Protect our Independents
Xplorable is uniting Britain’s independent places — building the map, the voice, and the movement to protect what makes life feel human.
Get InvolvedIndependents we love
Try changing your search.
Cortado Cafe
Bath
An inviting café serving delicious Argentinian empanadas and amazing cortados
Scoop Wholefoods - Bath
Bath
The perfect place to get your day-to-day goods, whilst simultaneously being zero waste.
Plant. Eat. Licious
Bath
From the field to festivals, and now a fully-fledged plant-based cafe in the heart of Bath.
Feel Local.
Anywhere.
Discover the independent places that give communities their soul — and feel like you belong, whether you’re at home or somewhere new.
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 Xplorable...
"Our towns and cities should be alive with one-of-a-kind independents and events — not choked by Amazon vans, betting shops, vape stores, cash-only barbers, or shuttered windows"
Our 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
FAQ
Is the xplorable 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, Xplorable 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.
Xplorable 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 xplorable choose which businesses can join?
Every business on xplorable 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.
How does certification work?
To join Xplorable, 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 – 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 xplorable 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.
Xplorable is designed to be your everyday app locally — and your go-to guide when you travel.
How can I support my favorite businesses through xplorable?
By joining their community though the app, attending events, and sharing them with friends, you help independent businesses thrive.
Does xplorable 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.
