North London is possibly most well-known for Camden and its vibrant market, but for those looking for stylish design and foodie hot spots, I urge you not to miss out on some of the most charming areas in the city. From Stoke Newington Church Street to Camden Passage in Islington, this part of London has so much to offer. Here a few of my north London faves…
Haygen
Just a short walk from Angel tube station is a beautiful lifestyle store called Haygen. For a relatively small space, it’s a unique curation of homeware, gifts and fashion. I was drawn to every corner of the shop and couldn’t resist treating myself to a new candle and a book!
IG: @haygenshop
Posh Totty Designs
Continue down the street from Haygen towards Camden Passage and you will be greeted with a delightful selection of independents, including Posh Totty Designs. Their ethos is around thoughtful and personal gifting so every piece of jewellery is a handmade and personalised creation, made in their Brighton workshop. And if you’ve ever fancied learning the skill behind silver jewellery making, you can book into one of their workshops!
Brother Marcus
If you’re planning to stay for the afternoon, make a pit stop at Brother Marcus for some lunch where the owners aim to bring exciting Eastern Mediterranean flavours to London. The interior is simple and stripped-back, with exposed pipework and wooden flooring. They’ve contrasted this with large neon signage and beautiful hanging plants.
IG: @brothermarcus_
After Noah
I’m always pleasantly surprised by the extensive range of homeware, gifts and toys in After Noah – there really is something for everyone. The shop is a perfect combination of old and new. My favourite part is at the back of the shop – step out into the gorgeous new conservatory space where you’ll find a beautiful selection of outdoor goods.
IG: @afternoah
The Green Room
Head a little further north for a stroll down Stoke Newington Church Street, which offers a diverse selection of independents and cafes. The Green Room is part cafe, part flower shop. You can grab some food or a cuppa in the lovely outdoor space away from the hustle and bustle of the main road – I personally recommend the Full English!
Website: www.greenroomcafe.uk
Search and Rescue
Also on Church Street is Search and Rescue – the kind of shop that you walk into and fall in love with everything. You’ll find homeware, candles, stationery, accessories and so much more – basically the kind of things you might not need, but most definitely want to fill your house with! My personal favourite was the multi-coloured tapered candles – how could you not want one of every colour?!
Nook
A few doors down you’ll find Nook – a shop that embraces accessible and functional design. It’s a small shop but the owners passion for good design really comes through with each carefully-selected product, from the vases to an eccentric stationery selection.
IG: @nookshop_uk
What Mother Made
For parents with young kids or those looking for a unique child’s gift, be sure to stop off at What Mother Made, another Church Street store. The name is clever and well-suited as the team behind the business hand makes all of the clothing in London and are proud to maintain a zero waste policy. Whilst their clothes are made to order, you can browse the shop for gifts too.
IG: @whatmothermade
Granger and Co
The Kings Cross area of London has had a huge overhaul in recent years, so if you usually avoid it, then make sure you don’t anymore! In Pancreas Square, head to Granger and Co, an Aussie all-day dining restaurant. I would recommend going for their infamous ricotta hotcakes – although be warned that bookings are not taken for breakfast or lunch so you may have to queue! The space is bright and airy – my favourite part is the bar area with gorgeous pink tiles and brass-top.
IG: @grangerandco
Roseur
Take a short walk, crossing the canal and you’ll find Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard, an exciting shopping and foodie hotspot. One shop that will be sure to dazzle you is Roseur. They take a sustainable approach to floristry and specialise in dried flowers, beautifully crafted wreaths and bouquets that last for many months. For those who get excited about Christmas just a little early, they are offering a wreath-making workshops in the run up to the festive season.
IG: @_roseur_
Cissy Wears
Also located in Cola Drops Yard is Cissy Wears – a family concept store with a focus on stylish independent children’s brands. We don’t think it’s just for kids though, as you’ll also find adult clothing and homewares such as textiles by Slowdown Studio and art prints by Hotel Magique.
IG: @cissywears
