Glastonbury: A town that breaks the laws of high streets!

Ah, Glastonbury! This enchanting town nestled in the moors of Somerset offers a unique blend of history, spirituality, and scrumptious local food. From cider and cheese to ancient abbeys, Glastonbury is a place where the past and present meet like friends catching up over a pint. As a local who has watched this quirky town evolve into a spiritual and cultural hub, I’m excited to share my humorous adventures through its charming streets and delightful tastes.

Prepare for a narrative bursting with local flavours, historical anecdotes, and a touch of today’s eccentric personalities!

The Historic Beginnings: A Not-So-Dry Intro into Glastonbury’s Past

Glastonbury’s history reads like an epic novel filled with intrigue. Legend has it that Joseph of Arimathea arrived here on a wicker boat, bringing with him the Holy Grail. This dramatic opening act laid the groundwork for a rich tapestry of religious beliefs woven into the fabric of the town. You can find evidence of Christianity, Druidism, and even Buddhism coexisting, much like the apple orchards that dot the landscape.

Imagine sipping a cider while pondering this history. You might hear local legends about how the Abbey could hold the secrets of the Grail, which was thought to be buried somewhere within its ruins or on the Tor — if only one could navigate the occasional goat wandering around!

As my late grandfather once said: "There’s something I’ve always been aware of, which I can’t put my finger on, because I don’t know what it is, but certainly Glastonbury is spiritually and atmospherically a different world."

A Grand Old Abbey, But No Monks Hiding in the Cellar

Let’s take a moment to appreciate Glastonbury Abbey, a majestic site that stands as a beautiful reminder of the past. Established around 767 AD, the Abbey was once a powerful centre of faith and wealth.

Interestingly, after the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII in the 1530s, the Abbey's elegance ended with divorce demanding demolition. But rather than becoming a forgotten relic, Glastonbury redirected its energy. It became renowned for its diverse blend of religions, ideologies, political views, and traditions, unified by an openness to all ideas.

While locals might not always agree on whether the town’s energy comes from the Tor, the ley lines, or just stubborn Somerset spirit, one thing’s undeniable: Glastonbury High Street is a glorious anomaly—a living monument to independent brilliance in a world full of franchises and flat-pack identities. It’s not just surviving, it’s thriving—despite recessions, austerity, and the siren songs of corporate chains promising "value meals" and “loyalty points.”

This is a town where big chains come to die. Papa John’s tried to get in once. Glasto blinked. Papa packed up. Greggs? Not a chance. Costa? Wetherspoons? McDonald’s? Subway? KFC? Pizza Hut? Domino’s? They’re all mysteriously missing—like someone cast a protective charm of authenticity over the place.

Instead, we’ve got:

• GiGi’s, still holding the pizza crown after a short battle with "Pack-it-up Papa"

• Burns the Bread, quietly (but triumphantly) keeping Gregg’s at bay like some kind of pasty-powered forcefield.

• Stephens Butchers, slicing tradition one steak at a time.

• Abbey Tea Rooms, where time has stood still in the best possible way—and the cakes are practically a religious experience.

• Lazy Gecko Café, bright, bold, and better than brunch in Brighton.

• Twilight Tattoo Studio, giving people permanent reasons to remember their trip.

• Bancroft Carpets, still here long after Carpetright rolled off into oblivion.

• The Blue Note Café, where coffee and cool coexist.

• Dicketts, the stationery shop so charming, it outlasted a WHSmith with a Post Office. Now that’s power.

• Rainbows End Café, the vegetarian stronghold that could convert even the most devoted carnivore.

• Knights Fish & Chips, proudly serving for over 115 years. This isn’t just a chippy—it’s a multi-generational institution. Nationally crowned (2024 Fish & Chip Restaurant of the Year, no less), Knights has been battering expectations (and fish) since 1895.

• Sew Over the Moon, thriving proof that a crafting niche can be necessary.

• Queen of Cups, featuring a real-life MasterChef semi-finalist, serving plates so exquisite they should probably come with a round of applause.

• King William Inn, The Crown, The Mitre, The Markethouse, The Who’d of Thought It Inn and Becketts Inn, keeping pints pulled and the atmosphere perfectly pubby.

• The King Arthur, packed every weekend like it’s headlining its own micro-festival.

• Heaphys Café, calm, stylish, and serving seriously good coffee—a great location to watch "Glastonbury go by."

And honestly… so many more. Glastonbury’s High Street is less “shopping precinct,” more “curated eccentric bazaar with excellent cake.” It’s a living, breathing rebellion against the identikit high streets that stretch across the country like flat-pack furniture.

This High Street doesn’t just resist chains—it out-charms them. It’s a place where every shop has a story, every business has a backbone, and every customer is treated like a regular (even if they’ve only just wandered in for a crystal and a coffee).

So next time someone tells you independents are dying, just send them to Glastonbury. Then sit them down with a portion of fish and chips from Knights, a slice of cake from Abbey Tea Rooms, a coffee from Heaphys and a warm reminder that real community still exists—and thrives!

George