All Hail the British High Street: London’s Independent Shops We Love

This is our love letter to London.


In our debut season finale we’re shining a light on the London
independents that we love. From Hackney’s hippest lifestyle
collective to a sourdough hero who is shaping his neighbourhood
one loaf at a time, these are the London shop owners that help
their communities thrive. 


We catch up with Paul Firmin, one half of the duo behind trendy
Earl of East. The seriously cool brand started on a Hackey market
stall and has grown into two stores – one in Hackney and one in
Coal Drops Yard – that regularly grace the pages of design-driven
mags. It’s also our go-to for succulents and scents. 


We’ll also be joined by Max Tobias, founder of Dusty Knuckle
bakery. What started in a shipping container in Dalston, is now a
socially conscious bakery that supplies restaurants including
Ottolenghi and the Chiltern Firehouse. This summer, they launched
a “breadmobile” service which delivered loaves to locked down
Londoners.Alongside baking banging bread, they provide employment
opportunities to disadvantaged youths. 


The two pioneering London independents share with us their
favourite neighbourhood haunts, the antiques market we must visit
and how shopping local is changing the face of the British High
Street.


We’d love to know where you’re going next and how you think the
travel landscape might change as lockdown restrictions ease. Send
your voice notes to fleur@suitcasemag.com or drop us a DM on
Instagram @indiadowley and @fleur_rm. For a daily dose of travel
inspiration, check in with us at suitcasemag.com or buy a copy of
SUITCASE magazine. 


We’ll be back with Season 2 soon.


Links and notes from the episode 


Earl of East’s Netil Market picks:


Lucy Chip 


Bao (of course)


Brother 


And their favourite neighbourhood haunts: 


Perky Blenders


Vinnie’s


Gnarly Vines


Other london based brands they love:


London Borough of Jam – we love Lily too. 


Triangle 


Goodhood


A New Tribe (for ceramics)


Everything But The Dog


DIY-ers will want to check out these homeware stores: 


Labour and Weight


Caravane in Coal Drops Yard


Alfie’s Antique Market for vintage finds


Sunbury’s antiques market is a must and worth the early start


Arch 389


Head to Birch for workshops and creative retreats. 


Shop scents, bath salts and a curated collection of succulents at
Earl of East here and here.


Max Tobias from Dusty Knuckle Bakery local
go-to’s:


Gozleme House (465 Green Lanes) for lunch 


Visit Bora at Newington Green Fruit and Veg for your fresh
produce 


Max’s favourite italian is this one, Pizzeria Papagone


 & Brouhaha for wine, beers and a cool crowd 


Order potato sourdough and the feta and honey pastry from the
breadmobile (yes, we’re sure the name is sticking) here.