Why We Love Tring: A Hidden Gem with History, Community, and Great Coffee
Nestled in the Hertfordshire countryside, Tring is more than just a charming market town—it's a place brimming with history, community spirit, and a thriving independent business scene. We at Gilded Bee feel incredibly lucky to call Tring our home, and we want to take a moment to celebrate what makes it so special.
A Rich History: The Story of The Silk Mill
Our own beautiful home, The Silk Mill, has a fascinating past that stretches back to 1823. Originally built to process raw silk into fabric rolls for the fashion elite, it quickly became a cornerstone of Tring’s economy, employing over 20% of the local population.
The mill’s history took a turn when it became part of the Nathaniel Rothschild portfolio, where staff welfare was given significant attention. By the early 20th century, it had closed its silk operations, only to be revived for a very different purpose during World War II. The Royal Air Force commissioned the site in 1940, housing the Dorset Regiment and manufacturing components for De Havilland Comets and torpedo detonators.
After the war, it transformed yet again—this time into a cosmetics production factory, producing up to 180,000 lipstick cases per week for brands like Elizabeth Arden, Coty, and Ponds. Today, this Grade II listed building is a hub for incredible local businesses, and we are proud to be part of its evolving story. Beyond the history, Tring is alive with independent businesses that make our town a truly special place to work and live.
We’d love to give a special shoutout to some of our favourite spots:
The Best of Tring’s Independent Businesses
Craft Hairdressing
Craft Hairdressing is more than just a salon—it's a space dedicated to artisan hairdressing, creativity through conscious decisions and design. Over 90% of what you see in the salon is either second life (they hate anything going to landfill) or made in the UK, helping to support other small businesses. Their team of skilled stylists create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere while ensuring you leave looking and feeling fabulous. Emily the founder of Gilded Bee gets her hair cut and coloured in their beautiful salon.
Declutter Dollies
Declutter Dollies based in Tring is led by Dilly Carter, the professional organiser featured on the NTA and BAFTA-nominated BBC One show Sort Your Life Out. With over 25 years of experience, Dilly and her team understand that every home and client is unique. Their approach is about creating a space that not only looks great but also functions in a way that works for you. Whether you need one organiser or a whole team, they tailor their services to fit your budget and needs, helping you regain control over your space and simplify your life. You can find a copy of Dilly's amazing book here.
Almar’s Tring Printing
A true gem in town, Almar’s Tring Printing is the go-to for high-quality print work. Whether it's business materials or personal projects, their attention to detail and commitment to excellent service make them invaluable to the local community. We have used their services for the last eight years to print many of our gift cards.
Beans and Brunch
No workday or weekend stroll through Tring is complete without a stop at Beans and Brunch. This independent cosy coffee shop serves some of the best coffee around, alongside delicious brunches that keep us fuelled for the day ahead. It might only be small, but their friendly team and incredible service make every visit a delight. Whether you're grabbing a coffee to go or settling in for a relaxed morning with friends, their warm atmosphere and top-quality ingredients make it a must-visit spot in Tring.
Pizza Pleezer
For the best artisan pizza in town or jacket potato (what most of our team order every day), head to Pizza Pleezer an incredible super friendly family run takeaway business. Their food is restaurant quality and they also offer a great vegan range, which is super lucky for our plant based founder. We're lucky to call them neighbours - they are just a stone throw away from our unit.
Tring Natural History Museum
One of Tring’s most unexpected delights is the Natural History Museum—often described as a hidden treasure. Originally part of Walter Rothschild’s private collection, it boasts an incredible array of taxidermy, fossils, and exhibits that delight visitors of all ages.
Physique Fitness
For those looking to stay active and prioritise their wellbeing, Physique Fitness is a gym in Tring run by professional personal trainers with a keen interest in health and fitness. Here at Physique, we thrive on helping others achieve their goals and improve their health. Their philosophy is simple: 'Everything you need to make a change is already inside you, we'll just show you how to find it!'
Why We Love Being Here
Tring isn’t just where we work—it’s where we connect, collaborate, and draw inspiration - for example we took inspiration for our name from the Natural History Museum. The town’s rich history, beautiful countryside surroundings, and strong sense of community make it an incredible place to call home. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just visiting for the day, Tring’s charm is undeniable.
If you’re ever in town, pop by The Silk Mill to see where history meets modern creativity—we’d love to welcome you!
