1. Cycle-In Cinema at Leyton Jubilee Park
This outdoor film-fest comes courtesy of the innovative Stow Film Lounge, who are bringing their Cycle-in Cinema concept to Leyton’s biggest park (did we mention we love the woodland walk?). The idea is to attend on bikes, trikes, skateboards, prams and all manner of people-powered wheels, for an “environmentally friendly and sustainable cinema experience”. You can, of course, walk in, too. The programme features old faves, modern movies and blockbusters, from Hollywood to Bollywood. Films begin at sunset; bring your own picnic, blankets and rugs. Wednesday 19th August-Saturday 22th August. See the schedule and book here.
2. Panda half price? Yasss!
We were happy to see our Leytonstone High Road go-to Panda participating in #EatOut. Already one of the cheaper dining options in the area, the 50% off makes it somewhere you can almost eat every night (almost). With social distancing, however, there are only a handful of tables, so book: we bagged a spot only by chancing to swing by at 6pm. But how we feasted on 7 plates of dim sum for under £20. Woop! #EatOut Mon-Wed, all August, daily 12-11pm, 767 High Rd Leytonstone E11 4QS
3. E11 Yard Sale is back
The friendly Sunday rummage is back for its sixth outing this September. So far already 21 stalls have signed up – and it was only announced a couple of days ago. Here’s the skinny: local residents are invited to set up a stall outside their homes, the simple aim being to recycle and bring the community together. Many locals also raise money for charity in the process. Last year was a glorious day for it (see main pic, above) so let’s hope the pesky weather holds. Sunday 20th Sept, 11am-4pm E11, more info here
4. Push // Pull are here (for a bit)
This E10 design and vintage brand have a had a few chic pop-ups around town. The last one we swung by was at the delightful backstreet Narrow Yard around Xmas time. They’ve just launched a new pop-up furniture and design store, featuring contemporary and vintage pieces, at yoga studio Pause for the month of August. We reckon it’s a great, if temporary, addition to the street, and worth supporting. Follow @pushpull.store, Weekends only, 187 Francis Road, E10 6NQ
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5. The food is better now at Masala India
We are proper fans of this Leyton High Road joint: even on a pre-EatOut Wednesday the place was very busy indeed. We bagged the last free table in the garden, which was perfectly social-distanced although pretty rowdy (it is BYO, after all). And the lockdown seems to have refreshed the cooking, which was better than we remember it. Those Tiffins are a dream, the sauces rich, and the meat tender. More info here. 466 High Rd E10 6QA
6. There’s another Yemen streetfood fest
The last one was a massive success, so the second charity streetfood sale, right round the corner from Francis Road, should be even bigger. Again it takes place on St Georges Rd on Saturday afternoon and again the organisers are raising for the Yemen Crisis Appeal, with 100% donation policy on anything you buy. Send the taste buds into overdrive with a BBQ and international food, from curries, ribs and soups to desserts and refreshing watermelon juices. 1-4pm, Sat 15th August, St Georges Road E10 5RD
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