Locals We Love

One of the reasons we love independent businesses is that they tend to have soul. The soul of something that has been created as a labour of love. The soul of being ingrained and invested in their local community. And the soul of people really getting to know one another. It’s fair to say that Spitalfields has its fair share of these sorts of places. It feels like every corner you turn on there’s another street full of quirky shops, bars and cafes. Each bristling with energy, and each offering something unique and creative. So we thought we’d share five of our favourites. Five independent gems that help make Spitalfields what it is.

Brick Lane Bookshop

Independent bookstores are sacred things. They are wonderful places to wander into and waste away the hours browsing the books or chatting to the friendly staff. The Brick Lane Book Store certainly fits that bill, and has grown a well established following over the years. 

As well as selling books they flex their own creative muscles. They run events with their very own resident poets who write bespoke poems for guests. And they have even compiled their own book of short stories

Well worth following them and worth popping in when you’re on the lane!

You can find them at https://bricklanebookshop.org, on Instagram & Twitter.

St John’s Bread & Wine

This started out as a bakery. But whilst customers waited for their bread they’d be eating small plates and sipping on wine - which ended up being so popular that they decided to boot the bakery. Ever since then this has been a highly popular restaurant; serving a British, seasonal, stripped back menu. They allow corkage. And guests are actively encouraged to share dishes as they're ready from the kitchen. That sense of informality and sharing creates a really nice buzz about the place. 

Check them out at https://stjohnrestaurant.com/a/restaurants/bread-and-wine on Instagram & Twitter.

Jen’s Plants & Florist

This place is right up our street (literally and metaphorically). 

Jen was working in investment banking but felt frustrated and unfulfilled. So she took the leap to set up this floristry and has never looked back. Hearing her talk about the transition is genuinely inspiring (well worth a listen here). She talks about the new lease of life she experienced when she had a chance to express her creativity, and the positive effect that’s had on her shop and her life as a whole. 

In her own words: ‘I love the freedom to create everyday. I put on my tunes....dance and get inspired to crack on with new inspirations and ideas.  I love my plant job.  It has been the best job of my life #freedom’

Jen chose Hanbury Hall for the backdrop of a short video. Check out the video below of her creating a
’booshie’ and fun bokeh of flowers.

Find her on Instagram, or at jensplantsandflorist.com/.

Kahaila

Photo found on folkandhoney.com

Kahaila is a cafe with social justice at its heart. 

Paul Unsworth set it up to create a place of community, where anyone and everyone feels welcome - especially the vulnerable who might need a safe space to land. Amongst other things they help homeless people transition into employment and provide a safe space for women who have suffered sexual exploitation. 

As well as serving delicious coffee and food, they run bring-and-share community meals, live music events, book clubs and more.

Follow them on Instagram, or at https://kahaila.com/bricklane-2-2/.

Potter & Reid

Photo by City Matters London

The vision behind Potter and Reid is to create a local space for people in the community to come and replenish. To connect with one another and revive over great coffee and quality food. It’s got real neighbourhood vibes (think ‘where everybody knows your name and they’re always glad you came’). There’s a passion not just for food but for what happens over it. 

Already a firm lunch favourite of the Hanbury Hall team.

Follow them on Instagram, or at https://www.potterandreid.com.