Busy, Buzzy Basingstoke

Want a family-friendly area with plenty to do? Consider this easy to access town and you will never be bored

- Emma Caulton

ENOUGH of the jokes at Basingstoke’s expense. Who is having the last laugh now? I saw comedian Jon Richardson’s performance at The Anvil recently. Actually, The Anvil is one of my go-to places for stand-up and live music, along with The Forge and The Haymarket - that’s three good venues in town. Anyway, Jon Richardson commented that Basingstoke should be popular on the gigging circuit as it is so easy to get out of town - turn left out of the car park and you’re on the dual carriageway. It’s a clever tease – partly referencing the old jokes, but also praising Basingstoke’s practical infrastructure. For Basingstoke was developed in the mid-20th century with accessibility rather than aesthetics in mind – hence the ring road, roundabouts, good links to the M3 motorway to the south and M4 to the north, and a mainline station (London Waterloo in just 45 minutes or so) adjacent to the town centre.

Yet it felt dull and uninspiring. However, following major revamps of shopping and leisure facilities, Basingstoke has matured into a great place for 21st century family living. Accordingly, it has become popular. Just try finding a table in Festival Place’s ‘restaurant quarter’ on a Friday evening. Here are the big names in casual dining, the likes of Coal, Nandos and Wagamama, stuffed full mostly with families and groups from late teens to thirties. There’s a lively vibe.