THE national media is full of reports that high streets up and down the country are experiencing some of the toughest trading conditions on record as shoppers shun stores in favour of making their purchases online from the comfort of their own homes.

However, Farnham town centre seems to be bucking that trend at present with the new year heralding the introduction of a whole host of new stores and businesses, and what appears to be a bouyant retail marketplace having plenty on offer to get people moving away from online offerings and increasing footfall on the streets.

Four out of five people in the UK have experienced a local pub closure in the last five years, according to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).

But here in Farnham, Red Mist Leisure has purchased its tenth pub site in Castle Street. The company plans to convert the site, currently Brasserie Blanc, and create a unique pub in the heart of Farnham. The pub plans to re-open under its new name next month.  

Mark Robson, managing director of Red Mist Leisure, said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to once again be returning to our buzzing home town of Farnham.

“By taking on this new site, that is in such a prime position within the town, it will enable us to further grow our award-winning pub and dining business, which heavily features fresh, local and seasonal food and drink and great service in a welcoming environment.”

The Lost Boy pub, located in the former Loch Fyne Seafood and Grill restaurant in Downing Street, will look a bit different by the summer as Oakman Inns’ property director, Malcolm Schooling, has submitted plans and listed building consents to Waverley Borough Council.

Submitted plans incorporate a proposed 90 -plus cover restaurant, bar and first-floor function room. Oakman is also proposing some external terracing and garden areas.

A new independent coffee shop is also making its way to the Lion and Lamb Yard this month. Coffee Diem, owned by Farnham residents George and Jacoba Murray, is set to open at the end of January.

The owners will recruit three full time and three part-time team members who will help serve a wide selection of coffees, teas, smoothies, juices, shakes, breakfasts, soups, paninis, sandwiches, quiches, sausage rolls, salads and cakes.

George said: “Having worked in luxury hotels for over 30 years, I have always dreamed of starting my own business.

“With the support of my wife and family I finally ‘seized the day’ and I am very lucky to be able to take on the coffee shop in Lion and Lamb Yard.

“I want it to be recognised for its quality, service and a sense of community and I hope to create a place that my family and I can be proud of.”

Jacoba added: “I have always felt my heart lies in the hotel and catering industry but having worked at St Andrew’s Infant School since 2005 as an office manager, it’s made me realise community is very important to me.

“Although I will remain working at St Andrew’s, there is a lot I can contribute to Coffee Diem outside my school working hours.

“I am really thrilled to start this new venture in such a beautiful location.”

In Downing Street, Rosemoor Kitchen opened its doors on December 19, and has so far created around 20 jobs.

Owned by Naomi Beamish and Olly Biggs, Rosemoor Kitchen is the pair’s second kitchen as they also own Forte Kitchen in Winchester. Since Rosemoor Kitchen opened, it has been “unexpectedly” busy, according to manager Chris Lewis.

Chris, who previously worked at Heidi’s in Elphicks, Loaf Bakery and Caffè Nero, became involved after visiting the Winchester kitchen. He told the Herald that during his visit he thought “wow, this would work in Farnham”.

Compared to other cafés in the area, Chris believes Rosemoor Kitchen offers a “different menu and a different way of doing things”, as well as “aiming for high-end food with no fuss”.

“I hope it continues to do as well as it has been,” Chris added. All of the produce at Rosemoor Kitchen is from independent suppliers, as Naomi and Olly are “big on supporting other independents”.

Another restaurant which came to town before Christmas was Bloom, in The Borough, which offers “a small plates dining experience that is designed for sharing”. Husband-and-wife duo Dominique Maxwell and Mark Beckett own the restaurant, which Dominique describes as being “floral, feminine and refreshing”.

After a week-long soft opening Dominique, who has always worked in hospitality, said: “It’s really good. It was hard at first but we’ve had great feedback.”

The independent restaurant has created around 30 jobs since opening for business on September 21 and, as well as serving food, Bloom also has cocktails on offer which they infuse.

“We wanted to bring London quality to Farnham – it’s all about the experience,” Dominique continued. “We wanted a place where we could bring something new.”

Down the road, Oxfam is relocating its books and music store from East Street to The Borough, with the aim of re-opening today (Thursday). A standard Oxfam shop will move into the East Street store and will re-open next month.

The new shop will create “double” the space, according to store manager Alison Pratt, and will allow for more author events, as well as more items on offer.

Alison, who has been the manager for four years and was a volunteer prior to that, said: “We’ve been doing very well. We’ve got books you can’t get anywhere else and people value the books here.”

Alison told the Herald that one of the most recent donations was a Bible from 1648 covered in silver cloth.

She added: “Thank you to people who’ve helped us move – we used Sainsbury’s trolleys to move the books. It was people power moving everything.”