LONDON CITY GUIDE
patches in the window of Hand & Lock, A hand crafted embroidery company since 1767
This spring we could hardly believe our luck to get to travel and sell our goods at Renegade Craft Fair London! It allowed us to meet some inspiring and talented makers, to introduce ourselves to new customers and get the chance to meet some of our existing ones in person.
Lauren and Stephanie setting up our booth at Renegade Craft Fair London
We are thankful to everyone we met for giving us such a warm RENEGADE reception! And a special thanks to our UK friends and shops like Gathered for connecting with us while we were visiting. It was such a treat to meet our pen pals and friends face to face- a HUGE thanks the Emily Chalmers of Caravan for helping us understand the lay of the land- and to Jeanette Farrier for being a warm and familiar face! We were so happy to meet Amy Worrall and Zeena Shah and shop their booths.
Our neighborhood in Shoreditch, approaching Arnold Circus
We had a great time staying in Shoreditch. It reminded us of Williamsburg, where our studio and showroom is located in Brooklyn full of artists, makers, and exciting new businesses and restaurants. We aimed to see as much as possible which meant running all over London - a highlight was definitely taking the bus! (see Stephanie's drawing of kitty on the bus in our previous post here)
We visited some of our favorite Coral & Tusk stockists, had some amazing dining experiences, browsed in beautiful shops and viewed the work of some of our favorite artists and makers in person!
Not to mention the city itself -- we absolutely fell in love with London and all of its neighborhoods. Islington, Notting Hill, Clissold Park and the list goes on!!!! It was an amazing trip!
There is endless inspiration to be found in London and it was no easy task, but we have compiled our top favorites from our visit and must-sees while visiting.
CORAL & TUSK LONDON CITY GUIDE
MUST SEE:
Columbia Road Flower Market - open Sundays 8am-3pm. While we couldn't stop fawning over the beautiful full array of foliage and flowers – a highlight was definitely the boisterous shouts of the barrow boys and flower sellers.
Laura Carlin's work at The New Craftsmen - As we are huge fans of Carlin's paintings and ceramics, a major highlight of our trip was seeing her work up close in person. We had a chance to peek into her world, see her sketchbooks and drawings through the thoughtful and unique way The New Craftsmen represents and supports their makers. Everything is beautifully laid out towards the front of the store and at the back of the shop they have flat file drawers for each artist with their work, drawings, samples, etc. It was truly an inspiring experience - they even have rotating exhibits so there's always something interesting happening in their space.
MAKERS AND ARTISTS:
Laura Carlin - With an illustration background, Carlin makes ceramics, small objects, paintings and drawings of scenes, animals and people. They are seemingly naive in style but perfectly executed and exact in their expressions, each one full of personality.
Rebecca Louise Law - delicate, impressive works of art small and large scale, using dried flowers and ephemera. Visit her gallery and office on Columbia Road, only open on Sundays.
FAVORITE MUSEUM:
V&A - We were able to catch the Alexander McQueen, Savage Beauty exhibit which was completely life changing - don't miss it if you get the chance. But the permanent collection is no slouch either. Everything is amazing but be sure to visit their fashion, jewelry and medieval rooms.
FAVORITE STORES:
DEPARTMENT
Liberty of London - Constructed from the timbers of two ships, Liberty is a must visit, a truly unique and inspiring shopping experience.
Harrods - A London icon, 7 floor department store, anything you could think of and then some.
HOME AND GIFT
The Conran Shop - Thoughtfully curated home furniture, decor and design
Folklore - Home and lifestyle shop valuing simple craftsmanship with clean design and display. (photos courtesy Folklore)
Flow Gallery - Art Gallery style concept shop with rotating exhibitions. Beautifully curated, interesting selections. It was a delight to spot some Coral & Tusk around the space. (photo courtesy Flow Gallery)
SCP - Great home decor and accessories.
Holly's House - Lovely fun home and decor shop. Cool selection and design.
GIFTS FOR FUN
Luna and Curious - Fun mix of gift and accessories with a focus on new designers.
Nook Shop - Find something fun and unique for anyone on your list.
CLOTHING AND GIFT / DECOR
Mouki Mou - Elegantly organized, simple with the loveliest details. We could find endless fashion to admire and covet here and are thrilled to have our pillows and dolls among their wares.
The Cross - Bright textiles, decor, clothing and accessories. An Eye catching and delightful shop we are lucky to work with. (photos courtesy The Cross @thecrossshop)
Couverture and The Garbstore - Incredibly well curated, beautiful clothing and gift store. Many independent designers to discover and swoon over alongside perfect home accessories and gift items.
Paul Smith Westbourne House - Paul Smith's flagship store within a house is filled with inspiring details among his clothing, a favorite being his personal art and photography collection hung by the stairs.
Dover Street Market- A favorite game post visit- was WWYB- What would you buy?!?!
STATIONERY
Present and Correct - Fun, well designed, color coordinated stationery shop. Exciting mix of vintage products and design style along with modern simplicity.
Choosing Keeping - Gorgeous stationery shop - simple and classic.
BABY AND KID: Caramel Baby and Child - If we could have, we would have moved in here. Mix of fashionable baby and kid clothing and furniture, very pleasing color schemes and shop decor.
SPECIALTY STORES
Abigail Ahern - Objects, crazy cool faux plants and flowers - great shop with a good eye for decor. If you haven't, be sure to check out their blog
The New Craftsmen - Innovative and traditional craftsmakers from the British Isles are represented and sold here. A fresh and interesting concept with rotating exhibitions, art pieces, maker process artifacts and goods to purchase. It is a very unique shop and space not to be missed. (photo on the left courtesy The New Craftsmen)
Ryantown - Artist Rob Ryan makes delicate paper cut outs. They are shown and sold on their own as well as applied to stationery, ceramics, and accessories.
Jimbob Art - humorous animal characters and illustrations on ceramics.
Thornback and Peel - Printed fabrics, applied to decor and accessories - modern take on classic style designs.
Mungo & Maud- Paco's favorite!
FAVORITE MEALS:
Dishoom - Bombay Style Indian Food. Don't miss it. Each dish was incredible, especially the paneer tikka and black house daal. (photo courtesy Dishoom)
Story Deli- Flat and Light "Pizza" with fresh ingredients. Leafy greens, salad topped on light and crisp crust in a comfortable and relaxing environment. (photo on the right courtesy Story)
Andina - Peruvian kitchen, small plates with simple, strong and interesting flavors. Try the Tacu Tacu Quechua, the corn cake with avocado or any signature ceviche.
Rochelles Canteen - Perfect lunch spot in an old school yard. Sit outside and look over the yard, dine on seasonal fresh food.
Leila's Shop - After an overnight flight, we were so ready for exactly what Leila's Shop had to offer- a homecooked meal prepared with love and care from incredibly fresh ingredients.
EATS SHORT LISTED FOR NEXT TRIP!
FAVORITE SWEETS: Ottolenghi - A picnic in Holland Park with pastries and a bottle of Rose is highly recommended.
FAVORITE DRINK: Martini at Duke's Hotel - hands down the best Martini we have ever tasted. A proper old London establishment, it's worth a trip for the presentation alone. Brought out on a cart, your Martini is made in front of you to absolute perfection! Go classic.
CAN'T TRAVEL WITHOUT:
Passport Holder - shown is our embroidered luggage passport wallet
Travel Notebook - shown is our embroidered luggage notebook
And don't forget your favorite companion!! *note Kitty Pocket Doll's favorite place!
See the full Map on our Pinterest HERE