1. Francis Road’s Xmas Lights switch-on
Yup, the area’s cutest pedestrianised thoroughfare gets illuminated for the season on Friday afternoon at 530pm sharp, so skive off work early and make sure you’re standing there, all wrapped up, with a cup of something mulled in your paw. And all those lovely independent stores will no doubt be open a bit later (although the official Xmas Late Night shopping nights are 12th/19th Dec), plus there’s music from the George Mitchell School Steel Band and even the Mayor of Waltham Forest doing a bit of hand-shaking, too. An early dose of seasonal cheer. Friday 29th November, from 530pm, Francis Road E10
2. Catch Curved Brick’s pop-up bar
Now this we’re super excited about. Leyton’s most appealingly eye-candy coffee shop – you know, the one with the baby-blue clapboard exterior and that delicious carrot cake – is trying out some yuletide pop-up booze nights. The first conveniently takes place – you guessed it – on Friday after the nearby Xmas lights switch-on (6pm), so hotfoot it there afterwards for cocktails and craft beer. If you miss this soiree, the Curved Brick crew are back on the weekend of 13th December for another round. Hic. From 6pm, 13th Dec, 477a High Rd Leyton, E10
3. Rummage vintage stuff at Narrow Yard
We’ve still not made it down to the highly creative space that seems to be Narrow Yard (near Leyton Midland Station, folks) but we do know it’s home to a bunch of artists and designers, including locally famed Mia Warner, who’s painted many of the area’s rather eye-catching signs. This Saturday, 30th Nov, gives curious locals the chance to take a sneaky peek inside, with a pop-up shop courtesy of Push/ Pull, whose schtick is 20th century vintage furniture and contemporary sofas. There’s also a gallon or two of coffee and sea of mince pies to ease your Saturday morning hangover. Saturday 30th Nov, 10am-6pm, 20 Wilmot Rd, E10, more info
And after Narrow Yard don’t forget you could always check out the excellent Gravity Well Brewery down the road, too.
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