A vibrant city has been named for having the best independent high streets in the UK, with striking features and an extensive collection of thriving businesses.

Research collected from American Express Shop Small and retail experts, Global Data, revealed the top 10 UK independent high streets of 2025, with Brighton coming out on top. The results were influenced by factors such as the total number of independent shops, the street’s vibrancy, and its overall aesthetic appeal.

Sheffield and Manchester followed behind Brighton, yet the seaside resort stole the spotlight, thanks to its three distinct shopping areas, Trafalgar Street, Sydney Street, and Kensington Gardens, where independent stores thrive. Some of the notable stores in the city include vintage clothing shops, Dirty Harry and The Vintage Workshop, as well as the pet lifestyle shop Creature Clothes.

Following the results, we spoke to the owners and sales associates of the businesses located in the most desirable high streets across the UK, and they all said the same thing.

‘Lots of people fall in love with the city’

Eddie Stobart, owner of Dirty Harry, played a huge role in welcoming vintage clothing to the heart of Brighton. “Dirty Harry was founded in 2000 by my father-in-law. It was a very exciting time for us as we were one of the very first vintage clothing stores in Brighton, so as you can imagine, it sparked a lot of interest amongst people in the area,” Eddie told us.

Sharing an insight into what makes the area so special, he added: “We are on Sydney Street, which is full of small independent businesses. Lots of shopfronts are painted with graffiti, making it an eye-catching high street. The high street is also a favourite amongst coffee lovers, as it also has a very busy cafe culture.

“Brighton is a vibrant city with a big student presence. Lots of people fall in love with the city following their first visit.” He also noted that the highlight of being part of owning an independent business is the “community feel”, with Brighton boasting “a lovely environment to work in”.

‘Colourful and unique residents of this beautiful city’

Lucia Ellison, owner of The Vintage Workshop, opened her clothing store almost 13 years ago after starting out at the Saturday Market in Upper Gardner Street in North Laine. The Vintage Workshop, located in Kemptown Village, showcases products from local artists, jewellers, and makers, along with vintage and antique curiosities.

“The best thing about being part of an independent business is that you don’t have to conform to the norm, you can be as adventurous and creative as you like,” Lucia shared. “Brighton has a truly eclectic collection of small businesses, which runs alongside perfectly with the colourful and unique residents of this beautiful city.”

On where her store is nestled, she added: “Kemptown Village has a small, vibrant High Street proudly filled with a friendly, close-knit array of independent shops, cafes, bars, even yoga and pilates studios, reflecting the supportive community who live here. Kemptown is wonderfully inclusive, a safe space for all and very dog friendly.”

‘There is simply nowhere else like this’

Saul Danan-Verryt, Sales Associate at Creature Clothes, noted Brighton’s distinctive features as he shared: “Brighton is a wonderful city, and its lanes are unique. I can think of nowhere else that has such a magical community of independent shops and makers.

“We love talking to visitors from all over the world who are here on holiday, for conferences, or even to train for a channel swim in our Sea Lanes 50m outdoor pool on the beach. There is simply nowhere else like this. Everyone should come!”

He added: “Our shop is located in Bond Street, at the beginning of the North Laine. The North Laine is full of shops like us; gorgeous independent clothing stores, cafes, bubble tea shops, and independent children’s shops.”

Sharing a glimpse of what it’s like working for an independent shop in Brighton, Saul told us: “Creature Clothes is a family-run business, and the people like me who work in the team are very much treated like family too.

“The community of independent shops in Brighton is magical. We all give each other a trader’s discount in each other’s stores and support each other wonderfully. An example of this is the late-night shopping event we are hosting with our fellow indie businesses every Thursday in December. Last Thursday, we had a community choir singing and dancing all down the street, and some of our team performed too; it was terrific.”

Delving deeper into the success behind the business that launched in 1999, Saul said it all started when the owners, Cosi and Nick, began making their own leather dog collars. “She made a collar for her beloved dog, Vodka, tying stars to a plain black leather collar so that it would match her own silver star necklace. Apparently, strangers would try and buy the collar when they were on the tube together,” he noted.

“The owner has always been an expert in handmade crafts. Before undergoing her leather-making skills training in Spain, she ran a business selling handmade greeting cards, which later evolved into handmade leather collars, and Creature Clothes was born.

“For the first 20 years, Creature Clothes supplied other shops, including independent gift shops and dog boutiques, while also designing and making bespoke collections. Then in 2021, the business moved to Brighton and opened a store of their own.”

On how it feels to be ranked as part of the best independent high streets in the UK, Eddie said: “It’s an honour to receive this recognition, and it’s great to know that independent businesses are where people want to come to spend their money and time.”

Lucia added: “Independent businesses work hard to keep their individuality, it is always warming to be recognised for your efforts and flair.” Meanwhile, Saul also noted: “Wonderful! All grinning very big grins.”

The American Express Shop Small campaign aims to support small businesses by encouraging the nation to back their local high street. Launched in 2012, Shop Small seeks to celebrate small businesses up and down the country, encouraging shoppers to help their local high streets thrive.

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