It's been a year of flux in Marlow, with a flurry of banking branches leaving the High Street and a range of independent and chain businesses making their homes in the town.
We've rounded up a non-exhaustive list of all the exciting new businesses Marlow has welcomed into its fold in 2023 - and are looking ahead to those planning to arrive in what will surely be an equally as promising 2024.
Jam Industries
Jam Industries’ pop-up shop on the High Street will only remain in place until January – but one-half of the family-run operation, Mark Jordan, hinted that the success of the business in Marlow, indicated by its sixth consecutive November return could foreshadow the opening of a permanent branch in the not-so-distant future. Jam Industries prides itself on its high-quality and sustainable products which are purported to bridge the gap between city and coastal style, with transferable wearability “from a long day at the beach (or on the Thames) to a vibrant bar (or pub) at night”.
Everyman Cinema
Following months – scratch that, years – of anticipation, the luxury cinema chain Everyman finally opened a new venue on Market Square in Marlow at the end of September – making for a swish crowning gem for the town’s High Street. With comfy velvet seating, a fully licensed bar and a table service menu, the cinema – Marlow’s first in decades – has definitely been a welcome addition to the town’s cultural scene.
Hayden Gallery
Marlow may now have a preponderance of art galleries – five at last count – and no remaining banks in the High Street, but new arrivals in the realm of The Hayden Gallery must be made an exception. Owned by Marlow-based artist and sculptor Tracey Hayden, the gallery, which opened its doors on September 1, is a family business through and through and is dedicated to showcasing predominantly ‘unique’ and local talent.
Youngmans Barbers
Oxford barbershop Youngmans opened its third store on West Street back in June – a relatively local business stretching back 100 years, head barber Craig Evans told the Free Press he believed Marlow was a great fit for the fledgling brand. Youngmans’ mission statement is to “build relationships with clients, so appointments feel like a catch-up with a mate rather than a chore” – sounds like a match for Marlow’s tight-knit community! There’s also a 24K Gold Facial on offer (£14.95), adding a touch of glamour to proceedings.
The Gentry Barbers
Yet another barbershop, this time on Dean Street, was opened by George Stavrou in August – the fruit of seven years of labour and preparation. George said he had carefully curated the design and ambience of the store to appeal to Marlow’s clientele – think “relaxing sophistication”, complete with barista service, refreshments and a full-time bar. He said he believes the shop has “something for everyone” but no gold facials in sight – yet!
Shoe Emporium
After a bit of a saga – closing in July after its building lease ran out before returning in a new Spittal Street location in September – the shop dubbed ‘the only affordable store’ on Marlow’s High Street is now here to stay, according to co-owner Harris Naeem. Harris said his Marlow customers had been “so happy” to see the business back in action. Run don’t walk to get those discounts now!
BRVTVS
It might seem like a tall order to bring something new to Marlow’s already well-established and thriving culinary scene, but Luca Sanna, the owner of Italian restaurant BRVTVS on Spittal Street, has managed to find that niche in the form of a hybrid pizza restaurant and cocktail bar, with regular jazz nights inspired by the Tokyo music scene. With authentic, delicious Italian food, a rustic interior and a fun dash of liveliness and musicality, it’s a perfect fit for Marlow, or as Luca put it – “a community that is willing to welcome in this type of sophisticated concept”.
Nook
Living up to its name, Nook is a gifts and homeware shop tucked away on Crown Lane, opened by friends Emma Wilson and Kristin Gifford at the beginning of June. Partially inspired by Emma’s stint living in Thailand, Nook is an eclectic selection of quirky and original niknaks and bric-a-brac. Not only are their products stocked from around the world – many with unique and interesting stories behind them – but the friends also run yoga classes in a space above the shop, with plans to expand to provide other well-being and art-related workshops in the future. Watch this space!
Creative Collective pop-up
Another pop-up shop that may well be scouting for a permanent home in Marlow, the Creative Collective pop-up at The White House on the High Street is a dual endeavour with Keeeps Pottery, who have continued to run classes above the store and display some of their finished products downstairs. Founded by Sinéad Bernhauser alongside other independent business owners – selling everything from art and jewellery to plants and upholstered furniture – as a way to showcase their wares together after meeting at various artisan markets, the Creative Collective – which arrived in Marlow in October – fits right in with the town’s love of championing burgeoning creatives and invest in high-quality and locally-sourced products.
And that’s not all for this non-exhaustive list – wine retailer Majestic Wine and holiday company Travelbag have also recently announced plans to open new branches in Marlow. Here’s looking at 2024!
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