Wadhurst is probably my favourite village
I’ve updated this post (Oct ’23) as times certainly change for towns and villages, especially after navigating the last few years, but Wadhurst (named the best place to live in the UK this year- no small accolade) has some really good new independent businesses that we should all support if possible.
Some areas are having much trickier times (the doctor’s surgery has faced many issues as you can imagine) and the loss of their high street banks, but these newcomers seem set to stay – finger’s crossed …
Navigating the busy high street at certain times of the day can be frustrating but otherwise Wadhurst is a friendly, buzzing community with a doctor’s surgery, helpful chemist, a proper Post Office, a lovely Deli that also serves good coffee facebook.com/delicatusdeli, @delicatusdeli, a wonderful grocer plus coffee shop, The Artful Grocers @theartfulgrocerswadhurst, a brilliant independent bookshop barnettsbooks.com, @barnettsbooks, owned and run by the ever-knowledgeable Alison Smith. There is also a flavour of France through La Petite France @lapetitefrancewadhurst where you can enjoy coffee and croissants, charcuterie boards, and lovely lunches, fresh home made cakes and a buzzy atmosphere.
Jempsons (mini-Sussex based supermarket) provides staples with some parking behind the store. A really delicious Indian simplyindian12.com, not forgetting a fabulous gallery wingartgallery.com.
My personal favourite is just before Wadhurst in Durgates; Hambly’s – the very best acupuncturist and herbalist in the world (don’t think I’m exaggerating) hamblys.net. Back and joint problems, health concerns … visit Paul and Francis. As an aside, if you are interested in a qualification in all things herbal, do ask Paul about an excellent new online course he is closely involved with … heartwood-uk.net. When I have the time …
Plus Wadhurst has a station which is walkable to on a proper pavement, therefore very handy if you are heading up to town (an hour in London Bridge) on the Tunbridge Wells line (not Southern rail) or heading down to Hastings for some sea air and the fishing museum.
A shop that I would travel to visit and often dip into for client’s presents is @one. On the right as you come into Wadhurst from the station end; it’s housed in an interesting building that has been beautifully converted into a shop. The owner, Paula Lee has exquisite taste as well as being a lovely friendly person always happy to make suggestions. The shop is an emporium of everything you would love to have in your home with the additional help of parking right outside. A great present venue and anyone looking for some inspiration for the home. Go see.
