Only a couple of weeks ago, I was giving some advice on a Forum to a lady who was looking for some retro / vintage lighting. I proposed a trip around some of the independent shops and boutiques of the near East End of London, namely Shoreditch and Spitalfields. Later I was chatting to a friend about the advice and she suggested I post an article as there were some really good ideas. I’ve had a think about it since then and have added to the original itinerary to include some general design and style tips.
My advice would be to start on a Sunday mid-morning to get the best out of the trail and the trail itself starts at the bustling Columbia Road flower market, E2. It’s the perfect place to start if you are in need of some colour inspiration and you won’t be let down by the choice of small creative shops and boutiques in the area. My favourites are 2 Columbia Road for vintage pieces and WAWA for sofas. If you fancy a pint there’s the Royal Oak pub (which does a wicked Sunday roast by the way – booking essential). However, you’ll find all sorts here from vintage furniture and lighting, to potted shrimps and from Jewellry to contemporary accessories.
Head out of Columbia Road left onto Hackney Road and right into Kingsland Road. Just after the railway bridge on the left is Lifestyle Baazar which offers a great array of classic and contemporary design pieces from Kartell chairs and lamps to smaller gift items. Go back the same way and head down Shoreditch High Street where on the right you’ll find the new Squint store. It’s an amazing shop where old pieces of furniture – chairs, sofas, lamps and picture frames are given the make over treatment with new and recycled fabrics.
Cross the road from Squint and proceed into Redchurch Street where you’ll find Caravan on the left for some quirky home accessories. A little further and you can stop for a well earned rest at the Boundary – Terrence Conran’s latest venture. Either sip a coffee in the Albion pavement cafe or perhaps head to the roof top on a bright day to indulge in a cocktail or glass of wine.
After a pit stop, it’s further along Redchurch Street towards Bethnal Green Road with it’s Sunday flea market (a very informal market indeed). At Brick Lane, turn left and visit Unto This Last. They make wonderful and unusual furniture that would look great in any home. Then head back across Bethnal Green Road into the main Brick Lane drag. Here you may be tempted to stop off again in any number of cafes as you saunter along. The individual shops are too numerous to mention by name but here you will find anything from leather hides to vintage clothes and retro furniture to second hand electrical goods (and pretty much anything in between!).
As you arrive at the Old Truman Brewery, take a look at the Sunday Up Market for one off pieces before heading west towards Commercial Street and Spitalfields Market. This is London’s biggest permanent weekend market and you’ll definitely be spoilt for choice. My guess is that by this time you may just need a taxi to help you carry all your purchases home!
Anthony
