Wee Birdy

Shopping in London: Suck and Chew

I’m a real sucker for nostalgic sweet shops, and Suck and Chew on Columbia Road is no exception. Look out for the pillar-box red shopfront if you’re visiting on flower market Sundays and you’ll be treated to old-retro favourites like Rhubarb and Custards, Cola Cubes and Rosy Apples. 

There’s also a delectable selection of handmade organic chocolate truffles from Norfolk (I love the champagne and strawberry) as well as some unique retro-inspired gifts, like Beano and Dandy tea-towels (£7.99) and blackboard mugs (£4.50).

Keep an eye out for the vintage cards, Ladybird books and chocolate tins (from £5), as well as the adorable Topsy and Tim badges (£1.50). Fans of the area should also seek out the ‘I heart Columbia Road’ badges (75p).

Suck and Chew
130 Columbia Road
London E2 7RG
Tel. 020 8983 3504
Nearest tube: Liverpool Street
Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

Opening hours:
Saturday 1pm to 4.30pm
Sunday 9am to 4.30pm

Click here for more shops on Columbia Road.

A week of flowers: Chelsea Flower Show

London artist Sharon Elphick (of gallery/shop Elphick’s on Columbia Road) is exhibiting with Design Nation at Chelsea Flower Show this year, alongside Carole Waller, Chris Eckersley, Ella Doran and Katy Holford. If you’re heading to the show, you can find them at stand number CW/04. To celebrate, Sharon’s produced this special cut-flower souvenir poster (£15 + postage), which can be pre-ordered from Elphick’s.

Elphick’s
160 Columbia Road
London E2
Tel. 020 7033 7891
Email: [email protected]
Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

Opening hours:
Saturday 12pm - 4pm
Sunday 9am - 4pm.
By appointment Monday-Friday.

Birdy pick of the week

I went to the opening of Bev Alvarez's new shop on Columbia Road last Thursday, where she is currently exhibiting the work of UK artist Mark Rowney.

I was beguiled by his ornate hand-carved leather work, particularly these wallets featuring hand-painted blue tits, goldfinches and woodpeckers emerging from nest boxes - from both the front and back. From £110, at 158 Columbia Road.

Shopping in London: Lapin & Me

For those who may have missed my story in Time Out, here are some more pics from my latest fave shop in London, Lapin & Me. The newest arrival to the independent shopping haven that is Columbia Road (well, it's actually just around the corner on Ezra Street, but near enough), Lapin & Me stocks a fanciful and French-y range of limited-edition dolls, design-led products, stationery, homewares and children's clothes.

Wee Birdy is also super-chuffed to have served a tiny role in the creation of the real bricks-n-mortar shop. Apparently owner Madeleine James was inspired by the Columbia Road Christmas Wednesdays post last year, and started looking around the area for the perfect premises.

On my shopping wishlist is the hand-stitched "one-eyed" doll (see top pic, £36), Nathalie Lete's illustrated "Parisian shopper", and a Fatina doll brooch (£21). There are also glass jars on the main counter brimming with the most delightful pocket-money goodies, like Alain Gree labels (£3.50), vintage stork & baby sets (£2) and Tooth Mouse boxes (£3.50).

Don't fret if you're out of London - you can dig into this whimsical treasure trove online at www.lapinandme.co.uk.

Lapin & Me
14 Ezra St
London E2 7RG
Nearest tube: Liverpool Street
Click here for a Wee Birdy map.

Opening hours:
Friday 11am-2.30pm
Saturday 11am-3.30pm
Sunday 9am-3pm

Click here for more shops in East London.

Time Out London: Lapin & Me

Check out this week's Time Out London for my review of Columbia Road's newest shop opening, Lapin & Me.