Life in the 'up and coming' Surrey town where 'everyone waves and says hello'

Ana Capones in Los Hermanos, Baker Street
-Credit: (Image: Lauren Cole-Lomas)


On the corner of where the River Thames meets the River Wey is a prestigious, bustling town. Weybridge has cropped up many times over the years as one of Surrey’s best places to live.

While Weybridge certainly has a reputation for being a posh place to settle, one thing about the town divides residents' opinions. Many feel like it has lost its identity over the years, with some unable to decide whether Weybridge is an overcrowded village or a town.

First mentioned in the Domesday Survey as ‘Webruge’ in 1086, Weybridge’s population exploded during the Victorian era. . Some might say it is 'up and coming' - the town ranked 4th on Muddy Stilettos Best Places to Live in Surrey for 2024, up from its position in 10th the year before.

“Weybridge feels like home,” says Ana Capontes, who runs El Mason de Los Hermanos, a rustic tapas bar and restaurant on Baker Street. Originally from Madeira in Portugal, Ana came to the UK in 1988 and Weybridge was the first place she ever stayed.

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“We moved back to Portugal and came back in 2011 to London, but came to Weybridge again and took over the business. It would be nice to have something additional bringing people to Weybridge like opening the theatre, there are lots of nice restaurants and places to eat nearby for visitors.”

Speaking on changes Weybridge has undergone in 30 years, one resident said: “Business is not stable, and I don’t know why,” Sam Sessa says, having lived there for 35 years. “I can’t decide where my favourite place to eat out would be as places keep opening and closing - the rates and rent might be causing them to suffer.”

“It’s busier than it used to be but it keeps getting busier. It’s still a nice area with beautiful walks by the river. 20 years ago it was much quieter, it’s more of a village than a town so the traffic seems nonstop and ambulances struggle to get through.”

Adam McLaren in McLaren's Fine Foods, Weybridge
Adam McLaren in McLaren's Fine Foods, Weybridge -Credit:Lauren Cole-Lomas

Adam McLaren of family-run McLaren’s Fine Foods, also agrees with Sam and says Weybridge feels more like a village than a town. Adam said: “There’s very much a community feel and a very nice place. But with some empty units, the owners of the buildings need to appeal to independent businesses and fewer chains.

“I don’t think Weybridge needs any more coffee shops or charity shops. I’d like to see a greengrocers it would be nice to get everything you need rather than go to a supermarket.”

It is likely many feel Weybridge is a village rather than a town because there are really only two main roads in and out. St Peter’s Way A317 links to Chertsey and the M25, and Oatlands Drive A3050 and Queens Road lead to Hersham, the Byfleets and Walton.

Adam and his family lived in Weybridge for years but decided to move to Byfleet for more space. He added: “Getting in and out of Weybridge is a pain, with heavy traffic and getting children to school.”

Aga Kapult, Aga Courture, Weybridge
Aga Kapult, Aga Courture, Weybridge -Credit:Lauren Cole-Lomas

One resident says that from a practical standpoint, Weybridge is a perfect place with everything you need all in one place. After moving to Weybridge from Staines and living there for 20 years.

“We considered moving a couple of times, but every time we get close it’s hard to find somewhere that has what Weybridge can offer. It’s got the train station, riverside walks, pubs and restaurants.

And for celebrity dressmaker Aga Kalput, Weybridge’s quadrant near the church is the perfect place to set up her business. Aga’s work has paraded down the runway during London Fashion Week and has even been worn on red carpets by the likes of Gillian Taylforth.

Aga said: “I moved here from West Byfleet, I needed a bigger place when I opened here I was surprised the community was so welcoming and warm. Many other shop owners came by to say hello.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how things will be in the next few years I believe my business will grow. Many ladies can now see I am here and pop in looking for something special.”

Inside the couture, Aga has a consultation area, fitting room, and back suite for curing and sewing. Aga can also restore artwork but says sewing and designing garments is her passion.

Describing an idyllic neighbourhood, Michelle from Wooden Heart of Weybridge, said: “It’s lovely, what I like about it is everyone waves and says hello. It’s very friendly here and well kept with Weybridge in Bloom keeping it clean and tidy with planters.”

If there was anything that Michelle would change, she said: “The traffic and lorries are awful, and lots of delivery drivers on the roads that aren’t designed for those vehicles. It can be busy and I’ve seen a lady and a little girl be run over on the corner of Bridge Road, luckily they were fine.”

Others said a few more local amenities would be a bonus. A resident, who chose to not be named, said: “It would be nice to get the hospital back, for in between things that need medical attention but aren’t enough to go to A&E. Some parts of the town I’m not sure what its identity is or who it’s attracting but when Megan’s opened my friends were absolutely beside themselves people do want somewhere nice like that to visit.”

Weybridge's health centre is in the works for renewal after burning to the ground almost a decade ago. The rebuild could include space for two GP surgeries, same-day urgent care, ultrasound and blood testing, a range of children’s and women’s services and mental health support.

Inci Malik, Aromas on the High Street, Weybridge
Inci Malik, Aromas on the High Street, Weybridge -Credit:Lauren Cole-Lomas

Aromas owner Inci Malik, would also like to see the medical centre return, and commented the heavy traffic is going in a negative direction but she doesn’t see an alternative. Inci said: “I love Weybridge, I would love to see the return of the health centre for day surgeries and scans.

“There are way to many charity shops I’d like to see some affordable clothes shops as everything is high end. Everything has got to have balance not everything should be over priced.”

Speaking on comparisons to nearby upmarket town, Cobham, Inci said: “Compared to Cobham, which is very luxury and high end I think it is how the town is positioned and I think Weybridge is trying to copy it but it doesn’t match the whole demographic.

“I’d like to see more of a mix in shops, there are lots of young families so somewhere to buy toys, it’s the kind of crowd we want to cater to. I like to shop in Whistles and Mint Velvet.”

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