It’s #IndependentRetailersWeek this week and given recent events, we think it has never been more important to get behind business in the local area.
We have picked just some of the best local businesses in Rayleigh and below you’ll find out more about them. From salons to gyms to pubs, you can tick off most of your needs without shopping outside the area and here are some places worth considering.
Don’t just take it from us, here we also share some of their lovely customer reviews!
Hudson Barbers
This one was our Managing Director, Ant’s, personal recommendation and based on Rayleigh High St, it couldn’t be more conveniently placed!
Their customers said:
“Always give a great haircut with a friendly, positive atmosphere!"
Squires Coffee Shop
With this little hotspot, you also get history as this is Rayleigh’s oldest tea and coffee shop! The menu is impressive with a huge variety of teas and coffees and this is before you even get to a long list of delicious food available to order. Absolutely worth checking out if you’re new to the area.
Their customers said:
“Great food and staff lovely place to visit it's our regular haunt"”
Bogaz Turkish Restaurant
On a Friday night at the end of each month, this is where you may just find the Lawrence Antony Homes team hanging out – it is a personal fav. If you love Turkish Cuisine as we do, then this is THE PLACE. If you haven’t tried Turkish food before, then THIS IS THE PLACE.
Their customers said:
“Very good service and a good selection of food on the menu"
Lovely Libby’s
Lovely Libby’s is such a unique find and you’re almost always going to walk out with something lovely for your home. Their cakes are also amazing.
Their customers said:
“Love love love this shop! Staff always helpful and there are so many different things to look at and buy! Everything is reasonably priced. The tea shop upstairs is lovely too and there are clothes and bags you can buy. Definite 5 stars”
Wheatly Farm Garden Centre
Wheatly Farm is a family run garden nursery. As well as stocking more traditional plants, shrubs and trees they also specialise in more unusual plants such as palms, bonsai and cacti. With over 2 acres of plants, they have one of the best selection of plants in the Essex area!
Their customers said:
“Lovely, beautiful lay hens and chickens, and very nice bushes for the garden, variety of plants. And dog food and local honey as well!”
Salon Messina Hair
Located in the heart of Rayleigh, what makes this salon so special is that they are completely sustainable! All of their products are Vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. Their product range nurtures and cares for their clients as well as our earth.
Their customers said:
"Lots of lovely lattés in a lovely comfy and chilled environment."
The Red Door Bar
The Red Door Bar is a unique and quirky bistro bar. The bar has a buzzing atmosphere that attracts all age groups making it the perfect place for all occasions. And best of all… they are dog-friendly!
Their customers said:
“Lovely food, great atmosphere and run by a brilliant manager in Samantha Davis."
Stackhouse Gym
This is a great gym and with memberships starting at just £35 per month, with student and over 60s discounts, this is a great place to work on your physical health.
Their customers said:
“The best gym in Essex - great equipment, very clean and tidy. The staff & owners make you feel so welcome (like family) I would highly recommend this gym to anyone even those that don’t have the confidence or are beginners in the gym. These guys/girls will make you feel at home!”
Blume Lifestyle
Imagine an amazing florist, lovely homeware and gorgeous fashion items all in one place. Could this place really exist? The answer is YES. It exists in the form of Blume Lifestyle on Rayleigh High Street and the owner is always so friendly. This is our very own Andrea’s recommendation!
Their customers said:
“Blume has done many weddings and open events at our venue and each and every time, the flowers are spectacular. So many different styles and looks.”
Café No.11
Another lovely coffee house is Café No.11, using local produce and serving their all-day menu 7 days a week, this is the perfect spot for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even just for one of their amazing coffees.
Their customers said:
“Food is so good here. Everything is always lovely and fresh. The staff are always lovely and super helpful. Today I visited for the first time with my baby. They helped accommodate my large pushchair and also advocated breastfeeding. The staff made me feel so comfortable with a complimentary tea while I fed, after my meal. Will 1000% be returning just based on this as it made such a difference to my experience.”
