January 27, 2025

Your go-to guide to Surbiton

Sarah Taylor, owner of boutique Shoes at Last, and one of the founders of Surbiton Farmers Market, has been at No.81 Maple Road for 21 years. She says,“Running a small business makes you realise how important community is.” Here she shares what she loves about being a local and her top recommendations for the area.

Where do you get your morning coffee from?
“For a coffee and a laugh it has to be The French Tarte! Great coffee, excellent patisserie and very entertaining, especially chatting to locals in the queue, there’s always a lot to catch up on. Highly recommend their yummy breakfast.”
The French Tarte, 83 Maple Road
@thefrenchtartesurbiton

Where’s good for a spot of TLC?
“It has to be Archie’s. Extremely laid-back atmosphere with its shabby chic look. If you want a great colour, stylish cut, balayage or highlights, all mixed with a lovely cup of coffee, this is your place to go.”
Hair by Archie’s, 79 Maple Road
archies-surbiton.co.uk

What’s new this season at Shoes at Last?
“We’ve gone bright and cheerful this autumn, from brown being the autumn fashion statement, to russet red, teal blue, bright orange and all shades of glorious pink. Don’t worry there’s a bit of black to keep people happy! The store is certainly worth visiting this season, especially with the lovely festive gifts arriving.”
Shoes at Last, 81 Maple Road
@shoesatlast

Where do you recommend for dinner?
“Gordon Bennett! kitchen and bar. A relaxed place to meet for a tasty burger or tapas and a lovely glass of prosecco.”
Gordon Bennett!, 75 Maple Road
@gordon_bennett_surbiton

Finally, what’s the best thing about Surbiton?
“When you run a small business, you soon realise your local community is essential for your wellbeing. Getting involved and supporting local businesses keeps the community and towns going, which is important for everyone’s health and happiness.There’s a fantastic mix of people in Surbiton, one thing we all have in common is we all love our town.”

Some more places to try…
Surbiton Farmers Market
“If you haven’t visited the award-winning market, then you are missing a treat! Third Saturday of every month, 45 stalls of delicious fresh produce, a charity stall (the market matches their money raised that day) and all the restaurants and bars are open for breakfast and lunch. My go to stalls are: ‘Isle of Wight Tomatoes’ and fresh fish stall ‘Henderson’s’.”
Surbiton Farmers Market, Maple Road
@surbitonfarmersmarket

Service with a smile
“When I visit Mail Boxes Etc, I feel I have walked into an episode of “Open all Hours”, a great place for local information. A fantastic selection of stationery, printing ideas, advice on shipping abroad and the UK. Nothing is too much trouble and all done with a smile.”
Mail Boxes Etc, 61 Victoria Road, KT6 4JX

Tailoring and alterations
“A little shop with a good heart, if you have something to be altered A2Z stitch is the place, a husband and wife team, Shwan and Suzan are experts in tailoring, fittings and alterations, there’s no end to their skills and service, they deliver a brilliant job.”
A2Z Stitch, Oak Lodge, 156A

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