The surprising UK ‘must visit’ town which tops packed with independent shops

Reading might best be known as the home for its annual music festival, but now it’s been revealed as a “must visit” for shoppers as it boasts a variety of independent shops. A new study by Adobe Express analysed UK towns based on Instagram post volume and Yelp data across fashion, food and culture.

Reading placed second in the rankings and was labelled a “must visit” because of its thriving vintage shops and boutique shopping scene. So, this could be the ideal destination just outside of London if you’re wondering where to shop next.

Indie shops are soaring in popularity across the country because they offer something big chains can’t, entirely unique products which customers can’t find anywhere else. If you walk into any independent shop, you’ll be greeted with a myriad of exclusive items, usually handmade and carefully sourced.

The thriving vintage scene in the town has helped independent shops stand out among their national counterparts. Flamingos Vintage boasts a 5-star rating on Google for its collection of vintage apparel. The store handpicks every clothing item to ensure customers are getting the most authentic and rare clothing items. Opening only two years ago, the store has become a firm favourite for shoppers. 

Another independent and top-rated store in Reading is also one of the longest-standing. With a history of 160 years, Hickies Music Shop remains family-run, with its service of not only selling a variety of instruments, but also repairing them.

Away from the music scene, award-winning pies have become a staple for shoppers. Customers from across the country are drawn into the Sweeney & Todd pie shop by their array of savoury goods. As a family-run shop, Reading has been served by three generations of pie makers over the last 40 years. 

Ten independent coffee shops  are scattered across the town. Many pride themselves on sourcing their coffee beans in an ethical manner. A top-rated spot in the town centre is Filter Coffee House, which serves authentic South Indian coffee. 

Thrilled shoppers took to Google to leave praise for the town’s shopping scene. One reviewer said: “A good range of shops & eateries of a diverse nature with something for everyone. This really sums up how Reading has developed in a prosperous & progressive way. Reading is the place to visit for shopping & all in all you can have a great day out here.” 

While another applauded the bespoke customer service. They said: “Love this place, brilliant old style walk through arcade, very vibrant with some wonderful shops, not the kind you may find on a big high street but that’s why this is still bustling with activity and energy. People go because of that, because of these mostly local private enterprises which are still giving that customer service you used to get.” 

This winter, the town will transform for shoppers as the annual Christmas market and Winter Wonderland open, with stallholders selling giant candy canes and authentic German food.