Best Independent Shops in Midhurst

Having been a firm fixture in Midhurst since 1995, Stepping Out Boutique is without a doubt, one of Midhurst’s independent success stories. Owned by Audrey and popular amongst the locals, you’ll find a great selection of luxurious fashionwear for women inside. What’s more, Audrey’s youngest daughter Nikki has recently joined the Stepping Out venture with her new children’s clothing brand ‘Stepping Stones’. Stepping Stones is - of course - is stocked inside. Be part of the family and step inside this little store with a large offering on North Street.

Just around the corner, on Knockhundred Row, you’ll find another independent fashion success story in Me & Maya. Designed by Lalita, Me & Maya specialise in occasion wear for cocktail parties and events, but have recently expanded to feature signature stay at home pieces too. Featuring a great attention to detail that is rarely found in clothing from chain stores, Me & Maya highlights everything that’s good about shopping local.  

The craft of horology (making clocks and watches) started in Midhurst as early as the 1700’s. Whether you’re looking to get a glimpse into history, invest in a signature watch, clock or item of jewellery, or have a treasured piece you wish to get repaired, Midhurst’s J E Allnut & Son is the place to go.

Located on West Street, the expertise you’ll find offered at J E Allnut & Son is unrivalled. An inspired and committed watchmaker, Geoff Allnutt FBHI (son of John Allnut) specialises in the sale of antique, modern and vintage watches and jewellery, of which you’ll find a huge selection inside his shop.

Having started his career at the age of 14, Geoff studied horology in London for three years and embarked on the famous Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Education Programme course after this. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Geoff showcases yet again the power of independent traders.

Nestled on Midhurst’s beautiful Red Lion Steet, just across the road from Garton’s Coffee House and next door to Comestibles - two more great independents - is one of West Sussex’s best independent bookshops, Wheeler’s Bookshop.

Housed within one of Midhurst’s typically historic buildings, you’ll find two floors jam-packed with books.  From the latest in-print titles and children’s books to second-hand fictions, antiquarian novels and non-fiction titles by local authors. You’re guaranteed to while away the hours exploring the large selection of books available here, so take your time and enjoy the tranquillity.

Potentially THE most exciting place to take children in Midhurst, the traditional and family-run Wizzbits Toys is every child’s dream. Stocking quality, traditional toys for all ages, as well as catering for the latest crazes, Wizzbits is owned and run by Freya, a qualified primary school teacher whose children Eloise and Toby help with product testing and ordering. Inside, you’ll find a great range of gifts, art and craft kits, puzzles, wooden games, sticker books, castles, dolls houses, Jellycat teddies and so much more. With free gift wrapping and party bag packing services available too, there’s something for everyone to love.

With Sussex Wine having earnt PDO status (Protected Designation of Origin), it should come as no surprise that Sussex is home to great wine and bottle shops too. The same can certainly be said for Midhurst.

Grab yourself a bottle of fine wine from Fairview Wines, Midhurst’s very own independent wine merchant and importer, located on the historic North Street. With over 20 years’ experience in the wine trade, owner Robert Wattie prides himself on finding the finest wine from unique makers and producers across the world. Of course, you’ll find a great selection of Sussex Wine in store too, from Sussex’s very own Tinwood and the Roebuck Estates.

Alternatively, The Crafty Pint on West Street, stocks a great selection of beer, cider, wine and spirits. Featuring products from small local producers as much as possible, you’ll find beer and real ale from Langhams, Firebird and Harveys Breweries on offer, as well as crafted cider from Chiddingfold and of course, Sussex Wine. Drinks are available in bottles and on draught to take away.

You’ll be putting your wellness into safe hands with Midhurst’s Down to Earth health food shop, which has been serving Midhurst residents, and visitors alike, for over 20 years.

Located in the heart of Midhurst’s picturesque West Street, you’ll find a huge range of local, organic and fairtrade food, nutritional supplements and natural remedies inside this petite but perfectly formed shop. Supporting local farmers and producers, Down to Earth also provide a local veg box service, perfect if you’re self-catering in the area and are conscious of the food miles.

But it’s not just about what goes into your body. Down to Earth offer a great range of additional wellness products for every element of your life; from natural and organic personal care to environment-friendly household care products too.

Being the heart of the South Downs National Park, there’s no better place to indulge in outdoor activities than in Midhurst.

A not-to-be-missed independent sports shop specialising in all things cycling is Midhurst’s All Ride Now, on Bepton Road.

A popular addition to the town over the last few years, All Ride Now is your go-to for any two-wheel pursuits; everything from balance bikes for little ones, kids bikes and off-road bikes, to E-bikes, road bikes and hybrid bikes. With advice on tap and an outstanding support service, including a bike workshop located a few doors down, this really is your one-stop independent shop when it comes to cycling.

While neighbouring historic market town, Petworth, may be famous across the globe for its antiques, Midhurst doesn’t fall far behind with the quality of its offering either. Thanks to a range of independent antique traders such as Marmadukes Antiques Emporium and The Place on West Street, you may find quite the treasure here. 

Located on Midhurst’s Rumbolds Hill, you’ll find up to 25 dealers inside Marmadukes Antiques Emporium, an independent shop run by the ever-so passionate Kathy and Chris. Whether it’s a vintage find you’re searching for to adorn you home with, or a valuable antique to impress visitors, chances are, you’ll find it here.

Unsurprisingly located on West Street, you’ll find French and continental antiques in the stylish The Place on West Street. Step inside to admire the decorative antiques on offer in this beautifully laid-out independent shop, suitably housed within a striking and historic black and white timber building. 

If your focus is more on your outer self, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the choice of beautifully boutique beauty salons on offer in Midhurst. But two stand out from the crowd.

With a newly refurbished white and gold décor, Locks & Lashes Beauty on Rumbolds Hill offers all the beauty services you could need, and more. From eyelash tints and extensions, brow waxes, tints and lamination, to manicures, pedicures, hair extensions, facials and fillers. What’s more, you’ll find a team of expert hairdressers based within the salon too, meaning you can tick all the beauty boxes off in one go.

If it’s organic, natural treatments you’re after, you’ll find a huge selection on offer at Gemma Sharpe on Midhurst’s Knockhundred Row. Specialising in organic, natural products that are kind to the skin, you’ll find Herbfarmacy Organic Skincare, Pevonia and Jessica Natural nail polishes, amongst others, stocked here. Whether you’re popping in to top up on products, or to indulge in a treatment, you’re sure to be impressed.

You won’t be short on choice when it comes to independent eateries in Midhurst. With fantastic menus on offer in Fitzcane’s, Garton's Coffee House, Coskuns Café, Comestibles, Tilly’s of Midhurst and Kemaelli’s to name just a few, you really could spend a week here eating your way around our fantastic cafes.

But if you like to keep up with the latest trends, Midhurst’s newest arrival - The Lion’s Den Café - is a must visit. This self-proclaimed ‘proudly local and fiercely independent good times café’, located in a beautiful listed building on North Street, is a spin off from the hugely successful original Lion’s Den in Haslemere.

Inside The Lion’s Den Midhurst, you’ll find over 100 square meters of cozy café space and a huge sunny garden to relax in. The eclectic homespun menu features classic favourites and unique takes on street food staples made from freshly cooked food ingredients from local independent suppliers. Whether you’re visiting or breakfast, brunch or lunch, you’re sure to be impressed with that’s on offer.