This is a fight for local.
Join the Local Resistance — a growing movement of communities, independents, and locals uniting to keep the independent spirit alive.
Start your journey into the extraordinary
Every business you see here is a Certified Independent — locally owned, human-led, and part of a growing movement to reconnect people with place. Discover them on our new map of the UK.
Bath
Plant. Eat. Licious
From the field to festivals, and now a fully-fledged plant-based cafe in the heart of Bath.
Bath
Noya's Kitchen
An award winning Vietnamese restaurant, voted one of the UK’s top 5 Independents in 2021 and judged Bath’s Best Restaurant in 2022.
Bath
Scoop Wholefoods - Bath
The perfect place to get your day-to-day goods, whilst simultaneously being zero waste.
Bath
Plant. Eat. Licious
From the field to festivals, and now a fully-fledged plant-based cafe in the heart of Bath.
Bath
Noya's Kitchen
An award winning Vietnamese restaurant, voted one of the UK’s top 5 Independents in 2021 and judged Bath’s Best Restaurant in 2022.
Bath
Scoop Wholefoods - Bath
The perfect place to get your day-to-day goods, whilst simultaneously being zero waste.
How Xplore app works
Choose your Community
Pick your city, town or neighbourhood to unlock a personalised hub with local news, events, offers, and updates — all in one place.
Discover & Book
Explore new communities, browse what’s on, and book events or experiences directly through the app — no ads, no clutter, no fake reviews.
Save & Share
Create wishlists, keep track of your favourites, and share recommendations with friends so more people can experience local like a local.
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!
What people are saying
Why we made Xplore...
"Our towns and cities should be alive with one-of-a-kind independents and events — not choked by chains, betting shops, vape stores, cash-only barbers, or shuttered windows"
Xplore’s mission is to:
- Make it easier for people to connect with their home community or discover a new place.
- Help independent 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 Xplorer
Feel Local.
Anywhere.
From your home community to new cities, Xplore helps you find and support the independents that give places their soul.
FAQ
Is Xplore Local app free to use as a user?
Yes — the app is completely free for locals and visitors. You can discover Certified Independent businesses, browse events and offers, and explore communities at no cost. Only businesses pay to be Certified and listed.
What makes Xplore Local different from Instagram, Google Maps, TripAdvisor, or Eventbrite?
Unlike big platforms, Xplore Local is built only for independents. Every business is Certified Independent — no chains, no franchises, no fake locals.
- Not Instagram: No algorithms, ads, or endless noise — just real updates from the independents you choose to follow.
- Not Google Maps or TripAdvisor: No fake reviews or cluttered listings — only genuine, locally owned businesses.
- Not Eventbrite: Run events with no booking fees (just Stripe’s standard rate) and keep more money in local hands.
Xplore isn’t just another app — it’s a trusted community that helps people connect with the real local places and experiences that make a town worth visiting.
How does Xplore Local choose which businesses can join?
Every business on Xplore Local must be Certified Independent — meaning they are locally owned and genuinely run by the people who live in their community. No chains, no franchises, no fake locals.
To keep quality high, Xplore is invite-only: each new business needs an invite from another Certified Independent. This peer-to-peer model ensures that every business added to the map comes with credibility, trust, and a real commitment to being part of the movement.
How does certification work?
To join Xplore, businesses must be invited and 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 – with a physical presence in the community, or operating as a market trader.
- Community-driven – actively supporting and engaging with the local economy through their operations.
Can I use Xplore Local in multiple cities or towns?
Yes. Once you’ve joined, you can use Xplore anywhere it’s live. Switch between your home community and other towns or cities to discover Certified Independents, events, and offers wherever you go.
Xplore is designed to be your everyday app locally — and your go-to guide when you travel.
How can I support my favorite businesses through Xplore Local?
By joining their community though the app, attending events, and sharing them with friends, you help independent businesses thrive.
Does Xplore Local have a review system?
No. We’re building a human-centric alternative to reviews.
Instead of star ratings and anonymous comments, Xplore uses:
- Recommendations – genuine word-of-mouth between friends and locals.
- Guides – curated lists that highlight the best independents in a community.
This keeps the focus on quality over quantity, and helps independents grow through trust, not algorithms.
