This little guide is long overdue! But I’m now ready to show you round my hood, and take you on a little walking tour to some of my favourite shops and cafes. And in fact, this exactly what I did with Sara from Notes by a Stylist so pop on over to her blog this weekend to see her take on it…
Since moving to Clapton back in 2007 – we’ve since moved house, literally round the corner – it’s been great fun seeing all the new shops and cafés pop up first on Chatsworth Road, then Lower Clapton Road and finally up by us on Upper Clapton Road.
This guide will take you along some of my favourites on Chatsworth Road and then a bit more in-depth on Lower Clapton Road. I think I’ll save above the Lea Bridge Roundabout for another day… Also because I love the café so, I’ve a new joint Instagram project on the go with Poppy Loves London & Life of Yablon: @cafes_of_london #cafesoflondon – do come say hi!
Cooper & Wolf
My favourite local for scrambled eggs and coffee elevenses or a Swedish bun (or cake!) come the afternoon. Cooper & Wolf (established 2012, just across the road from Millfields Park) is a super family-friendly Clapton institution with excellent Caravan Roastery coffee, Swedish meatballs and homemade gravalax. Roomy enough for the buggies and scooters, and a lovely place to tap away on your laptop too. Love the window bar seats for looking out on the world passing by…
145 Chatsworth Road, London E5 0LA
Everything But The Dog
I have to be very careful going into this shop, more often than not I just glue myself to the window and absorb all the loveliness. I’m talking mid-century Ercol sofas and chairs, west German pottery, vintage light shades, Danish ceramics, stoneware tea sets and copper mugs. Bascially you can buy everything but the dog 😉 It only opened last year, but I can’t imagine Chatsworth Road without it now!
65 Chatsworth Road, London, E5 0LH
Closed Mon & Tues
Botany E5
I can’t believe it took me until this year to discover this little botanical gem at the Homerton end of Chatsworth Road. Instagram delight, Botany E5 is a gorgeous mix of pretty plants and covetable homewares. Glazed & concrete planters, delectable ceramics, glassware and woven baskets, it’s the kind of place you can hang out in all day and then leave weighed down with bags. Plus favourite skincare brands – Nathalie Bond Organics and Meraki – including ones new to me. Looking at these pictures, I’m feeling a strong urge to head there right now!
5 Chatsworth Road, London, E5 OLH
The Hackney Draper
Single handedly responsible for my Moroccan rug and stone-washed white linen addictions, The Hackney Draper is a real favourite for me. Plus the aforementioned, I’ve bought cushions, throws, baskets and even a dustpan and brush here, all of which I cherish. Every time I go in, there’s interesting new additions and the basement full of Azilal rugs and curtain fabrics is like an Aladdin’s Cave. And if you’ve got money to spend on having curtains made up, this is the place…
25 Chatsworth Road, London, E5 0LH
Café 119
Cross through from Chatsworth Road to Lower Clapton Road and you’ll find a hive of little shops and cafés, including the huge glass-fronted 119. Never not filled with people tapping away on their laptops, this is the place for a strong coffee and slice of gluten-free cake. It’s also next door to my hairdresser Blue Tit, where the lovely Flora keeps my pixie cut in shape! Ps. That’s partner-in-Clapton-tour Sara checking through her photos on the bench outside!
119 Lower Clapton Road, London, E5 0NP
Oriole & Thistle
You get to know a florist well when they look after your wedding posy, Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day needs! Oriole & Thistle has an incredible way of combining the most beautifully curated colours with a hint of the wild outdoors that fill you with happiness. And stoically putting up with and never failing to deliver when my husband turns up at 2pm on all the important days…
92 Lower Clapton Rd, London E5 0QR
Bad Denim
I was thrilled when Erin opened Bad Denim, basically one of the coolest shops I’ve ever since. Stocking all the denim greats, Frame, MiH, Paige, Citizens of Humanity as well as deliveries of vintage Levis and great new brands like Bethnals. Can I move in, please? See a more detailed blog post here. With events just starting and a little in-store cafe, this is where you’ll find all the cool girls of Clapton go…
82 Lower Clapton Road, London, E5 0RN
Wild & Woolly
Can you believe we even have a knitting shop? When there aren’t even that many in London this feels like a real treat! Once an avid sock knitter (yes, I know!) I’ve been a bit lax the last 4 years lately but occasionally wander in here to get my yarn fix. As well as gorgeous yarns and importantly sock wool, there are loads of knitting classes to suit the beginner, kids and the more advanced…
116 Lower Clapton Road, London E5 0QR
Kate Sheridan
Lush leather accessories all designed in-house, east London’s Kate Sheridan is a treat of a boutique. With super pretty lingerie, enticing homewares and cards, this is a great place for a present to self, or ahem, someone else. And I’ve just seen they’re running Make Your Own Bag classes which look great fun and would be a brilliant gift!
112 Lower Clapton Road, London, E5 0QR
Lion Records
The first I heard of Lion Coffee + Records was through a friend who went to see Courtney Love perform there, for real! Tiny little coffee bar, with comfy seating nooks and rows of records to flip through. Coffee and cake fix goals too. Lots of live performances and they sell cassettes too.
All photos by me on Olympus Pen F with 17mm lens
More shops & cafés of Clapton coming soon!
So much fun doing the tour with you! Xxx
That’s an area of London I’ve never visited but with all thode nice cafés and shops I’ll make sure we give it a try next time we are in London!
xx,
E.
http://www.theslowpace.com
The slow pace recently posted…The most beautiful beaches in Algarve