1. Leytonstone Farmers’ Market E11
Our main feature this week outlines the many pleasures of E11’s latest quality weekly addition – a Farmers’ Market from the same people that do the fantastically long-running one on Parliament Hill, not to mention those in every happening neighbourhood across the capital. Read all about what stalls to expect, including a certain very famous East London bakery, here. Sundays, 10am to 2pm, Buxton School 234 Cann Hall Rd E11 3NN.
2. Sarah’s Leytonstone E11
On one of those endlessly drizzly August Saturdays we sought solace in a cute new under-the-arches caff not too far from Ferndale Road, our personal access point for Wanstead Flats. Smooth espresso comes courtesy of local heroes Perky Blenders, and there are also sweet treats, cards, and locally made gifts and crafts. Worth a pit stop after a lap or two of Jubilee Pond, especially if nearby Patch Cafe is too rammo. Open Sat-Tues, 9am-4pm, follow @sarahs_leytonstone
3. Wood Street Deli E17
Landing on E17’s most colourful street at the end of June, this smart deli, cafe, bar and store is well worth a weekend jaunt (incidentally, our preferred walking route from E11 is via Hollow Pond up to leafy Upper Walthamstow, and then downhill past Wood Street station). With just a trio of tables to eat in, as well as a short list of toasties, which use quality cured meats and veg – our fennel cured salami and sun-dried tomato (pictured above) was as elegant as it was tasty – it’s a low-key little gem. You can also drink wine-by-the-glass in or, as we did, stock up on expensive tinned sardines. 135 Wood Street E17, follow @woodstreetdeli
4. Peel’d E17
Let’s face it, there isn’t enough – any? – poké in Leyton and Leytonstone. So strap your trainers on and strut half an hour or so north to reach the new Peel’d in Walthamstow Village, which opened recently. As is the custom at such places, you choose your base – we opted for a half-half slaw and sticky rice – then add (in the case of our Classic option) tuna or salmon in citrus ponzu on top of edamame, carrot, radish, pineapple, sesame and spring onion. Healthy and delish, with vegan options too; from £8.50 a bowl. And Orford Road gets dreamier by the minute. 69 Orford Road E17, follow @peeld.uk
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5. Stone Mini Market beer garden E11
Back over in Leytonstone a secret new beer garden is now quietly located at the back of extremely popular zero waste grocery store and craft beer specialists Stone Mini Market, in their new home near Leytonstone High Road Overground. Buy a local East London beer and sit in the covered courtyard, with plants, gazebos and fairy lights, admiring the artwork above the indoor counter by Stuart Cameron. Open until 8pm, Tues – Sat, Sundays till 7pm, 721 High Road E11 follow @stoneminimarket
6. Down the Wick
Meanwhile down in the Wick, so much is launching we can barely keep up. You’ll have to wait until next Friday for our review of the shiny new Lord Napier Star pub, which opened in August, but three more worth checking out are grocer and natural wine bar Tuck Shop, craft beer and burger joint Two More Years in the much-loved former canalside Stour Space building; and Old Street Brewery, tucked behind Queen’s Yard, which opened this summer with dark interior and small, neighbourhood style courtyard terrace (tip: get blasted on the 6.7% Drama Queen New England IPA). Follow @lordnapierstar, @two_moreyears, @tuck_shop_hackney and @oldstreetbrewery for more.
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Main image: Stephen Emms
