The pretty UK seaside town where independent shops thrive - 'getting better each year'

It might be one of the most picturesque corners of Essex, with its waterfront views, candy-coloured beach huts, and charming cobbled lanes, but this town's independent spirit truly sets it apart. Nestled on the Thames Estuary just a short journey from London, this seaside town boasts more than just scenic walks and fish and chips.

Its heart beats on Broadway, where a string of independently owned shops, boutiques, and cafes have not only survived but flourished, even as many high streets across the country face decline. Leigh-on-Sea, with just over 20,000 residents according to the latest estimates, has even been described as the best place to live in Essex.

For Edward White, owner of Local Merchants, a fashion boutique that opened three and a half years ago, Leigh's vibrant community is a key reason why his business continues to thrive.

"It's only got better each year," he said. "We're lucky to be surrounded by locals and visitors who actually care about supporting independent shops. They want something you can't get everywhere."

Edward's shop stocks hard-to-find global brands, many of which he was the first to bring to the UK. But the real selling point is the experience, he said.

"You can feel the fabric, ask questions, have a chat," he explained. "It's not like shopping in a chain store where the person serving you may not know or care about what they're selling."

It's a sentiment echoed by Councillor Carole Mulroney, who has seen the town evolve while still maintaining its unique identity. "We're lucky, we don't often see empty shops in Leigh," she said.

"There's a healthy turnover, but people here are invested. Shop owners, residents, they want this place to do well."

Leigh's layout offers a clear contrast with a quaint, old-town waterfront popular with walkers and families, and a bustling hilltop high street filled with small businesses.

"The cafes are always full, there's always people milling about," Cllr Mulroney said.

"It's got a buzz, and that's not something every high street has right now."

Yet local spots like Cold Coffee and independent eateries thrive.

According to Edward, that's all down to community. "Local entrepreneurs really support each other," he said.

"There's a spirit of 'if they help us, we'll help them.' It's that simple."

Just down the road, Liam Lingwood, chef-owner of the newly opened Food Leigh-on-Sea, shares a similar story. "I took over at the end of February and felt Leigh was right. It's by the sea, full of independents that actually thrive, and there's a strong community feel," he said.

Business at Food has taken off quickly. "We've had waiting lists most weekends and Thursdays and Fridays too. We use as many local suppliers as we can. Osbourne's for seafood, the refill shops, local butchers. You can really build something here, and people appreciate it."

It's not just new residents or day-trippers coming in, either. "We get loads of locals, but also a steady stream of people from London," Lingwood added.

The town's appeal doesn't stop with shopping. A strong local calendar of events, a proud historical legacy, and easy access to London make it popular with both families and retirees. Still, not everything is idyllic.

"We've seen a big rise in people moving from London," said Carole. "They may have visited before and thought of Leigh as a nice place, and now they want to live here full time."

With two train stations offering direct links to London Fenchurch Street in just over an hour, Leigh-on-Sea has become increasingly attractive to commuters seeking more charm than chaos.

From festive Christmas shopfront competitions to buzzing weekend markets and spontaneous collaborations between retailers, Leigh has resisted the uniformity of the modern British high street. While Costa Coffee has come and gone, and even Subway had to revamp to fit in, the independents remain and continue to thrive.