Meet the locals bringing new life to their high streets
Rent discounts and new spaces have brought big opportunities for small businesses after lockdown
5 August 2021 • 6:00am
Paul and Monika Hill opened The Diner @ 54 on Dorking High Street in June
Credit: John Lawrence for The Telegraph
Dorking’s high street had not been bustling for a while. Even before the pandemic, empty shops pockmarked the town centre, while a lack of major brands failed to draw in shoppers.
For Paul Hill, who grew up in the Surrey town, this presented an opportunity. Formerly an underwriter, he and his wife Monika have taken on a new challenge: The Diner @ 54, serving breakfasts, sandwiches, and its speciality pancakes on Dorking high street.