Shopping in London: Caravan

When I first moved to London three years ago there wasn’t a lot happening on Redchurch Street … but my, how things have changed. With the opening of Terence Conran’s traditional British caff Albion at Boundary Project, as well as a slew of pop-up shops, boutiques and galleries, not to mention its proximity to Shoreditch House and Tea, Redchurch Street has evolved into East London’s latest destination for hipsters and cool kids.

But don’t let that put you off. Especially when there are so many delights to be discovered at Caravan, which moved from its Spitalfields Market location 18 months ago. The brainchild of interiors stylist Emily Chalmers, this cosy and welcoming boutique is filled with the kind of lovely stuff you never knew you really wanted (or so desperately needed), like angel wings for candles, toadstool lamps and white ceramic owl money boxes.

 
It’s superbly edited and excellent for last-minute gifts, especially for those who love their stuff feminine and quirky with a vintage edge. And you can pick up some exceptionally well-priced things and get change from a tenner, like ceramic animal jugs (£8.50 each), small furry deers (£9.95) and hare snowdomes (£8.50).

Caravan is also the main retail outlet for Deborah Bowness’ distinctive hand-printed wallpaper, as well as the main UK stockist for iconic Jielde lamps. There’s also a variety of glass display domes from £29 – perfect for showcasing your favourite pieces Victorian-style (see what I mean about things you never knew you wanted?).

The online shop is equally lovely, with a good selection of some of the shop’s best-sellers, as well as a newsy and inspirational blog.

Keep an eye out for super-friendly shop-cat Bagpuss, who may just come and rub his head on your shins as you consider your purchases.

Caravan
3 Redchurch Street
London E2 7DJ
Tel. 020 7033 3532
Nearest tube: Liverpool Street
Click here for a Wee Birdy map

Opening hours:
11am - 6.30pm every day until Christmas Eve.
Special late night opening until 8pm every Thursday

Click here for nearby shops I’ve reviewed in East London.

Comments

[Caroline, No.]

I am so going there on my lunch hour today! Love those snowglobes. And I need to fuss Bagpuss.

[Alex]

I wish I had more in the way of disposable discount to spend here!

[Make Do Style]

I love Caravan and Emily is so nice. I really mus pop there again, haven't been for ages.

[Leeann]

Love the snow globes, they are gorgeous.
Joyeux Noel......

Leeann

[naomi Cartwright]

makes me wish my small flat was a bit bigger for all this lovely stuff!

[Hazelnut]

I've been to the store the other day and loved it. Really eclectic and lots of fun.

[Leigh]

Caravan is one of my favorite London shops and I love all of Emily's books, especially Flea Market Style. It looks so great for Christmas. Wish I could be there to see it in person.

[Sam]

It would be very unsafe for me to wander into this shop! Well...for my credit card anyway! Love that little wall light in the second photo with the pale blue candles especially!

[Di Overton]

Just dropping by to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas
and a big thank you for your friendship throughout the past year.
From a very snowy UK
Love
Di (Designers Block)

[Gourmet Chick]

I love Caravan so much - impossible to go in there and come away without having bought something! Have a great Christmas

[the likkle girl who wurves pwetty things]

Bagpuss struck such a regal pose that I thought he was a stuffed cat. Haha!

What a cool shop! About the 101st one that you've posted and made me green with envy. xx

[Rose]

Looks like a great find- I didn't know it but want to pop in next time I'm over that way- it's always good to have an excuse isn't it and now I can say I have- I have to see a shop ;-)

[Ruth]

Happy New Year... hope get to meet you for a tea in the new year! Ruth @ Matches

http://blog.matchesfashion.com/

[Fonda LaShay]

LOVE the Owls!!!