When in... Farnham
When in... Farnham
In case you haven't heard, our newest store opened its doors just a few days ago in the market town of Farnham, Surrey. Officially given the status of England's craft town in 2013, we thought we'd share some of our favourite spots in the quaint Georgian town that the Guardian described as being "the kind of place you could imagine Jane Austen popping in for a candle wick and flat white". Sounds like our kind of place.
To do
The Maltings is the real crafty hub of Farnham. They host workshops, festivals, screenings and all sorts of other making-based events for children and adults all year long. 'Thread: a festival of textiles' is back for its fourth year this September where you can listen to a whole host of expert talks and attend demonstrations and workshops on contemporary textile work. If you can't wait until then, the workshop timetable for June is full of lovely hand-made lessons from weaving your own sweetpea basket to screen-printing for beginners.
To eat
If you're going at the weekend, try to coincide it with the monthly farmer's market (it typically takes place on the fourth Sunday of each month and is open from 10am-1.30pm). We like to go around midday to get an early lunch and never leave without stopping by Jimmy Ginger's Fine Chillies stall to take home a jar of his chilli jam.
Pub-wise, if you fancy a little jaunt just outside of Farnham we love Bel & The Dragon. It's the other side of Farnham to our store on Folly Hill so gives you the perfect excuse to have a good roam and to make a day of it. The Bat & Ball pub is a little closer though and has a lovely, family feel to it. But if you’re popping into town for supper, then we’d suggest the Anchor Inn at Lower Froyle.
To shop
Beverley Edmondson. So, we know a trip to a milliner isn't necessarily at the top of everyone's lists but this little boutique off The Borough is not to be missed. Every design is hand-made in her little Farnham workshop.
The Antiques Warehouse. Just beautiful. This Elizabethan barn is full of treasures and at the weekends local pianists play concertos from the thirties and early forties while you browse. It's heavenly.
The Pack House. While we’re on the subject of antiques, the Packhouse is a real must. A few miles outside of Farnham’s town centre, there are vintage antiques to suit all tastes as well as a delightful little place to enjoy a slice of cake and cup of tea at the adjoing Café Fig.
And of course, apart from the more ‘one-off’ boutiques, there's all your high street staples from Whistles and Joules to Mint Velvet and Jigsaw.
Barkers. Farnham is known for being a bit of a dog-obsessed place. If you’re the same, you may want to stop off at Barkers. They sell the loveliest dog accessories and even have their very own dog spa…
Neptune Farnahm
And while you're in town, we'd love for you to come see us.
