Your go-to guide for Banstead

Alison Howe, from the award-winning florist Mad Lillies, shares what she loves most
about life in this idyllic locale. She says, “We’re proud to be an independently owned
shop based in Banstead, we have been a fixture on the High Street for over 30 years.
Originally located at No. 84, we recently moved to larger premises on the sunny side of the street at No. 127.”

Where do you get your morning coffee from?
“Oh, that is a tough one as we have fabulous cafés either side of us but my favourite coffee has to come from Chai who are just two doors up from us. They have gorgeous outdoor seating and a pretty courtyard garden.”
Chai, 135 High Street
@cafe.chai

And what about for lunch? Where do you recommend?
“Fego makes the most fabulous chicken wrap with breadcrumbed fillets, cheddar, salsa, baby gem lettuce and sweet chilli mayo. There’s a Peri Peri version too on soft tortilla with cabbage slaw, coriander yoghurt and chilli jam.”
Fego, 89 High Street
@fegouk

Where’s good for a spot of TLC?
“Definitely check out The Beauty Boutique – it’s a luxury salon that offer a great selection of pampering treats from massages, CACI facials, spray tanning, lashes and nails.”
The Beauty Boutique, 161 High Street
@thebeautyboutiquebanstead

Must-visit for first time visitors?
“Mad Lilies of course! Especially now that we’ve moved into our bigger, new location, just opposite Waitrose! We’re more than a flower shop, we’re an inspirational flower shop and lifestyle store with soul and personality. Ours is a creative, evocative and famously talkative space – and some might say, a village institution.”
Mad Lilies, 127 High Street
@madlilies_villageflorist

Finally, what’s the best thing about Banstead?
“The people and the community feel – especially visible on our high street; it is so well supported and that’s purely down to all the wonderful people that keep on coming again and again – they appreciate and understand that a local high street can only thrive with the support of the people and that shopping small and supporting local is key”

Some more places to try…

Eating Out
For laidback Mediterranean vibes all year long, Galu is the place to be. Enjoy Cypriot and Italian platters with cocktails or an alfresco evening on the terrace.
Galu Mediterranean Bar & Grill, 30 Nork Way, Banstead
galu.co.uk

Wine Tasting
Your destination for exceptional wines from across the globe, visit this independent wine merchant for friendly, expert advice as well as tasting weekends and evening events. Also great for local craft beers, ciders and boutique spirits.
Banstead Vintners, 69 High Street, Banstead
bansteadvintners.co.uk

Fragrant Escape
Banstead’s lavender fields offer a stunning backdrop perfect for leisurely strolls and capturing picturesque moments throughout the season. Our advice is to go early, be prepared for a lot of selfie action – but the vibrant purple blooms are always well worth it!
Mayfield Lavender Farm & Fields, 1 Carshalton Road, Banstead, SM7 3JA
mayfieldlavender.com