There are many well-documented benefits to our communities and to each of us when we shop at local, independently owned businesses. We realise it is not always possible to buy what you need in Esher, we just ask you to explore your options locally first...

Stewart and colleagues had to bail out before the Iranian Revolution started. Many of their Iranian friends fled to the States where they settled in Beverley Hills. He returned to the UK and continued his career working at various casinos around London...

Rocksalt Roof Garden is a Champagne and Oyster Bar and restaurant that has opened on Church Street. It is the brain child of Sophia Hooper and Tai Alvis of Lee. Together they have created a black marble-topped, classy chill-out joint in the heart of Esher.

The Prince of Wales has been refurbished to make it a welcoming place for all people and all occasions. As well as traditional pub grub, the menu has been revamped to include healthier options and platters for sharing that work well for Girls Nights Out...

In February 2012, Shilu of Esher florist, Buds and Bloom will have been serving the local community and beyond for 15 years! A quick look at the top quality flowers in stock and beautifully designed arrangements explains why...

As a teenager, Roger Clarke of Clarke's Interiors, Esher replied to an advert for a '€œboy'€ to help sail a 42 foot ketch across the Atlantic with Chay Blythe. The pair set sail from Exmouth and headed across The Pond towards Miami marina...

All staff who join Carluccio’s, Esher receive many hours of intensive training. For example, to qualify as an assistant on the delicatessen counter takes over 30 hours of lessons on the wide range of breads, cheeses, meats, wines and sauces...

There is new management at The Wheatsheaf and with it, a common interest amongst all the new members of staff... Everyone I spoke with has a meaningful relationship with food!

Earlier this year, Emma Riley and Alison Ramsay opened the doors of The Art Agency showcasing contemporary art for retail at affordable prices. They met at antenatal classes in Claygate and found they had a shared interest in attending art exhibitions...

Layla’s has received glowing praise from The Independent’s Posh Nosh guide, with the restaurant being selected as one of the Top 50 venues in and around London. JR and Salim are understandably proud of this achievement but are not resting on their laurels.