Farnham’s retail scene is telling two very different stories, as one independent business prepares to close while new arrivals bring fresh life to the town centre.

Gin & Chocolate, a specialist gift shop in The Borough, will shut its doors within a fortnight after six years of trading, with owners blaming a sharp decline in footfall.

At the same time, new businesses are preparing to open at Brightwells Yard, with dessert brand Melt Melt among the latest arrivals set to welcome customers this month.

Silvana Shaler, who runs Gin & Chocolate with her husband Matthew, said ongoing roadworks had severely impacted trade.

She said: “The main reason we are closing is because of a lack of footfall. The roadworks have stopped people coming into town and into our business.

“We used to have lots of customers coming in and it was great, but that is no longer the case.

“Everybody is so sad we are closing as we have very loyal customers, many who return to get gifts for birthdays and Christmas.

“We used to have people coming from as far as Guildford and Windsor, but now no one is coming to Farnham any more. I feel sorry for Farnham - the roadworks have affected all businesses in the town, but the independents are the ones disappearing.”

The closure follows the couple’s Brazilian barbecue restaurant, Silvana’s, in Lion and Lamb Yard, which shut in December 2025 after unsuccessful attempts to renegotiate lease terms.

Despite its small size, Gin & Chocolate once employed three members of staff at a time, but this was reduced to one as trading conditions worsened. The couple have no current plans to reopen either business.

In contrast, Brightwells Yard continues to expand, with Melt Melt set to open its new Farnham store at on Saturday, May 16.

The dessert business, founded by entrepreneur Zack Hayter in Alton, began life in April 2021 as a mobile venture operating from a 1970s Renault van before growing into a shop-based brand.

It later built a following during a residency at The Beach at Brightwells last summer, and its return in a permanent unit is expected to attract families, young people and cinema-goers visiting the nearby Reel Cinema.

Mr Hayter described Brightwells as his “dream location” due to its proximity to the cinema and soft-play facilities.

The opening forms part of a wider expansion at the East Street development, with children’s activity provider The Little Gym and independent retailer Amba House also due to open this month.

The Little Gym will offer movement-based classes for children focused on confidence and coordination, while Amba House — winner of the centre’s “Win A Shop” competition — is launching its first physical premises.

A Brightwells spokesperson said: “We are thrilled to welcome three such diverse and exciting businesses to the scheme this May.

“From a national leisure brand like The Little Gym to independent successes like Amba House and Melt Melt, these openings reflect our commitment to making Brightwells a vibrant, one-stop destination for the Farnham community.”