Clapton shopping guide with Julia Rebaudo
Since moving back from New York, I’ve been trying to re-discover a little of London, and to be fair since I’ve been away there have been some seismic changes in neighbourhoods and shopping districts. Places which were once hidden treasures known only to astute locals are slowly growing into more mainstream destinations which we can all enjoy. One of those places which I recently discovered via the uber cool blogger Julia Rebaudo of Stylonylon was Clapton.
We set off dodging the raindrops from Clapton station and headed to the Lower Clapton Road. Popping into Palm 2 for a nose around – a one-stop shop for all things deli, it was then a short hop, skip and a jump to Lion Coffee + Records, a small cafe and music spot with lots of little nooks and crannies to grab a coffee and a bite where Julia and I made our plan of attack for the day.
Suitably refreshed, we gathered our collective cameras (Julia’s an Olympus Pen who she works with closely as an ambassador, mine a trusty Nikon) and headed almost right next door to knitting nirvana Wild and Woolly. What with the knitting renaissance in full swing, this little store is perfect for picking up patterns, stocking up on supplies and even attending workshops to hone your skills.
Next head on into accessories store Kate Sheridan, where the first thing that hits you is the divine smell of leather bags. Here you can find an amazing array of eclectic accessories which will have you reaching for your credit card before you’ve even taken a full spin around the store.
For florist fabulousness pop into Oriole & Thistle which was just recovering from the mayhem of Mother’s Day when we peeked inside, but still had blooms enough to brighten up your day.
Make your way further along Lower Clapton Road to find Bad Denim, which is yes, you’ve guessed it, a denim lovers dream. One of Julia’s fave obsessions, her eyes lit up when she spotted the latest delivery of vintage Levis being hung on the racks.
From there cross the street and pop into trendy hair spot Blue Tit if you need a trim, or settle yourself down right next door for a cuppa and cake in lovely 119 Lower Clapton.
Our Clapton shopping guide then took a turn up towards another favourite shopping haunt of Julia’s the Chatsworth Road. After ambling through pretty terraced streets we popped out at Botany. Describing itself as a concept plant and homewares shop, it’s an Instagrammers paradise. Just enough succulents for the perfect flat lay peppered with the right amount of covetable gifts and beauty products to drool over.
I was frogmarched past Italian restaurant Venerdi, as Julia had our lunch plans sorted, but couldn’t resist a peek into this Chatsworth Road favourite.
From there check out The Hackney Draper which is way much more than a homewares store. You can pick up anything from fabrics to rugs to availing yourself of their bespoke curtain making service.
Next up take a look at Everything But The Dog, a mid-century modern furniture haven which stocks all sorts from Ercol to Hans Wegner. Loved these cute candle ideas…
Another mid-century delight is Triangle, sadly shut when we sauntered by, but definitely worth a visit.
By then you will have earned your lunch stripes so finish your tour at lovely Cooper & Wolf, a family run restaurant with Swedish inspired picks as well as brunch and lunch favourites.
With thanks to Julia Rebaudo for her insider knowledge of the neighbourhood. You can catch her take on our tour on her blog here at Stylonylon or follow her travels @stylonylon.
Other huge thanks to the artsy skills of Cicely Creswell for her gorgeous map illustration. You can follow her Instagram @cicelycreswell.