Heading East
Everybody knows I am a Chelsea girl, but I enjoy taking strolls in East London once in a while, especially when there is something good to visit. It was Bank Holiday and I decided to visit Shoreditch during the weekend; twice! One day I went to visit the London Coffee Festival, that is annually on May in Truman's Brewery; a lovely space for festivals. I went there on time (the tickets are sold on specific time slots) and there was a huge queue outside, going on for few blocks, of ticket holders. At least it moved fast. The festival featured stands from different coffee artisans and some food specialists, plus demonstrations and tastings and the coffee masters competition.
Specifically, there were coffee (of course) specialists, chocolate stands, tea stands, a food corner, a drinks bar (espresso martini bar), live music, mini shops from Milk & Sugar close to the exit and there were some coffee companies giving specialist coffee drinks in exchange for money donated to charity. For the latter, there was a special, quite tasty, coffee shot (not sure of the ingredients to be honest and I'm sure there was alcohol) from Warwick University, for example. But the whole festival was really fun!
On Sunday I went to visit the famous Columbia Rd Flower Market that is only open Sundays 8am-3pmish on Columbia Rd, Shoreditch area. The whole street was full of amazing flower stands with different flower kinds either for the house or the garden. It was really packed, so the earlier you go the better. Around it were some cute little shops with objects and furniture for the garden or the house and little cafes and restaurants. Wish I could buy a lot for my house, but unfortunately I have no space...
Further down I ended up in famous Redchurch str full of contemporary shops and cafes/restaurants reminding me a bit of Soho, NY. Found some pretty clothes shops where I managed to shop a little bit and Mast Brothers Chocolate, recently opened up from NYC, featuring except chocolates, also a brew bar.
Also on the street, Franze & Evans (best for brunch), Albion (british inspired plates and small shop), Dishroom (indian kitchen), Andina London (Peruvian).
Well, there are much more to discover in the area and I am planning to re-visit to discover new places and things to do, so these for now!