Watford and the surrounding areas are constantly welcoming and saying goodbye to shops.

Local independent businesses are a vital part of every high street and offer a unique experience compared to the bigger well-known brands.

Here is a round-up of some in and around Watford to support.

Laines

This is a Kings Langley High Street boutique, which sells a wide range of women’s clothes, bags and accessories.

The aim is to sell items customers would not traditionally find in bigger chain stores.

It has recently moved into a bigger space as it has merged with the owner, Elaine’s gift shop, Nelly Twig, which is also on Kings Langley High Street.

It is open 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday and holds regular events to display new stock.

Address: 19 High St, Kings Langley WD4 8AB.

Creative Juices Brewery

This is a business owned by three friends who brew beers on an accident farm based in Maple Cross.

The three owners all grew up in Croxley Green and serve the freshly made beers in the bar attached to the farm.

Beers from the company can be brought at the site to take home.

It was founded in 2018 and has brewed over 10,000 pints since opening.

It is open Wednesday to Friday, 4pm to 8pm, Saturday, 12pm to 8pm, and Sunday, 12pm to 6pm.

Address: Woodoaks Farm, Denham Way, Rickmansworth, WD3 9XQ.

Enigma Escape Rooms

A family-owned business which opened in December last year, run by Benn Warren who is a long-time escape room lover.

He is a joiner but was offered a chance to set up his own business on Watford High Street.

Watford Observer: The bar area of the rooms, the inside cannot be shown to keep the secret. The bar area of the rooms, the inside cannot be shown to keep the secret. (Image: Benn Warren)

He has previously told the Watford Observer: “Joinery, although I still love it, feels like work but escape rooms are just fun regardless of whether I’m playing with my family or watching others play.”

It holds two different escape rooms as well as having a fully stocked bar.

Address: 101a High St, Watford WD17 2DQ.

Home and Garden by Sian

This is a newly opened business, which is selling all things homeware, garden and lifestyle, including luxury products, such as Plum and Ashby candles.

It is owned by Sian who is a first-time business owner who left her role in education to pursue her dream.

It is dog-friendly and is open Tuesday to Saturday, from 10.30am to 5pm.

Address: High Street, Kings Langley, WD4 8AB.

Café De Lisboa

Watford Observer:

Serving Portuguese food, this family-run café has recently opened on the high street.

It is owned by Aamir and his wife who are from Portugal and decided to bring traditional offerings to Watford.

Address: 135 The Parade, High St, Watford WD17 1NA