Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Kingston’s indie scene has something special waiting around every corner. We’re talking crave-worthy sandwiches and pastries, cosy cafés, family-run gems, and shops full of character you won’t find anywhere else.
This guide is your all-access pass to the places locals love and visitors wish they knew about sooner. Ready to explore Kingston like an insider? Let’s dive in!
Exclusive Discounts & Offers | 23rd June-6th July
Ahead of Independent Business Day on 6th July, we want to spotlight and celebrate all the unique indie businesses in Kingston Upon Thames for making our town so vibrant. Keep an eye out for some exclusive offers, events and discounts from 23rd June to 6th July.
See below for what’s on:
- Redrock Burgers: 20% OFF all burgers from 23rd June to 6th July.
- VRXtra: Get 20% OFF all VR games from 23rd June to 6th July.
- Pop Playrooms: Get 30% OFF all mini golf and darts games from 23rd June to 6th July.
- Pexy Pilates Studio: From 23rd June to 13th July, you can try your first Reformer Pilates class for FREE!
- Local Hero: 10% OFF all food and drinks orders, just use code LH10. Available from 30th June to 6th July.
- The Cheeky Pea: Show a receipt from any local business and get 10% OFF your meal, from 30th June to 6th July.
- Pedicure Proline: 10% OFF on Anti – Fungal Laser Treatment, accompanied by a FREE shoe sterilisation. Just us the code BUSINESSDAY. Available from 30th June till end of July.
- Wacky Kingdom: Prepare for the wackiest day of the summer on Friday 4th July at the Wacky Kingdom Mini Pop Market & Fun Fair! From 12pm, expect a day packed with DIY fun, treasure hunts, handmade goodies, and so much more!
- Ex Cellar: Celebrate with a FREE wine tasting event on Friday 4th July, 4pm – 6pm.
- Korea Hero: Enjoy 15% OFF all food menu items and 2 for 1 Soju Cocktails on 6th July.
- Marna Coffee: Get an extra stamp on your Marna Loyalty Card with every food and drink purchase on 6th July.
Breakfast, Specialty Coffee & Sweet Treats
A good day starts with a cup of coffee… and a great day starts with a delicious specialty coffee at your local indie café.
Marna Coffee is about bringing people together with their love for coffee in a lively space open to everyone – from weekend catch-ups to long study sessions (students, I’m looking at you). Local Hero is a local meeting point for coffee and delicious brunch, while at Zega Coffee you will find Instagram-worthy Matcha flavours, like mango and salted caramel, as well as sweet and savoury treats for all tastes.
The family-run Terrace Eatery is famous for its many breakfast options, homemade sandwiches and cakes – you’ll always see a long queue during lunchtime! Bringing a delightful fusion of contemporary salads and classic hot brunch, Fortunella is a longstanding local favourite for quality. Nako’s is a hidden gem for those seeking a quiet breakfast or lunch; enjoy freshly-made Mediterranean food, from Italian lasagne to a slice of apple & cinnamon cake.
At Patisserie Les 3 Chocolats you will find artisan homemade pastries to satisfy your sweet tooth and feel like you’re in France (ooh lala). Lastly, tucked away among Kingston’s historic Old London Road, you will find the cosy OLR Café serving coffee and healthy lunch options. It also operates as a local community hub, hosting open mics, board game nights and art sessions every week.
Independent Retailers & Shops full of Character
Kingston is famous for its many retail options, but have you ever been shopping outside the High Street? Let me tell you about some local indies with one-of-a-kind products. Whether you’re looking for a bespoke present, party equipment or vintage décor, you’ll quickly get obsessed with these shops.
Banquet Records is Kingston’s longstanding independent record shop and a vital part of the local music scene. Along with selling vinyls, they also put on over 200 events a year in Kingston, ranging from intimate in-store gigs to international touring bands at big venues. More into gaming than music? Piranha Comics is THE place to be for all comic, gaming and cult collectible needs.
At Kingston Antiques you will travel back in time while discovering over 10,000 constantly changing fascinating, weird, and wonderful antiques. A significant part of Kingston, this store is one of the leading Antiques Centres in the South of England.
At Partica you will find a wide selection of party equipment, costumes and personalised balloons to supply your dream party, while Pullingers will equip you with professional art supplies to satisfy your inner artist.
The family-owned Fabric Land has been around for over 36 years, selling all types of haberdashery and fabric for all your needs, while Rustic Journey provides all the solutions for your furniture and interior design needs with characteristic items of oriental design.
Looking for a quality perfume on a budget? At Mon Melange you can find handmade and long-lasting perfumes with natural ingredients of your choice! If you want to impress with a meaningful gift for a special occasion, visit Antony James Jewellery and G&E Jewellery. These traditional family run jewellers offer over 50 years of experience in the jewellery trade and can help you find the perfect gift.
If you’re a committed gym-goer or on a fitness journey, you’ll love Supplements Lab. This specialty indie offers a high-quality range of vitamins and sports nutrition to support local athletes, as well as diet plans and training consultation. More into running? Good news! About the Run is Kingston’s first specialist running shop providing high-quality shoes, accessories, 3D Gait Analysis and a weekly run club to embrace our local runners community!
For quality eyewear, visit Selfie Optic and explore an exquisite range of sunglasses and eyeglasses selected by experts, with brands like Givenchy, Tommy Hilfiger, Hugo Boss, and more. If you enjoy grooming and unique finds, Mr. Mullan’s General Store is a treasure trove of artisanal grooming products, vintage accessories, and quirky gifts. Lastly, since 1989, Natterjacks has been local famous for selling all the best streetwear, footwear, and skating accessories – if you wanna be a fashionable skater this is your place 😉
Legendary Venues & Entertainment Hubs
Did you know that Kingston has more than just shopping and food? Oh yeah, we can be fun – and our independents know how to do it right!
