Columbia Road Flower Market

There are few things East London is famous for, but one of them surely is Columbia Flower Market. I've been a few times and I'm warning you now you will get elbowed and shoved a little bit but that's because everyone's having a flower frenzy. If you go later in the day the sellers start discounting their flowers. I got a huge orchid for 7 pounds. I later bought a gift wrapped tiny orchid for 10 pounds at Waitrose and was a little disappointed. 

Since I went right around Christmas there were plenty of Christmassy flowers and of course Christmas trees. Yes, you caught me, I just went there to smell a real tree since I've never had a real Xmas tree. Other than that there were Poinsettias and even some glittery tree branches. Everyone was in a very festive mood and I saw quite a few funny Xmas sweaters. 

Not only are the flower stands amazing at Columbia Road but all of the shops lining the street are amazing and unique. You can find the cutest details for your houses as well as books, cards, and anything else you need to add a little character to your home. In fact last year I made myself a floral head wreath from fake flowers from Columbia Road. I love it there, it's the perfect combination of girly and decorative. And if you get bored you can always stroll towards Brick Lane or Shoreditch for a snack. 

Here's their website: http://www.columbiaroad.info/

Elbows

 

When going to pick up my pottery from pottery painting we stopped by a cute cul-de-sac nearby. There was this adorable little french style cafe called Elbows. It wasn't too windy so we decided to sit outside. I walked in, assuming we had to order at the bar, but we didn't. They then brought us out menus and asked us what we wanted. 

I ordered a chicken and avocado sandwich and a latte. And my friend Daniella got a mozzarella and tomato chiabatta. Both dishes arrived with salad, but it wasn't one of those ugly boring salads, this was one I actually ate, and usually I hate salad. This salad had beetroot, tomato, cucumber and zucchini mixed in with the salad leaves. 

It wasn't an expensive restaurant, I think I paid about 9 pounds including a tip for the really good service. It was a really relaxing lunch, the kind you have when you want to have a picnic in the park but its too crowded there. Its in such a nice area and it gives you a sense of community in a crazy place like London. 

Here's the link from tripadvisor, since the cafe doesn't have its own website: http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g186338-d3277754-Reviews-Elbows_Cafe-London_England.html

Dalston Eastern Curve Garden

Across from Dalston Junction station there is a really cute garden. This garden is called "Dalston Eastern Curve Garden". It was created in 2010 where there was an old train station. There are beautiful daffodils and tulips around the seating area in the shade at the start of the garden. Further into the garden there are fatboy bean bags layed out for you to enjoy the sun.

There are children playing, people chatting, and even people alone trying to do work in the relaxing environment. One thing I really liked is that pretty much anyone can go there to enjoy the garden even if its not a public garden. There's also a little cafe set up at the entrance so that if you wish to have something to drink or eat you can. I got fresh green tea, and I personally got to see the woman preparing it for me taking the mint leaves off the plants that they grow in the garden.

The garden also has adult and children workshops set up throughout the year so that they can raise money and do more. Their current project is to build a pineapple house. A sort of green house to grown exotic fruits and normal vegetables so that they can provide for themselves all year round. I'm thinking of volunteering at the garden next year, because its always good to help and I really like what they've been able to do, and I'd love to get involved and help them grow. Here's the garden's website: http://dalstongarden.org/