Wee Birdy

Shopping in London: Broadway Market

I finally paid Broadway Market a long overdue visit recently to re-discover some old favourites (Violet has some of the best cupcakery in London), as well as stumble across some exciting new finds. Since we moved to South-East London it's a bigger effort to 'make the trip' to what was once my little local market. It's more of an event than just nipping out to stock up on veg (and uh, cake) for the week. Can't wait til they open up the new rail line next year...

But first, I need to indulge my Violet obsession with a pic of their incredible chocolate devil's food cupcake with marshmallow icing (no wonder this stall was one of the first things I blogged about when I first started Wee Birdy)...

And I loved the look of these apples sitting in the sun...

But it was Karin Andreasson's jewellery that caught my eye this time: a mapgie's nest of vintage-style hairpieces, pendants and jewels. She's a local East Londoner and I love how she's used old ballerina jewellery boxes and mannequin busts to display her wares. It all adds up to a rather charming little stall...

I really love the '20s-style single-feather hair pins embellished with antique lace and vintage diamantes, which are perfect for tucking into a bun or chignon for a special occasion. And if you like quirky pendants, keep an eye out for Karin's re-purposed watch-faces, miniature hand-mirrors, keys and crocheted-edged charms. 

(You can also pick up some of Karin's gorgeous pieces online from Wee Birdy sponsor Cerise.)

Broadway Market, every Saturday
Hackney, London, E8
Nearest rail: London Fields
Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

Click here for more Wee Birdy reviews of stalls and shops on Broadway Market.

Wee find: Andrea Garland's natural balms

A few months ago I was mooching around Greenwich market and stumbled across Andrea Garland’s range of natural balms in vintage tins, compacts and pill boxes.

I really like her organic lip balm made with sweet almond oil, cocoa butter, beeswax and vitamin E, but she also does a terrific sore muscle rub and a body balm. The best bit is that she does refills at a fraction of the original price - so you get to keep the original pretty tin.

These days you can find her at Brick Lane’s Upmarket and Liberty in London, but she’s also got an online store here.

A week of flowers: Chelsea Flower Show

Been meaning to post about this lily-of-the-valley posy I bought from a flower stall on Earlham Street a couple of weeks ago. It was only two quid, and looked super-sweet in this ceramic paper bag vase (a birdy birthday present from my dear friend Gemma).

My Secret London with Neal from Present & Correct (Part 2)

In part two of My Secret London with Neal from Present & Correct, we find out exactly where he shops for stationery, children's toys, skincare ... and stacks more. Dig in, birdies.

Best for stationery?
Present & Correct of course! I always check out Magma, Muji and Shelf too to see what they are stocking on their shelves. Most of all I think that there are some brilliant old-school stationers dotted around. Belsize Stationers in Hampstead is a good example. Lots of binders, school notebooks and an eraser for any mistake. Holloway Arts, on Holloway Road is another good one. They have an old Letraset sign that I have been coveting for around 8 years.

Some of the design and stationery goodies from Neal's online shop, Present & Correct.

Best for kids?
Caramel has a great selection of things. The museum shops too, especially The Natural History Museum. And Couverture. Anywhere that sells traditional wooden toys makes me happy.

Above: wooden toys at Couverture.

Best for skincare?
I always buy Aesop products for myself and as gifts, I love the old-style apothecary packaging. The store itself is original and fun. You can’t beat Boots though. A good long walk in any London park will work wonders, too.

Neal out for a stroll on Hampstead Heath.

Best London shopping secret?
My friend Emma introduced me to Sunbury antiques market in Kempton. Get there early and be prepared to dig through lots of nonsense to find a great gem.

Above: Treasure to be found at Sunbury Antiques Market.

Best London souvenir?
A bag of Brick Lane bagels and something to put on them from Fortnum & Mason.

Best place to eat?
There are a few, because I love to eat lots and try new places. For breakfast The Modern Pantry on Clerkenwell Road is brill, as well as Bob Bob Ricard in Soho which is an OTT diner/brasserie where the staff have gold and pink uniforms and the menu features Farley’s Rusk milkshake!

Above: the fabulous interior of Bob Bob Ricard.

Ottolenghi is always good for lunch, as is Leilah's at Arnold Circus near Brick Lane. Market on Parkway in Camden is great and not dissimilar to the brilliant Quality Chop House in Farringdon - hearty British dinners.

Café Paolina on Kings Cross Road is a wonderful, cheap Thai café. Wood panelling, fake flowers, melamine chairs. An old greasy spoon now run by a super-friendly Thai family. Monmouth is always great for coffee, at Borough Market or in Covent Garden. I plan to go to Petersham Nurseries this year as I have been wanting to go for ages. 

I like eating on the sofa at mine, too. It’s BYO at P&C headquarters.

For all addresses and a Wee Birdy map of Neal's secret London, click here.

Read more about Present & Correct here.

For more secret Londons, click here.

My Secret London with Neal from Present & Correct (Part 1)

Neal Whittington, 29, runs the rather splendid online design and stationery store, Present & Correct. With a solid professional background as a graphic designer and illustrator, Neal spends much of his time these days scouring the globe for weird and wonderful paper-y delights. Here he opens up his little black book of favourite London haunts.

Best for a bargain?
Any of the city car boot sales: Wimbledon, Kilburn, Battersea, Chiswick. Borough Market late in the day for cheap veg.

Above: Bric-a-brac a-plenty at Battersea car boot sale.

Best for vintage?
There are several great shops at the Highbury end of Holloway Road which all sell a mixture of mid-century furniture and accessories. Due to its location you will find these places are much cheaper than if they were located in a trendier part of town.

I love vintage places that just sell one thing too, like Get Stuffed (for taxidermy) or EW Moore (for amazing retro wallpaper), as well as DA Binder (for old shop fittings).

Best for fashion?
I love Paul & Joe, and I always look in Liberty. Smaller independents like Sefton and Diverse stock some good labels. Second-hand shops like Rokit, Beyond Retro and charity shops come up with the goods, too.

Above: Vintage finds at Beyond Retro.

Best for jewellery?
I don’t wear any jewellery but I love Solange Azagury-Partridge. Also our friends Zoe and Morgan.

Above: Designs by Solange Azagury-Partridge.

Best for interiors and gifts?
SCP and Skandium are lovely shops and there are some great little gifty places along Columbia Road – like Ryan Town and Treacle. Labour & Wait is unique and so attractive and I cannot leave Muji empty handed. Ever!

Above: Skandi-heaven at Skandium.

In part 2 tomorrow, Neal reveals his secret London destinations for stationery, kids' stuff, skincare, souvenirs, and places to eat.

For all addresses and a Wee Birdy map of Neal's secret London, click here.

Read more about Neal's online store, Present & Correct here.

For more secret Londons, click here.