While it’s the big names like Marks & Spencer, Boots, WH Smith and shopping centres that attract people, it is so often the smaller, independently owned businesses that give a town its character.
And that is certainly the case in Guildford.
We have a selection of shops, cafes, bars, coffee houses, restaurants and galleries that compare with some of the finest anywhere in the country, in fact Guildford is regularly voted as one of the most vibrant towns in the UK.
We’ll begin our roundup of favourites somewhat unusually with a stationers. Biddles of Guildford has been operating for over 100 years, providing businesses and individuals with every type of pen, pencil, paper, binder and office requisite you can imagine. If you are in town and find yourself in need of everything from brightly coloured Post-it Notes or a new office chair, pop in and be amazed.
The Fallen Angel is Guildford’s only cocktail and cabaret bar, hosting fabulous events like Drag Bingo, Bottomless Brunch and Burlesque nights as well as comedy and live theatre events. This is a venue like no other, and it’s definitely worth a visit.
For more than 30 years, Ben’s Collectors Records has been the spiritual home of the Guildford music scene It’s a small shop packed with wonders, so if you are after the latest sounds or a rare vinyl, nip along and check out the range on offer, and by the way, the staff are knowledgeable enough to give any Popmaster a run for their money!
The Bear Garden has been a Guildford institution for as many years as we can remember, delighting generations of children (and grown-ups) with their huge selection of teddy bears and cuddly toys.
A relatively new addition to the Guildford scene is Growlers & Cans, a craft beer taproom and bottle shop that does a great line in live music too. There are always 6 beers on tap, and an astonishing selection of artisan gins and wines.
You can read more about other independent businesses and what’s on in and around town by visiting the Experience Guildford website, where you can also download an app for special offers and discounts.
This is a bit of what we love, but we would really like to hear what you love about our beautiful town, tell us about your favourite shops, bars, restaurants and galleries and we will make sure to give them a mention.