Today we visited one of my favourite places in London - Columbia Road Flower Market. One of the oldest markets in London, it's held every Sunday from early morning till around 2pm. It's very close to where we live and a 5 minute walk from Old Street Tube. Columbia Road itself is a charismatic Victorian street lined with quirky shop fronts and cobbled road. The stall holders set up their wares along both sides of the road and on a sunny morning it's full of buzz, atmosphere and barrow boy cries.
It's the best place to find cheap bedding plants, shrubs, bulbs, trees, pots and garden things. It also has fantastically good value cut flowers, which really last.
We always start here at Treacle.
They have the most amazing cupcakes and eclectic homewares - a mix of scandi, shabby chic and Poole Pottery.
Its Olive's favourite place on the street - for obvious reasons!
This shop is called Supernice and has a good range of decals and prints. It also stocks funky mugs, bags and melamine ware.
The stalls were full of Cornish daffodils and narcissus today.
And primulas in jewel bright colours.
These Dutch tulips were stunning.
I loved the way they looked poking out of this girl's red leather bag against her blue jacket.
One of my favourite pubs is here too, fabulous food.
I always make a beeline for Bob & Blossom. Their own range of striped t-shirts, leggings and all-in-ones is so bright and soft. They also stock a wide range of Katvig, Miniature and other children's clothes. I love their retro toys and you can always find small treasures in the baskets of goodies on the floor - great for stocking fillers, treats and party bags.
Jones Dairy has wonderful artisan bread and cakes. I'm still drooling at the amazing mince pies they had at Christmas time, so festive topped with star shaped pastry and a dusting of icing sugar like snow.
Columbia Road also has some interesting gallery spaces.
I liked this, it reminded me of Tord Boonjte.
I loved this black and gold shop window.
We usually end our trip at this corner of the market. There's always some music, a band, violinist and today and accordian player. Don't you just love the expression on his face!
Olive loves to dance to the tunes and Matt and I sit and watch and sip our coffees. It's the best place to while away a sunny Sunday.
3 comments:
Gorgeous photos and a lovely trip down memory lane for me. There used to be a jewellery shop there I loved too, nearer to the start. I think it was still on the up while we were there, not quite as cool shops as there are there now.
By the way, I responded to your comments on my blog - seemed easiest.
oh Columbia Road Columbia Road I love it (so much I had to say it twice obviously) - used to go so often pre-kids and when I lived up in your neck of the woods. Thank you for this post, you've reminded me how much I love it and made me resolve to go back and visit really soon...
hope you bought some lush flowers
oh wow, i loved seeing all these photos. my first home in london was in hackney road not far from here.
looks like a gorgeous day you went too. yay! can't wait to visit again :)
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