One of my favourite Christmas traditions is late night shopping in Columbia Road in East London. There's nothing like clutching a hot mulled wine as you wander around some of the best and most original independent shops in London to get you in the festive mood.
Columbia Road is a lovely old cobbled street which bursts into life every Sunday for the weekly flower market. Aside from the beautiful flower stalls the street is full of independent shops that only ever open their doors on a Sunday - I've still never worked out how they can afford to do this!
The great thing is that every Wednesday evening in December (5-9pm) all the wonderful shops open their doors and give out free mulled wine. It's super Christmasy and a great opportunity to pick up some really unusual gifts.
As I spend so much time browsing the market I thought I'd let you know some of my favourite places to go. I can never visit without popping into Treacle which sells pretty cupcakes and vintage kitchenware. If you are buying for any kids then Bob & Blossom is full of lovely children's clothes and nostalgic toys you'll want to buy for yourself!
If you're struggling for gift ideas why not buy some artwork? Personally I'd always be happy to find art under my Christmas tree and I can never resist a peek in Elphicks. Run by artist Sharon Elphick you'll find work to suit all budgets, from postcards to prints and large scale framed originals. Another artist who is on my Christmas wish list is Rob Ryan and his gorgeous shop is full of prints, tiles, bags and loads of other objects to lust after.
And finally if you have time for any pampering the lovely ladies at The Powder Room come highly recommended.
After all that you'll need a reviving drink so fight your way through the heaving bar in the beautifuly restored old boozer The Royal Oak for some more mulled wine and some hot grub.
Happy Shopping!
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