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Mini Guide to Hungerford, Berkshire - the home of the first Roxtons store.
Whether you’re after cutting edge cool or a taste of real rural life, you’ll find it all in Hungerford. Whilst it may be an historic town renowned for its antique shops, in recent years Hungerford has experienced an injection of country cool and now has a vibrant ‘rural meets town’ vibe; in fact, local estate agent Knight Frank reports that 30% of its residential sales are to families escaping London life.
Roxtons and Independent Retail in Hungerford
Established in 1979, Roxtons first opened it's doors on Bridge street, commonly known as ‘The Bond Street of Berkshire’. All the shops on Bridge Street are independent, and proudly so.
Roxtons was joined in recent years by other boutiques and specialist shops, including Mojo and McCoy, White Coco, Angela Knight Lingerie, Sarah Styles Florist and Styles Silver.
This year Roxtons moved home for the first time in its 42 year history to the former TSB/Lloyds Bank building on the High Street. Again we're lucky to be surrounded by some fabulous independent retailers including florist Martin and the Magpie, our wonderful bookshop The Hungerford Bookshop and Inklings - a great place for fun cards and gifts.
Slightly out of town, you’ll find yourself at Hungerford’s newest retail destination - Barrs Yard, a collection of quality independent businesses all offering something contemporary and unique.
GrapeSmith is Hungerford’s much-loved independent wine merchants; whether you like to quaff, savour or find something for your cellar, Barney is the man to ask. Cricket Fine Art is an outpost of the gallery of the same name in Chelsea, boasting wonderful contemporary art and sculpture that’s hard to resist. Jax Jeans is recognised as the top go-to destination for premium denim. If you’re a garden lover then you’ve got Wendy Lewis, a talented florist who also sells a collection of carefully chosen seasonal plants. Garden Art is one of the country’s leading suppliers of garden antiques and contemporary garden furniture.
Food lovers are very well catered for in Hungerford, with a weekly market and a wonderful new butcher, Christian Alba, on the High Street. Christian prides himself on supporting the English farmer, offering only British meat, free-range when possible. Next door is The Funghi Club - purveyor of the most delicious French fare.
Just up the hill is Eliane’s, the place to stop for delicious and organic salads and treats. After the shock news of owner Rafia’s husband, John, being diagnosed with very serious bowel cancer in 2010, Rafia set about to understand and change the diet of her entire family. That journey led her to open a restaurant where her customers could have confidence that what they were eating was not only delicious but also organic and healthy.
When it comes to country pubs, Hungerford is surrounded by some of the best.
The picturesque village of Ham, once the weekend retreat of The Bloomsbury Set, has the Crown and Anchor; newly opened, it has contemporary cool, yet cosy décor, and a menu that people drive miles for.
The Pheasant, on the way to Lambourn, is the haunt of the valley’s racing fraternity, featuring a relaxed, friendly vibe, with a tempting menu.
If you’re looking to work up an appetite before lunch, then take a walk along the canal either east or west. Head west and you reach Great Bedwyn, home of the Three Tuns, voted by Tom Parker Bowles as one of his favourite country pubs. Head East and you reach the canal side Dundas Arms at Kintbury.
Visit Hungerford
Hungerford is proof that picturesque and ancient doesn’t have to mean boring and frumpy. Just an hour to London’s Paddington but with a real sense of community and perfect mix of town and country that is lacking in so many commuter towns just a little bit further up the line!
We are proud to have been a part of the Hungerford retail community for 40 years and are delighted with the growth of thriving independent businesses in the area. If the country living vibe suits you, be sure to visit Roxtons Hungerford at 118 High Street, Hungerford, Berkshire.