SHOPLOCAL
LOVE LOCAL , SHOP INDIE
KENT ' S BEST INDEPENDENT SHOPPING HOTSPOTS
BY ASHLEIGH BRITTEN
THERE ’ S SOMETHING SO SPECIAL ABOUT BUYING SOMETHING FROM AN INDEPENDENT . WHETHER IT ’ S COFFEE FROM THE POP UP ON THE CORNER , YOUR FAVOURITE ARTISAN DELIGHTS , AN EXCLUSIVE ITEM OF CLOTHING FROM A CLOTHES BOUTIQUE OR DISCOVERING AN ANTIQUE GEM FROM A SECOND HAND STORE ; KENT IS HOME TO A THRIVING INDEPENDENT SCENE OFTEN FORMING THE HEART OF OUR COMMUNITIES .
From eco-friendly stores , artisan goods , foodie gems , and coffee pitstops to edgy , urban fashion , boutiques , jewellery and homeware , there really is something for everyone . And , now more than ever , supporting your local businesses has never been more important . Discover insideKENT ’ s guide to some of the best independent hotspots across the county . Stay local , and get ready for some guilt-free retail therapy , and just in time for ( dare we say it ...) Christmas !
The Pantiles , Tunbridge Wells
A visit to Tunbridge Wells should most certainly include a walk along The Pantiles . The beautiful , historic Georgian colonnade of pretty independent stores selling everything from cameras to carpets , there really are too many shops to mention . Explore the abundance of boutiques and art galleries ; The Spa Galleries specialises in affordable , easily collectible prints and pictures from local artists . Definitely worth a peek and , if you ’ re lucky , you may even catch an exhibition .
Stop for a spot of alfresco lunch in one of the openair cafes , restaurants or bars . Sample one or two glasses of the 350 varieties of wine on offer at the elegant and inviting Wine Rooms , or head to
Sankey ’ s for a glass of sparkly and some of Kent ' s finest fish and seafood – you won ’ t be disappointed ! Whilst you ’ re there , don ’ t forget to take a look inside The Pantiles ' very first Zero Waste shop , it ’ s the first completely free plastic shop in Tunbridge Wells , offering refill stations for bulk goods , household and personal toiletries , as well as ethical makeup and cosmetics !
Chapel Place , Tunbridge Wells
Perhaps not so recognised , and yet moments from The Pantiles stretch , you ’ ll find ‘ hidden gem ’ Chapel Place , the small unique and historic traffic-free walkway bursting with specialist family-owned independents – a real insta-worthy spot . If you haven ’ t been before , pop into Hall ’ s Bookshop and walk back in time . This bookshop has been buying and selling secondhand books since 1898 and is quite the experience even if you ' re not a bookworm . Other indies worth a visit include The Silver Sheep ; a boutique selling one-of-a-kind products from handmade silver jewellery to luxurious wool and mohair exclusivities , Le Petit Jardin ; a beautifully curated collection of garden and homeware , and of course Gabriella , the familyrun bespoke jewellers – these pieces are to die for . In fact , Chapel Place connects the High Street and The Pantiles , hence why it ’ d be rude not to make a stop at Chapel Place Wine & Gin Bar on the way through !
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