Known to outsiders for its international rail links and its McArthur Glen designer retail outlet, Ashford is home to a good range of independent shops, food and drink options and arts venues too – and there’s countryside right on the doorstep. Here, those who know the town best give us their top tips
Richard Grebby, RG Studios, Ashford
Photographer and video production expert Richard works on everything from family portraits to commerical videos. Married to Keli and with two young children, he's lived and worked in Ashford for over ten years, with his photography studio based in the town's Bank Street.
Richard's local life
"A good mix of things to see and do plus fantastic travel links are just some of the perks of living here."
Something different
The Beehive charity enterprise on North Street includes a secondhand clothes store for women plus a good cafe, with gigs held there on some evenings, too.
Family fun
If our three-year old needs distracting, the soft play centre at the Stour Centre is always a good bet.
Ashford International
Having the station on our doorstep isn't something I take for granted - being able to tell London-based clients they can be with us in just 37 minutes is a great selling point. It's meant some lovely easy breaks to Paris for us, too.
Pizza plus
If I'm grabbing lunch I'll head to the shopping centre in County Square for a slice of On Pizza's Pit Boss - full of barbecue flavour!
Clare Pope, Sharp Relations
Head of Clients and Content at Sharp Relations, a food and drink PR agency based at Evegate Business Park, Clare's lived in Ashford for almost 20 years.
Clare’s Local Life
“Ashford town centre has seen some exciting regeneration projects in the last few years with new restaurants and bars springing up, offering more diverse experiences for residents. Coupled with the beautiful surrounding countryside, it’s a great place to live.”
Something special
Look out for special world-class performances from Jasmin Vardimon, the internationally renowned dance company, which now has a purpose-built studio in Ashford.
Favourite evening spot
“Valerie’s Wine Bar on the High Street - the best cocktails and sharing platters for drinks with the girls.”
Fitness
“Liv2Dance does the best range of ballet, tap and street dance classes for all ages. For something more high energy, Celebrity Circuits fitness classes are a go-to: Box Hiit and Spin are two favourites.”
Walk: “The Warren, literally on my doorstep, is a wonderful old wood and a favourite spot for dog walking. It even has some majestic highland cattle as temporary residents on and off throughout the year.”
Simeon Wright, theyogaman.co.uk
Simeon has lived in Ashford for ten years, working as a sports coach and as a yoga teacher for children aged from 5 to 11.
Simeon's local life
"There's a real sense of creativity in the town."
Cafe society
Leo & Sage in Elwick Place serves wholefood breakfasts, salads and sandwiches - really tasty and not too expensive.
Revelation Arts Centre, St Mary's Church
This pop-up arts venue, housed in the town's beautiful 11th-century parish church, stages every sort of event; I've seen great comedy here.
Community crafts
Made in Ashford sells lovely local crafts, with a great range of crafting workshops on offer at its excellent Craftship Enterprise.
Away from it all
Close to Ashford is the pretty village of Great Chart. There are walks nearby, and you can round off a visit with a pint at the Swan & Dog pub.
Kati Ramsden, Bare Bazaar
Married with two children aged six and three, Kati has been running her Park Mall-based refill business Bare Bazaar, selling eco-friendly household products, toiletries and dried foods, since 2018.
Kati's local life
"With plenty of sustainable businesses in town, Ashford is a hot spot for green living."
Micro breweries
I like to enjoy an expertly selected brew at my local, The Made Inn. Try the Low Key Tap Room, too, which has just started serving noodles alongside their own weird and wonderful beers.
Cafe Madeleine
Run by a Polish family, this restaurant serves standard soups and burgers but often, too, hearty traditional dishes, like Pierogi.
Picture House
Our town-centre cinema feels like a glamorous destination, whether you're here to see a film or just to meet a friend for a drink in the foyer. The food is great too!
Good-cause bargains
Rich pickings to be had across the town in our many charity shops - I recently picked up a reconditioned laptop at YMCA for £70.
