Beaminster, a town in west Dorset, has been named one of the best places to live in the UK, praised for its independent shops, thriving food scene and strong sense of community. The town was included in Muddy Stilettos' 2025 list of the Top 260 Best Places to Live in the UK, which highlighted its pretty conservation area, relaxed atmosphere, thriving food scene and proximity to the coast.
Independent businesses thrive
Unlike many town centres struggling with empty units, Beaminster has retained an impressive range of independent businesses. An independent butcher, baker, florist, greengrocer, chemist, hardware shop, bookshop and pubs all continue to serve the community, creating the kind of high street many towns have lost.
Speaking to the Express inside Brassica Restaurant, Louise Chidgey said: "It is definitely a town of independents." She added: "It's unique in that it has an independent florist, greengrocers, bookshop, bakery, butchers, chemist, and there's also an independent pub up the road."
Award-winning food scene
Brassica Restaurant on The Square has gained national recognition. The Michelin Guide restaurant was named among the Good Food Guide's 100 Best Local Restaurants in Britain, making it the only Dorset restaurant to earn a place on the prestigious 2025 list. The restaurant was founded in 2014 by Cass Titcombe and Louise Chidgey.
Its Michelin Guide description reads: "A pretty 16th-century house plays host to this sweetly run restaurant, situated in a prime spot overlooking the small square of this characterful Dorset town. Inside, the bright, colourful décor adds to the endearing feel, with its countryside shabby-chic style. The concise, Mediterranean-inflected menu moves with the seasons to show off excellent produce, delivered with a palpable simplicity and textbook technique by the confident kitchen team."
Community spirit
Kate Reeves, who runs the flower shop Rambling Rose, moved to Dorset from London around 12 years ago. She said she had eventually felt a "real need to get back to the countryside." She told the Express: "I wanted to bring it back to being a lot of locally grown."
Anthony Cassar, who runs greengrocer Fruit 'n Two Veg, said: "The people that grow for me have been growing for this veg shop ever since it's been a veg shop and they live five miles down the road. At the peak of the season, 80% of the shop is local." He added: "This town's amazing. This town is an enigma. There's not many towns left in this whole country like this and it's really special."
Local residents Linden and John Boothby, who have lived in Beaminster for around eight years, told the Express they "love" living in the town. Mr Boothby said: "You can't go anywhere without somebody saying hello." Mrs Boothby added: "There is something very special about this town. There is something very special that once people come, they stay."
