Introducing the SHOCAL API: Access Real-Time Local Business Data Across the UK

Empowering developers and businesses to build innovative solutions with authentic local data

We are excited to announce the launch of the SHOCAL Developer API — a powerful new way to access real-time data from independent shops, restaurants, and local businesses across UK cities.

Whether you are building a local discovery app, aggregating restaurant menus for comparison, or creating tools to help communities support their high streets, the SHOCAL API gives you the data you need.

What Data Can You Access?

The API provides comprehensive access to our growing database of local businesses:

Vendor Information — Business names, addresses, contact details, opening hours, categories, and cover images for hundreds of independent shops and restaurants.

Menus & Products — Full product listings with names, descriptions, prices, and images. Perfect for building comparison tools or local shopping apps.

Customer Reviews — Authentic star ratings and customer feedback to help surface the best local spots.

Trending Items — See what is popular right now in any postcode area, based on real-time customer activity.

Discounts & Promotions — Active deals and minimum spend offers from local businesses.

Blog Content — Articles and updates from vendors about their products, events, and community news.

Who Is This For?

The SHOCAL API is ideal for:

App Developers building local discovery, food ordering, or community-focused applications.

Data Analysts researching local business trends, pricing patterns, or regional dining preferences.

Marketing Agencies creating hyperlocal campaigns that showcase independent businesses.

Local Authorities & BIDs monitoring high street activity and supporting economic development initiatives.

Startups looking to integrate authentic local business data without building their own database from scratch.

Built for Developers

We have designed the API with developer experience in mind:

• RESTful JSON endpoints — Simple, predictable URLs that return clean JSON responses
• Interactive documentation — Test every endpoint directly from your browser with our Try it out feature
• Multi-language examples — Code snippets in cURL, JavaScript, PHP, and Python
• Clear rate limits — 60 requests per minute, 1,000 per day, with transparent headers
• Comprehensive error handling — Meaningful status codes and error messages

Getting Started

Getting access is straightforward:

1. Visit the Developer Portal at shocal.org/developers/apis
2. Create an account or sign in if you already have one
3. Request API access — Tell us a bit about your project
4. Start building — Once approved, your API key is ready to use

Fair Access, Fair Platform

SHOCAL was built to support independent businesses and provide a fair alternative to the big platforms. Our API continues that mission — we want to see local business data used to help communities thrive, not to undercut the shops and restaurants working hard on our high streets.

We review all API applications to ensure the data is used responsibly and in ways that benefit local businesses.

What Will You Build?

We cannot wait to see what developers create with the SHOCAL API. Whether it is a neighbourhood food finder, a local shopping assistant, or something we have not even imagined yet — the data is here, and it is ready.

Explore the API Documentation →

Have questions about the API or want to discuss a project idea? Contact us at hello@shocal.org