One of the noticeable features about Stourbridge is the wealth of historic buildings and businesses that give the town its unique character. The impressive town hall was built in celebration of Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887, and in its later incarnation as a popular concert venue it hosted some of the biggest names in rock and pop, including of course a young Robert Plant.

One of the oldest buildings is the Talbot Hotel, a former coaching inn dating back to the 1630s. With plenty of original features still intact, the venue boasts four bars and restaurants including the magnificent Ballroom, while the popular Foley's Restaurant is named after previous owner (and mayor of Dudley) Richard Foley.

Wine merchants Nickolls & Perks are one of the town's longest established firms, still operating from the original property where the business began. The building itself dates back to 1697, but it was not until 100 years later that it became known as the Liquor Vaults. In the 1860s the Board Vaults Public House also opened at the premises, and went on to become an important part of social life in Stourbridge.

As times changed, Nickolls & Perks adapted by tapping into the growing market for fine wines. The Board Vaults was closed in 1976 to accommodate the wine trading business, and more recently the company has concentrated on mail order trade and rarer wines. Nickolls & Perks won the 1999 Business Link Award for Export Achievement.

Another well-known Stourbridge firm is Peplows jewellers, a family business that began in 1818 and moved to Stourbridge in 1862, engraving and repairing clocks, watches, jewellery and music boxes for the gentry of North Worcestershire. The firm moved to its current High Street premises in 1960. Now run by the sixth generation of the family, Peplows continues to uphold the traditions of craftsmanship and service, selling clocks and barometers as well as top-quality jewellery.

Other established businesses in Stourbridge include Hammond Hill carpets, electrical retailers Downing & Downing and furniture purveyors John Pargeter & Sons, while top quality kitchen furnishings are supplied by Kitchen Options.

Alongside these traditional firms are plenty of other shops offering everything you would expect from a sizeable town, with many familiar high street names housed conveniently under one roof in the Ryemarket Shopping Centre. The centre also has a programme of fun family events in the lead-up to Christmas - look out for details in the local press nearer the time.

Stourbridge is an excellent place for high fashion, with beautiful, desirable ladies' clothes available at Modar Rossini, Robar Dessa and Sackcloth Designs, while Stephen Allen stocks classic menswear. Beautiful children's clothes can be found at Boo-tique, and there are several quality shoe shops.

The town centre has several pubs and coffee bars perfect for relaxing during a shopping spree, as well as Indian, Italian and Chinese restaurants. Fine dining is also available at venues such as French Connection, which offers traditional cuisine made with fresh ingredients. Stourbridge also boasts a busy nightlife, with branches of Chicago Rock, Lloyds No 1 Bar and the Hogshead appealing to youngsters, as well as the Picturehouse nighclub.