself to some smart designer spectacles at David Clulow Opticians.
On the subject of shopping, did you know that you can download the rather splendid Privilege Card App for special offers at many of the stores and eateries in Guildford town centre.
Like all right thinking people, we love a brightly coloured Post-It note here at Mandolay and when we’re running dangerously low there’s nowhere we would rather go than to Biddles of Guildford.
Biddles has been supplying stationery of all shapes and sizes for a staggering 140 years, making it one of the oldest shops in town, and with a history like this, it’s no wonder it’s a real Guildford Institution.
Speaking of Guildford institutions, just across the street from Biddles is the wonderful Guildford Institute, a community hub open to all and packed with information about the town and a Programme of Events with something for everyone.
It’s also home to V Café a place to relax and enjoy wonderful homemade vegan and vegetarian meals and snacks, all prepared by the wonderful Nick Humble and his team.
We also love the fact that the vegetables used at V are grown by the Halow Project, a Guildford based charity supporting adults with learning difficulties and autism in Surrey.
Wow, that’s a lot of love to share. Have a great month and enjoy doing what you love.