Living well in the Chilterns is shaped as much by the places around you as it is by the homes themselves. From independent shops to well-loved cafes, these are the details that give an area its character.
We caught up with Tring resident, TV presenter (BBC’s Sort Your Life Out), podcast host and professional organiser Dilly Carter to share some of her go-to spots — from everyday essentials to small indulgences, both locally and a little further afield.
Dilly Carter
01
Local hardware store, Grace & Son in Tring, is incredible. For local lovers of storage, they basically have it all, including refills of everything from shampoos to handwashes. All my handwashes are refillable – I’m working on the rest! Choosing refill options (like cleaning sprays, pasta, rice, or even toiletries) helps cut down on single-use packaging and keeps unnecessary waste out of our homes and the planet. Even if you switch just one thing, it can help you reduce your plastic waste. Win-win! Grace-son.co.uk
02
Tucked away behind the beautiful hardware store is Loft Vintage 68, which has a vast collection of incredible vintage, brand new and pre-loved clothing. There’s so much to feast your eyes on from to vintage 501s to adidas original bottoms. They also have some super cool jackets and costume jewellery, which I’m a sucker for. Loft68Vintage.com
03
Another of my local faves, Emmaus Nineteen49, in Tring, is an amazing charity shop which supports the homeless, and is run by the gorgeous Emily. I always find a designer vintage treat here. My recent visit didn’t disappoint – I found a vintage Jaeger blazer for £40 in my favourite combo, black and gold – a must have. I love both helping the local community and keeping fashion circular when I can. Emmaus.org.uk/hertfordshire/our-shops/
“I love both helping the local community and keeping fashion circular when I can.”
04
I’m working my way through every one of Tom Kerridge’s restaurants and started with The Coach Marlow. My goodness, it was sooo good. The setting, the staff, the food. All unbelievable. My favourite was the creamed pate and the sea bass, but the roast was sublime. They do roast potatoes that have been wrapped in mash and then roasted again. I highly recommend you visit – just book and go. The food at his restaurant across the road, The Butchers Tap And Grill, also looks insane, so that’s next on the list.Thecoachmarlow.co.uk and Thebutcherstapandgrill.co.uk
“The setting, the staff, the food. All unbelievable.”
05
Tring Micro Bakery. I’ve just had the most amazing delivery of their cinnamon buns and lemon and blueberry buns straight to our door. They smell and taste insane (I will be giving them to friends of course, not eating them all!). Instagram.com/tringmicrobakery/
06
Brand new local nail salon, Akeman Nails, Tring, is more like a spa… peppermint tea in vintage china, soothing music and luxury pedicure chairs which feel like a little cocoon, tucked away at the quieter part of the salon. But the best part is they massage your feet with hot stone then wrap hot towel around them whilst your feet are being steamed. It’s amazing! Akemannails.co.uk
07
Formhaus, Tring. I’ve done three sessions of reformer Pilates here and am loving it so much. It feels so good to stretch and feel my muscles moving again. Formhaustring.co.uk
08
Sundays at The Espresso Lounge, Tring, before a Sunday dog walk are highly recommended. The ham and cheese croissants are perfection. Theespressolounge.co.uk
“The ham and cheese croissants are perfection.”
09
The Rex Cinema in Berkhamsted is the most beautiful cinema I’ve ever been too. If there’s ever a great film to watch, it’s there. Perfect for girls nights or date nights and it’s been our local cinema since we use to go to the mother and baby matinees. If you have never been and are local, you must go. TheRexBerkhamsted.com
10
The Grove, Watford is always our local go-to for lovely occasions. The Glasshouse at The Grove is the best Sunday lunch ever but if you can’t get in (it’s always busy) then any of the pop ups are equally amazing. If you haven’t tried Madhu’s at The Grove yet, DO – the food is sooo good. It’s my ultimate pick. Thegrove.co.uk/dining
