Banstead, one of the UK's largest villages, is home to a bustling high street with more than 50 independent shops and a total of 100 national and local traders. The leafy Surrey settlement offers a high-quality butcher, a renowned wine merchant, and several boutique clothing stores, alongside a large Waitrose. However, its vibrant village centre suffered a significant blow when Marks and Spencer closed its Simply Food store on August 22.
Residents React to M&S Closure
Lynne Francis, who has lived in Banstead for 48 years, described the loss of M&S as a "huge disappointment for people living around here." The 71-year-old added: "That end of the high street, I imagine, will become quite quiet. That’s the biggest shop down there. It’s really sad."
The closure is not the only vacancy along High Street. A row of empty shopfronts includes a former branch of Coughlans Bakery, part-owned by comedian Romesh Ranganathan, which entered administration in June. However, M&S has suggested its exit could be temporary, as it is "keen to find a new, bigger location in Banstead."
Independent Traders Share Their Views
Joanna Robinson, who helps run women’s clothing store Agenda across the road, noted the impact on elderly residents: "Losing M&S will impact the elderly, which is a shame. A lot of older people’s homes are at that end, and they all congregate down there." She added: "Twenty years ago, it was completely different. We had lots of independent shops. A lot are closing now because the rents are going up. It’s not like it used to be."
Despite the closure, Robinson, 48, remains positive: "In terms of how it is now, I love it in Banstead. It’s got lots of coffee shops and restaurants. Having Waitrose is really good. The high street is always pretty busy. We know there are people around. It’s a nice village and feels very safe."
Richard Chapman, owner of menswear store Robert Fuller, highlighted the strength of independents: "Ninety five percent of our business is repeat business, so it’s about building relationships with customers," said the 49-year-old. "People like to support the high street. It’s a good high street because it still has independents."
Community Confidence and Business Success
Paul Everest, manager of wine merchant Vintners, said independent stores support each other: "Our thought process is: the more independent businesses like us, the better, because ultimately the more combination shopping people do, the more reasons they have to come to the high street." He added: "Everyone who is here at the moment seems to be doing okay. There’s a good vibe here generally."
The Butcher’s Block, opened by chef Ryan West in April 2022, serves 700-800 customers a week and supplies London Michelin Star pubs and restaurants, including Fulham’s Harwood Arms. "People really now care about where their produce is coming from," said West, 30. "It’s nice to be in an area where people appreciate good quality."
Residents like Nicholas Hallam, who has lived in Banstead for 30 years, remain confident: "It’s just a pleasant, old-fashioned place. Very nice housing, a lot to choose from. It’s bustling. It’s got lots of restaurants and cafés, which is nice." Another resident, who did not want to be named, summed up the village's resilience: "A lot of high streets are dead. It’s not dead."