The Fighting Cocks has been shedding light on the local music scene and stand up comedy since the early 2000s, making it a legendary community hub. They also host monthly quizzes and karaoke, while serving classic pub food and pints. Another legendary venue is Bacchus Late Bar bringing the party vibes 7 nights a week, 363 days a year! Whatever your music taste, you’ll be dancing till 3am.
At Pop Playrooms pop bangers, mini golf and darts join forces for the ultimate fun offering. Compete with your friends while enjoying a cocktail (or two) and delicious hot dogs. VRXtra is your new door to the future, offering virtual reality experiences with over 80 different games. If you’re more of an old-school type, at Fun Club you can enjoy endless games of Nintendo and Arcade classics, while sipping on refreshing bubble tea. And for those looking for some adrenaline with a laugh, why not visit West London’s funniest escape experience? Gather at Kingston Escape Rooms and try to stop a murderer, rob a bank or even hunt cats!
Your kids will love this giant indoor playground at Wacky Kingdom, which also offers irresistible party packs! And if they’re feeling more adventurous, at Picnic, they can practice a wide variety of roles in everyday life, from putting out a fire and solving a crime to delivering the post.
Beauty & Wellbeing
Nothing feels better than receiving personable and friendly service from people who care about their costumers, right? In Kingston we’re proud of our wellness community of independents offering bespoke services for more than 10 years! Let me introduce you to these legends.
Blissful Float Spa invites you to experience the benefits of float therapy, which is proven to help with stress, insomnia, ADHD and much more, while Transcend Wellness offers recovery treatments such as oxygen and red light therapy, and sauna – all designed to boost your body in the best way. At Pexy Pilates Studio, the experienced instructor Maya, leads on dynamic reformer pilates classes that blend power and precision to elevate your fitness journey at every step.
For over 30 years Stone Hair have been honouring the craft of hairdressing, while putting their own stamp on it, and building a loving community of customers along the way. Following a similar philosophy, A&G Hair offer bespoke hair and beauty services, always putting their customers in the spotlight.
Pedicure Proline is more than your typical nail salon; These experienced foot health practitioners offer medical pedicures and laser services to help your feet thrive and feel healthy.
True Tattoo may not be your usual wellness centre, but definitely a place where beauty meets art! This tattoo and piercing studio with a world-renowned reputation, offers quality custom tattooing to decorate your body, in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Beloved Food Spots, Charming Restaurants & Craft Drinks
If you made it this far into the Insider Guide, well done! This is where we talk about food – and we have many important things to tell you about our amazing indie restaurants and food spots.
At Neighborhood Subs and Deli you will taste a slice of America and Italy, while devouring their giant subs with fresh ingredients of your choice. Think of Subway, but cooler 😉 The family-run Cheeky Pea is a local favourite (ask anyone!) bringing homemade and heartly Middle Eastern dishes, with some of the best falafels you’ll ever try. Pokie & Roll is a much-loved Japanese-style restaurant in the heart of the fiercely independent Apple Market. Serving up fresh and healthy poke bowls, sushi and bento.
Bringing a twist to your local chicken shop, Anar Kitchen serves freshly grilled Piri Piri chicken with a generous variety of sides to satisfy your late night cravings and hangovers. At Redrock Burgers you will find the ultimate smash burger – simple, bold, and unforgettable. Their dedicated staff make every burger with passion and precision to deliver you the Redrock experience. The Instagram sensation Poor Boys are famous for a reason: they always wow your taste buds! This indie street food joint serves classic New Orleans and regional American flavours from brunch to dinner – it’s a must-try in Kingston!
Looking to escape the crowds and enjoy an aperitivo with a nibble? Come visit a little piece of Portugal! Mimosa offers a variety of traditional cakes, snacks and drinks, so you can have the most authentic experience. You will also find an excellent wine collection at Ex Cellar, where you can enjoy your drink with a charcuterie at the heart of the Ancient Market Place. Did you know Kingston has its own gin distillery? Bone Idyll combines modern spirits that have been distilled traditionally, to provide you with the best cocktails. Whether you prefer smoky whiskey, or fruity gin, there’s something in store for everyone. Another must visit is 7000 Jars of Beer, a specialty shop selling craft beer by independent and niche breweries from around the world.
At Thai on Thames you will find classic Thai dishes made with fresh ingredients. This cosy-family-run restaurant is the place to get a taste of traditional Thai food. Kung Fu invites you to taste their fantastic array of authentic Chinese dishes in an all-you-can-eat buffet. Expertly prepared using traditional cooking techniques, Kung Fu aims to offer you the ultimate oriental eating experience! Another family-run gem, Onde Onde serves authentic Malaysian street food – no compromises, no shortcuts, just great taste! Lastly, at 36 Streets you will taste authentic Vietnamese street food with a modern twist.
You can’t expect anything less than just good food from this authentic family Italian restaurant. Al Forno has been voted ‘Best Pizza of the Year’ on TripAdvisor multiple times, while locals have been enjoying homemade pizza and pasta dishes here for over 20 years. Stein’s offers exquisite Bavarian cuisine, using authentic ingredients imported directly from Germany. This unique blend of European atmosphere in a chalet-environment, makes Stein’s a great place to grab food and hang out with your loved ones.
Since 2001, Cappadocia has been all about spending quality time over an authentic Turkish meal of vibrant mezze and charcoal grilled meats. The newest addition to Kingston’s lively community of independent restaurants is Korea Hero. Serving delicious Korean comfort food including Bibimbap and Korean fried chicken, this little restaurant by the riverside brings the bold and heart-warming flavours of Korea to the local community.
