Unlock Local, Wherever You Go.

The app that connects you with genuine independent businesses, local events and the cities, towns & neighbourhoods they call home.

Bramble & Wild

Frome

Bramble & Wild

Award winning florist bursting with unusual blooms and gifts

Kobi & Teal

Frome

Kobi & Teal

A hub of creative talent, supporting and promoting all its designers, makers and artists.

Topping & Company Booksellers

Bath

Topping & Company Booksellers

A richer reading experience awaits

Bookhaus

Bristol

Bookhaus

A cultural haven for any bookworm.

East Village Café

Bristol

East Village Café

A delicious vegan cafê, where everything is freshly made!

Bagelry Box

Bristol

Bagelry Box

Fresh hand made bagels

The Pancake Man

Bristol

The Pancake Man

Flippin’ Delicious, Every Time!

Meticulous Ink

Bath

Meticulous Ink

Independent stationers full of quirks and an abundance of talent.

Moo and Two

Frome

Moo and Two

Small batch teas and speciality coffee served in the heart of Frome's independent quarter

Doghouse - Bristol

Bristol

Doghouse - Bristol

You and your dogs favourite café!

Bar 44 Bristol

Bristol

Bar 44 Bristol

Authentic Spanish dining in Clifton, Bristol 🇪🇸

The Hideout

Bath

The Hideout

Underground whisky bar

How xplore works

1

Download the free xplore app

Get started in just 2 minutes.

Download xploreDownload xplore
2

Start exploring

Explore neighbourhoods, check out cool places to go, save your favourites, and discover new experiences.

3

Discover and enjoy local businesses

Visit businesses, attend events, and become part of the independent movement.

Independent Voices

Live and Breath it!

"If you don't live and breathe it, you can't create something amazing" - Noya's Kitchen. 

Seeing the strength of the independent community rise to challenges again and again in the City of Bath and indie pockets across the globe is nothing short of inspiring. It's no secret that running a small business comes with equal highs and lows and with xplore we want to boost our local legends up and help grow their communities. Much like Noya, by choosing to live more locally and by choosing to use xplore you're helping create something amazing. 

Which business owners in your local world do you want to shout about, show your support and look to for inspiration? 

Keep supporting, and keep xploring! 

Check out Noya's Kitchen on xplore

What people are saying

"xplore completely changed how I travel! I found so many hidden gems I would have missed otherwise"
Jack, Bath
"Finally, an app that helps me find small businesses worth supporting. This is what I’ve been looking for.”
Sophie, Frome
"I love how personal xplore feels. It’s like having a local friend in every city."
Liam, Bath
"I hate leaving a city only to realise I missed incredible local spots. Now I never have to worry about FOMO again."
Amelia, Bristol
6

Communities

74

Certified independents

2,198

Local explorers

Why we made xplore

We believe our cities and towns should be filled with unique, independent businesses—not just corporate chains, betting shops and shuttered windows.

xplore’s mission is to:

  • Make it easier for people to discover independent businesses.
  • Help small businesses thrive in a world dominated by big brands.
  • Keep money in local communities.
  • Reignite the charm and character of our towns and cities.
  • Put humanity back into commerce

Join us in bringing back local.

Greg Barden, Chief Explorer

Stop scrolling.
Start exploring

Discover authentic, local, independent businesses wherever you travel with the xplore app.

FAQ

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Is xplore free to use?

Yes! Xplore is free for users to discover and support independent businesses.

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What makes xplore different from Google Maps or TripAdvisor?

Unlike other platforms, xplore only features independent businesses, ensuring a curated, high-quality experience without chains or tourist traps.

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How does xplore choose which businesses to feature?

We carefully curate and certify independent businesses to ensure they align with our mission of supporting local, unique, and high-quality experiences. No chains, just real, passionate entrepreneurs.

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How does certification work?

To join xplore, businesses must prove they are:

  • Independently owned – Run by individuals, families, or a small group of owners.
  • Financially independent – Not reliant on private equity or venture capital.
  • Locally rooted – Have a physical presence in the community or operate as a market trader.
  • Community-driven – Actively support and engage with the local economy through their operations.
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Can I use xplore in multiple cities?

Yes! xplore works wherever we have certified independent businesses. We’re starting with select cities and expanding rapidly.

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How can I support my favorite businesses through xplore?

By checking in, favoriting businesses, attending events, and sharing them with friends, you help independent businesses thrive.

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Can businesses apply to be featured?

Yes! If you own an independent business that aligns with our values, you can apply for certification through xplore Go.

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Does xplore have a reviews system?

No, we're creating a human-centric alternative to review systems. Our recommendation feature builds positive word-of-mouth between friends, prioritising quality over quantity.

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Scan to download the xplore app
App Store QR Code. Scan to Download the xplore App.

Almost there!

Scan to download xplore Go