On one of our recent instagram posts, we asked you all to name some of your favourite small businesses as a small way to shout about just how lucky our local community is to have so many incredible independents. We received such a fantastic list of recommendations for all sorts, from jewellery makers to personal trainers, midwives to burger bars – you all covered the lot.
We thought it would be a nice idea to put the whole list here on our blog! It’s so important to support small businesses in this trying economic time, so if you find yourself in need of any of the below categories, why not give these tried and tested local businesses a go?
Foodie stuff and drinks
Natter cafe – Coffee legends with a superb food menu for all your breakfast and lunch needs. Host evening events too – from Painting and Prosecco all the way through to Man V Food challenges, these guys have it all going on
Hermanos Taco Truck – They’re like our business siblings so we were very thankful to see so many of you shout these guys out. Started out as a taco truck in Farnham, but now with two restaurants in both Alton and Farnham! The Farnham site also doubles up as a great coffee spot during the day. It’s a street food combo that we’re totally here for.
KOTA coffee – Speciality coffee beans roasted right in the heart of Farnham. It’s been fantastic to see this micro roastery grow over the last year, having already entered the festival scene with an epic set up at Brighton Coffee Festival.
Caleb’s coffee – Matt, owner of Caleb’s Coffee, has been a fantastic fellow mobile coffee vendor since 2020. The team now have an indoor base over in Fleet but are still out and about with the van too. If you’re over in Hampshire, they’ve got you covered for fantastic coffee.
Smash Brothers burgers – Alton’s home of the ultimate American-style smash burger. If you consider yourself a burger aficionado, you simply must
Whistle Coffee – A bit further afield, but another independent mobile coffee business that we’ve loved watching grow over the years through the power of Instagram. Us mobile coffee vans are in this together, and it’s so fantastic to see these guys succeed, especially with their work to support the NHS teams they are nearby.
Jewellery
Zooniverse designs – Local market legends and often a neighbour at the local fetes we attend, the team at Zooniverse are the loveliest bunch and work SO hard to produce an array of incredible designs.
Makeadaze – You know and love her as our Pavilion Cafe manager, but Laura has an entire world she has built called Make A Daze. From illustration work to polymer clay jewellery, Laura documents all her crafty happenings on her instagram account, where you can also find a link to her website.
Diddyloves – For the little ones in your life, DiddyLoves has been recommended as a fantastic option to add some sparkle to their accessories.
Gifts on the high street
sweetlizzy.ltd – If you’re needing some sweets in Farnham, Sweet Lizzy has the answer. A wonderful independent on Downing Street in central Farnham.
Rainbow Roar – If you want to celebrate local, THIS is the place to be in Surrey. The team here have collated two floors of independent makers and creators so you can shop independent until your heart’s content.
Godalming Delights – Star of Godalming high street, and star of instagram – Godalming delights is an absolute must follow. Sweets, gelato and a fantastic assortment of hot drinks nestled in the heart of Godalmiong.
Sue Woodger art – Absolutely stunning origami based art in Surrey, available online and at pop-up events
Thekindwaxcompanycandles – Surrey based vegan candles and home fragrances
Our suppliers
Black Barn butchers – Our neighbours at Secrett’s Farm shop
Hello bakehouse – Ellie has kept us topped up with our homebaked cakes since way back when, she is an absolute baking wizard!
Self care
core4fitness – Tom, owner of Core4Fitness hosts one of his circuit classes on our doorstep. Not quite literally, but probably less than ten steps away. Name a better combo; a Saturday morning fitness session and one of Laura’s top tier flat whites and a pastry as a reward.
Polly the midwife – Polly Powell IBCLC is a wonderful NHS midwife, lactation consultant and tongue-tie Practitioner. On alternating Tuesday mornings, Polly brings an absolutely incredible and supportive network of new parents together at the café to talk through all-things parenting.
Yo_farnham – A fantastic yoga studio based in Farnham
Cyc-d Farnham – Fitness studio in central Farnham offering a HUGE range of classes. From spin, to boxing, barre and pilates.
The Establishment hair – Hairdressers based in Surrey with a great range of offerings, including beauty appointments too