Ripley Village
If you ever find yourself at a loose end on a sunny Saturday morning why not pop along to Ripley Village in Surrey. Set amongst the pretty cottages is a bustling High Street and immensely popular village green.
I had the pleasure of being in Ripley recently and was lucky enough to coincide my visit with that of the Farmer’s Market which is held on the second Saturday of each month between 9am and 1pm. Situated on the village green there was a huge variety of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to rural crafts.
A short stroll from the market is the High Street with its lovely collection of craft shops, traditional pubs, and classy restaurants.
The Clock House, formally know as Drake’s, is open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday to Saturday.
If you prefer something a little less formal another popular eatery in the village is Nest Café where you can stop for a stylish bite-to-eat. Serving seasonal, local, freshly made food it is certainly the place to be seen!
As well as the café, Nest has a home and gift shop where you will find a unique selection of ever-changing antique and vintage treasures.
Right next door to Nest is Miss Bush bridalwear. Set inside a converted Victorian Chapel with stained glass windows and high vaulted ceilings, brides-to-be can choose from a selection of the best contemporary bridalwear.
The reason I found myself in the heart of the village on a sunny Saturday morning was to visit a favourite shop of mine, Richardsons.
Here I knew I would find a selection of the freshest flowers and stylish planters filled to the brim with seasonal blooms. Not only is this a truly gorgeous florist but it has a fantastic selection of gifts, toys, cards, and wrapping. This is definitely a place where, for every one gift you buy for a friend, you have to buy at least two for yourself!
Last, but by no means least, is a visit to the Jo Downs handmade glass gallery. Here you will find beautiful gifts and decorative interior pieces. Commissions are undertaken as well, and the gallery is the perfect place to drop in to discuss your ideas.
I suppose the only thing to be careful of is that some of these otherwise brilliant cafés can be a little quick to close of an afternoon, when one is looking for a last cup of tea, having enjoyed the rest of the village and surrounding properties…
…not before providing excellent carrot cake tho’
Well, to be fair, the carrot cake was excellent, but all the better for being enjoyed on a park bench, having, regrettably, been shown the door!