After what they say is “eight long years of trying”, Blondies, Clapton’s excellent slither of a dive bar, will finally be brewing their own beer right here in the heart of Leyton.
It’s all set to join the new BLOKspace in the confines of former Church Road E10 factory Patchworks. They’ve even roped in Leytonstone taproom Mammoth to “to get things off the ground” as they’re “beyond excited and terrified.”
Due to all the work that needs to be done to the new space the brewery will open on Friday August 18th with a big old bash, Dark Arts coffee and a tasty smokehouse BBQ menu. Follow @blondieslondon for the latest.
While we’re on the subject of excellent East London craft beer, much-loved Leyton taproom Gravity Well is to expand into the next railway arch, which will mean a bigger interior – woop – and outside terrace. It will also brighten up that corner right by the Overground station. At the moment the expansion is “subject to agreeing the lease”, they say, but “hopefully it will be this summer.” Fingers crossed.
LOCAL ADVERTISING
Most of you will have tried Unholy Bagels in nearby coffee joint Perky Blenders (and also, of course, Dreamhouse Records on Francis), but there’s a new contender in town with the incoming Papa Bagel at Mainyard Studios. The vibe is “fresh NYC-style bagels and velvety espresso in a cozy and friendly atmosphere,” say the owners. Ours is the “Londoner”: thick salt beef, gherkins and mustard. Head to Rookery Court (near Coronation Gardens) forthwith. @papasbagels
Elsewhere, we’re pretty chuffed by the trio of new arrivals on Francis Road. Yardarm’s new lifestyle store (above) is a rather tranquil joy to explore with a Saturday morning long black: the only trouble is we crave everything in it, from the posh candles and toiletries to Push ‘n’ Pull furniture (strictly not possible on a humble freelancer writer’s budget, alas). @yardarm_london
Meanwhile, last Sunday, at the always fun Francis Road Summer Party, we were also impressed by the new We Are Frmd gallery: some beautiful artworks – and frames, of course – and another nice hangout for that summertime weekend mooch. @wearefrmd
Lastly you’ll have watched the arrival of hip East London “sustainably conscious” hair salon Blue Tit, now looking chic with its 70s-inspired interior on the same stretch: there’s also a pretty rear terrace and cocktail-rammed fridge. @bluetitlondon
Are you a new business who is opening in Leyton, Walthamstow, Stratford or Leytonstone or beyond? Get in touch: info@leytonstoner.london
Please support us if you can
We are about to reach our 8th birthday and have a bigger audience and social media following than ever before, but due to advertising revenues in freefall both Leytonstoner and our small network of independent online titles is under threat. As readers we need your support more than ever to keep delivering ‘good-news’ cultural stories that celebrate our wonderful neighbourhoods. Every reader or business contribution, however big or small, is invaluable in helping the costs of running the website and the time invested in the research and writing of the articles published. Support Leytonstoner here for less than the price of a coffee and it only takes a minute. Thank you.
