We asked locals about their favourite shops, cafes and restaurants in Swindon town centre and these were some of the top results.

Something Different

On a mission to “break away from the norm”, Something Different was chosen as a unique family-run business offering a range of gifts and trinkets, including wax melts, candles, jewellery and cards.

Located in The Brunel shopping centre, passers-by are likely to be drawn in by their big table of Jellycat toys, which has recently been updated with the new Halloween range.

The Prospect Bookshop

The Prospect Bookshop on Commercial Road has a range of second hand books, vinyl records, CDs and DVDs while raising money for the Prospect Hospice to help care for local people living with a terminal illness. As the shop relies on donations, stock changes frequently and you never know what you're going to find, but you're guaranteed a bargain/

Gurkha Swindon

Several of our readers said Gurkha, a hidden gem on Byron Road, was their favourite restaurant to visit and it is said to be the best Nepalese restaurant in the whole of Swindon. With its authentic cuisine, delicious selection of curries and friendly service, it’s easy to see why it’s loved by locals.

Food at the GurkhaFood at the Gurkha (Image: Newsquest)

The Kitchen on the Corner

The Kitchen on the Corner café on Faringdon Road proved popular for their range of fresh pastries and sweet treats, including award-winning brownies and millionaire shortbread. But those looking to sit down for brunch can enjoy classics like a cooked breakfast, eggs benedict and loaded sourdough toast, as well as smoothies, milkshakes, coffee or a trendy matcha latte.

Poppins

Plenty of people chose Poppins, a chain restaurant on Regent Street, as their favourite eatery, with one person saying they offer “the best brekkie and pancakes” and many others agreeing the simple meals, including jacket potatoes, burgers and sausage and chips, were always a hit with the whole family.

Da Vinci

The Italian restaurant on Fleet Street was named as another top location in the town centre, particularly for those celebrating a special occasion. Da Vinci has top TripAdvisor and Google reviews with customers calling it a “must visit” for foodies and their menu ranges from pizza, pasta, steak and fresh fish specials, which are also available for delivery.

Baristocats Coffee Lounge

Finally Baristocats on Commercial Road was another beloved independent café in the town centre, with one person saying it has a “lovely atmosphere and lovely people” and another saying the family-run business stocked “lovely food and cakes”.