Slough is famously one of the most maligned towns in Britain. Its dull and dreary name doubles as a word for a swamp, bog, or backwater, which is a fairly good reflection of how people view the town from the outside. Former Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman was so appalled by the industry which dominated the skyline in the 1930s that he famously recommended the place should be carpet bombed. More recently, Ricky Gervais and Stephan Merchant looked no further than Slough when they needed to find a suitable backdrop for the bleak discomfort evoked by the comedy of The Office. Still, despite its bad reputation and rather baron high street, locals tend to have a more positive perception as a majority of residents said they were happy to call the town home.

Whatever people say, it must be acknowledged that Slough boasts a vibrant and diverse community, reflecting a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions. Exploring its streets, you will encounter a melting pot of languages, cuisines, and customs, which generally creates an atmosphere of inclusivity and acceptance. Whether you’re savoring authentic Indian cuisine on the High Street or engaging in friendly banter with locals at the market, the community is generally warm and welcoming. The town’s location, just a couple of miles west of the M25 also means that Slough is extremely well connected. High Speed trains will carry you into London Paddington in just over half an hour, and the newly opened Elizabeth Line now means that the station connects with London’s Tube network. If you’re traveling further afield, whether it be for a family holiday or a business trip, Heathrow Airport is barely 15 minutes away in the car.

As well as being a great spot for commuters, Slough has some interesting history in its own right. While the town is too young to appear in the Domesday book, it more than makes up for it with its fascinating industrial past. Most notably, Slough is the home of the Mars bar, which was first created in 1932 on Dundee Road five minutes drive west from the town centre. What less people know is that snooker was not only invented in Slough, it was invented by a man called Neville Chamberlain. Not the Prime Minister who infamously sought to appease the Nazi party before the start of World War Two, this Mr Chamberlain was born in Upton Park in 1856. The notable Slough resident combined two existing forms of billiards to come up with snooker and created one of the only televised sports where the crowd are made to sit in silence.

Looking forward, Slough will likely continue to grow as a commuter hub, as the opening of the Elizabeth Line now means it is even easier than before to commute into the big smoke. Notably, a block of 29 flats is scheduled to be built on Wellington Street, just behind the Queensmere Observatory Shopping centre. The development would see the block built next to the existing Verona Apartments and would reach ten storeys high in places.