Columbia Road

marie_f (819): 22-11-2008
*****
As a student, I used to be lucky enough to live just a road or two away from the Columbia Road flower market, and I have never lived in such a colourful house. Our Sunday morning ritual involved crawling from our beds and walking our hangovers down to the market to collect armfuls of whatever was going cheap to adorn our living room - ginger lillies, roses, daffs - we weren't fussy. But before collecting the flowers, we would duck into the food stalls off the courtyards on the left-hand side of (more...)

boulangerie (1018): 21-11-2008
*****
The market's great for picking up anything from cut flowers to potted trees, all at bargain prices (which become an even better deal just before the sellers pack up and some stallholders offer substantial discounts). But even if you're not interested in gardening or yawn at the thought of cut flowers, Columbia Road Market is still worth a visit for the jovial (and yes, at times, claustrophobic) atmosphere surrounded by a myriad of independent shops full of personality that line the main road and (more...)

theremarkablerocket (619): 18-11-2008
****
Easily one of my favourite London markets; all the usual bustle but an awful lot more fragrant. Apart from the fantastic array of flowers and plants, the market is lined with some brilliant art shops and boutiques, and there's some lovely cafes around.

Alan Stevens (543): 16-11-2008
****
Sunday mornings in Columbia Road are legendary among the gardening and breakfasting set. You get the best quality plants at rock-bottom prices, direct from the growers, and you are surrounded by restaurants where cheap and tasty breakfasts can be devoured at leisure. There is a downside of course. Now that the word is out, it gets very crowded indeed. Two things you need to know. Get there early (8am or before) and buy your plants. Get a "Columbia carrier" (a big bag, available there) to carry (more...)

blackstreet2000 (528): 15-11-2008
*****
A gallery specializing in contemporary art works, European and American modern design, retrospective furniture, objects, popular culture and a healthy morning living.