If your a drinker, like a good Sunday roast or want a friendly place to chill. Here you go.

Being an East London boy at heart I am partial to an occasional fix of café culture. Pellici's has been running since the start of the last century, to which me, my father and my father's fathers have all enjoyed its mix of tasty Italian/London grub and energetic atmosphere. If you're visiting, make sure you drop by, as it will provide a valuable, forever-depleting education into what East London is really all about.

A very charming little shop with an amazing selection of spices, herbs and grains all stored in glass jars NO PLASTIC! :) You can also buy just the jars if you want to, they are really nice too. Finally a zero waste grocery store in the area. Thank you Charles!!

I spend many hours in the bookshops along this stretch, namely Henry Pordes for second hand books and new discounted titles (pile on left of photo), as well as Koenig Books for new art books with lots of great discounts in the basement. (photo right). In 2001 the rents for much of this strip were increased to align them closer to market value but thanks to public support they were reduced again. Unfortunately some bookshops still closed down; Koenig replaced the beloved Zwemmers - a real institution - but thankfully still provide great books, although others are no longer bookshops at all.

The most special and charming place to get art supplies and materials. L. Cornelissen & Son shop is an artwork in itself and one of a kind. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and kind and is always a delight to stop by.