1. Sl.ope, Leytonstone
This welcome new independently owned lifestyle store (pictured above) is usefully located on Leytonstone High Road near the Davies Lane turning for Back To Ours (surely a perfect weekend combo?) It’s a Francis Road-style edit of furniture, ceramics, embroidered art, candles, glassware and more, open Thurs-Sunday, follow @sl.ope, 562, Leytonstone High Road E11
2. Scottalia, Leyton
The newest Francis Road cafe is the brainchild of Scottish and Italian couple Sofia and Cosmo – geddit?- who promise to serve the finest beans, pastries, snacks and more from both their native countries. It’s the seventh (count ’em) cafe on the stretch – after Yardarm, Strange Brew, Dreamhouse, Phlox, Marmelo and Albert & Francis – so let’s hope their take on the concept can find its niche. We peeked inside its simple interior today and it appears very nearly about to open. Follow @scottalia.shop, 200 Francis Rd, London E10
3. Smoke & Pepper, Leyton
Did you know that this Leyton High Road peri chicken and burger joint has a massive social media following and influencer-driven crazy queues at peak times? No, neither did we. But it’s on our radar now. If we can get in. @smokeandpepperldn, 434 High Road Leyton E11
4. Jannah Sushi, Leytonstone
Next to the newly open Red Fort Indian dining – whose interior is actually rather smart – we recently spotted an intriguing new sushi spot. Sure, it’s not yet open, but both this and its neighbouring (and admittedly less exciting) Jannah grill look like they’ll be launching soon. 877 High Rd Leytonstone E11
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5. Dreamhouse Bar, Leyton
We were thrilled to see lovely vinyl store and cafe Dreamhouse bag an alcohol license: more of that is needed to liven up Francis Road post-6pm. So now every Fri/Sat/Sun (till 10pm/8pm/4pm respectively) you can sup on East London’s finest Gravity Well, Pretty Decent and Signature Brewery beers. Yep, all local. And wine from Leytonstone’s excellent Theatre of Wine. Perky Blenders coffee, too. Go support. @dreamhouseldn, 177 Francis Road E10
6. Farha, Leyton
Finally, one for the diaries: opposite Draper’s Field towards Stratford promises to be an interesting new opening this spring on a stretch that definitely needs a boost. “My husband and I moved to the area a year ago and decided to open Farha to serve as a neighbourhood spot for speciality coffee and food. We especially enjoy taking inspiration from the Middle East,” says owner Nargis. “Renovations are well under way and we’re hoping to be open around mid-spring.” Their logo and branding is to be finalised next week when they’ll start posting on Instagram. Intrigued? Follow @farha.london, 42 Leyton High Road
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