A Maiwe Guide to London

 

London is an exciting metropole, only two and a half hours away by train from The Lab in Antwerp. You know the Tower Bridge, Tate Modern and the downtown must-sees by now, right? We’re so lucky as Martina Lattanzi, our dear friend and London-based art director, knows all the hidden gems you really want to discover when in London. Our Maiwe guide focuses on unique healthy eats, new shopping experiences and walks around East London and is perfect for a weekend getaway! 

 

 

 

Brunswick East - Breakfast

I loved going to Brunswick East as it’s right next to the lovely park of Hackney Downs. My airbnb was just around the corner, and the café had a beautiful selection of pastries, brunch options and great coffee. There’s a spacious terrace and inside you can watch the bakers and chefs working their magic in the open kitchens. At night you can have dinner or cocktails here, as several business gather under one roof. Other good places to have coffee are Pophams and Lodestar.

 

 

 

Yoga Home - Move

Experiencing a yoga or pilates class abroad is something I always really treasure. It’s a different way of visiting the city, and it allows you to take a break for yourself, something that is often overlooked in the busy schedule of city tripping. Yogahome is a registered charity yoga studio that also supports disadvantaged groups.

   

 

 

Victoria Palk - Walk

One of the beautiful parks of East London, definitely worth the stroll together with London Fields and Hackney Downs.

 

 

 

 

E5 Bakehouse - Lunch

An amazing place that I highly recommend! Being one of the pioneering sourdough bakers of London, e5 bakehouse mainly bakes, but also serves coffee and lunch, organizes workshops and retreats, and has an amazing store with a great selection of food and books. They source local ingredients that are grown in systems which benefit the ecological health of the planet, and work with farmers who share their vision. Since their early days, they have invested profits in an organic farm that provides ingredients for the great food they serve at really democratic prices!

 

 

 

 

The Glasshouse - Shop

You can get your hair done, book a treatment and shop the latest clean beauty brands at The Glasshouse. I loved discovering O Way, an Italian brand with mainly haircare that uses home-grown herbs to manufacture their formulas.

  

 

 

 

Wilder Botanics - Shop

A beautiful brand that crafts skincare, teas and tinctures with foraged herbs. This truly is a family-based business that is passionate about the natural world and creates really beautiful formulas with it.

  

 

 

 

Big. Beauty - Shop

My favourite beauty store around London, with a focus on sustainability and minimizing waste. The interior is beautifully designed with travertine, cork, seaweed sheets and other biodegradable materials. Their selection of brands is interesting, innovative and exciting. There’s also a treatment room, and big. organizes workshops, talks and even park clean-ups! Loved discovering this one.

   

 

 

 

Lucky and Joy - Dinner 

Lucky and Joy is one of the great eateries you can find around East London, with a young staff that is innovating with food and setting new standards. We recommend the peanut noodles and braised aubergine, but probably the menu will have new discoveries by the time you get there!
Before visiting Lucky and Joy (make a reservation!), we recommend you get some drinks at 107 Wine Bar just next door. The atmosphere and the common high table are unique, and the wines are beautifully selected.

  

 

 

 

Broadway Market - Visit

Every Saturday, there’s a great market at Broadway Market where you can find the best local food and indulge upon all the amazing things at offer. The shops around Broadway Market are also well worth the visit, and you can continue your walk along the canal and admire the living boats of the area.

 

 

 

 

Navarino Road - Walk

Beautiful, romantic street with Victorian houses. Get a sense of East London and don’t miss having a stroll around this lovely street.

 

 

 

Oren - Dinner

Inspired by the Middle East, Oren has a great selection of dishes to share from a daily menu. We tried marinated artichokes, a chopped salad with tahini and dill and a soft stew of cuttlefish, tomato and chickpeas. Lovely service too!

 

 

 

Artwords Bookshop - Shop

Set on Broadway Market, Artwords Bookshop has everything you need to discover the latest books on architecture, design, philosophy and more. A lovely bookstore to just stop and wander around a world of new found information, photography and atmospheres.

 

 

 

Hackney City Farm - Visit

An amazing place to visit with kids, but even so without! Pigs, goats, ducks, you name it are being kept at this cute little city farm that is held together by volunteers and also has a cool zero waste shop and a beautiful garden. They offer learning opportunities around farmed and growing for their community.