Our Local Guide:
Walthamstow
Situated on the edge of spacious Epping Forest, but every inch urban London, Walthamstow is one of those rare locations where you can have your (artisan) cake and eat it too.
Built from proper East End roots, the rapidly expanding community has transformed the area into a buzzy, creative hub and destination in its own right, making Walthamstow’s close proximity to central London less relevant than it perhaps once was (although if you must leave, it’s only a short hop on the Victoria line or London Overground). In fact, these days you’re more likely to see daytrippers coming into the area, keen to sample its varied offerings of food, drink, culture and green space. However, lucky locals get the added benefit of being part of a genuinely cheery community – and amongst the first to know about that latest hot new opening.
A word from our Walthamstow area expert…
“I love living in Walthamstow, it’s got such a great mix of things going on. Saturdays are my favourite, with the market in Lloyd Park full of fresh food, handmade bits, and plenty of friendly faces. The new Soho Theatre has brought amazing shows right to our doorstep, and if I fancy a pint, the Blackhorse Beer Mile breweries are perfect for a wander.
When I need some fresh air, the Walthamstow Wetlands are just a short stroll away, all that greenery makes you completely forget you’re in London. Plus, with brilliant transport links, it’s so easy to hop on the Tube or Overground and be in Central London in no time at all.”
William Jackson
Assistant Manager + E17 Resident
Walthamstow
’s
Places + Wonders
Our team have selected their favourite hangouts in the local area, from artisan deli’s to old school boozers, browse through (in our opinion) E17’s magical wonders.!
Lloyd Park Market
This excellent food market, which is held just outside William Morris’ beautiful childhood home in Lloyd Park every Saturday, sells everything from seasonal fruit and veg and organic meat to doggy treats and street food.
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Yonder
After launching in 2018 following a successful crowdfunding campaign, it’s not surprising that Yonder has a special place within the local community. It really is a space for everyone, with climbing, yoga, food, drink and a co-working space available.
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Ravenswood Industrial Estate
A hub for factories and mills in Victorian times, Walthamstow has roots in industry. Thankfully for punters though, a visit to Ravenwood Industrial Estate’s God's Own Junkyard, Wildcard Brewery, Pillars Brewery, Trap and Mother's Ruin is strictly for pleasure.
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Walthamstow Wetlands
Europe's largest urban wetland nature reserve opened in 2017 and has since provided visitors (human and wildlife) with 211 hectares of space to explore. Don’t fancy pounding all 13 miles of pathway? Visit Coppermill Tower for a bird's eye view.
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William Morris Gallery
Situated in the grand Georgian home Walthamstow’s most famous son once lived in with his family, it’s impossible to visit this museum dedicated to the textile designer, activist and founder of the Arts and Crafts movement without feeling inspired.
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Chocolatine Bakery
This French-inspired bakery supplies mouth-watering pastries and sourdough to a few local stores, but if you visit the Wood Street premises you’ll get to try iit oven-fresh. Just don’t offer to share the triple chocolate twist with anyone – you’ll regret it.
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SlowBurn
After launching in 2020, SlowBurn carved a niche with a surprisingly simple formula; elevate veg over meat. The resulting menu is incredible, as is the setting in a working denim studio. Just don’t be slow making a booking – the Guardian says it’s a place to ‘try right now’.
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Yard Sale Pizza
With a plethora of branches across the capital, it’s hard to believe that YSP was born out of an East London back garden. Its imaginative selection of toppings and one-off collaborations with everyone from Loyle Carner to Big Zuu keep things fresh, as does the merch.
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The Kitchen
The level of service combined with the quality of the food have put this cosy Walthamstow Village restaurant on the map. The roasts are a real crowd pleaser, especially when it’s warm enough to eat outside with a view of the square.
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Wood Street Bakery
This independent bakery serves delicious pastries, sandwiches and bespoke cakes, which are all made in-house daily. Don’t be put off by any queuing – it’s popular for a reason, and the line moves quickly thanks to the friendly but efficient service.
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Sodo Pizza
The people of Walthamstow may be spoilt for choice when it comes to great pizza, but Sodo will always be a firm favourite thanks to its reliably buzzy ambience and reassuringly simple menu of delicious sourdough pizza. It also does a wicked brunch.
The Collab
This well-placed collaboration between beer-masters Signature Brew and food-legends We Serve Humans caters for the whole community, balancing the needs of families and child-free grown-ups alike. Meat-eaters and vegans are both treat well, too – the plant burger is the best we’ve tried.
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Wynwood Art District
‘Stowers who share a mutual appreciation of art, music and caffeine gather at this family-run cafe and event space for friendly chat. Head in for a coffee, leave with a positive outlook.
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Clapton Craft
Clapton Craft has sites across London, but E17 is lucky enough to have two (Hoe St and Wood Street). As well as selling a range of local and international beers and takeaway growlers, they host regular in-store tastings.
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Dudley’s
Serving up specialty coffee and brunch in Instagrammable surroundings, Dudley’s has become a neighbourhood institution for locals who share a mutual appreciation of caffeine and cracking playlists.
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Arte e Pasta
The younger sister of Wanstead’s renowned Bombetta might be tucked down a residential street but the eye-catching Wood Street Walls mural out front ensures it can’t be missed, while the Italian food inside guarantees it can never be forgotten.
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Lloyd Park
Lloyd Park has so much going on, it means a lot to many different people. There’s the William Morris Gallery, the cafe, the playground, the outdoor gym, the tennis and basketball courts, the skate park, the bowling green, the formal gardens and dog park.
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Walthamstow Toy Library
A Walthamstow institution, this educational charity aims to provide babies and under-fives with a stimulating and creative learning environment. For parents, the drop-in play sessions, toy hire, cuppas and friendly faces are a godsend.
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Soho Theatre Walthamstow
The Beatles might’ve played there in the 60s, but good times are ahead for Walthamstow’s EMD Cinema. The restoration project has transformed the Grade II* listed space into a live performance venue operated by the renowned Soho Theatre.
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Wood Street Indoor Market
Enter this unique market selling everything from vintage toys, records, sport memorabilia and old fashioned sweets and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a Richard Curtis film set. A haven for one-of-a-kind gifts.
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Waltham Forest Feel Good Centre
Thought you knew leisure centres? Think again. This state of the art centre features a trampoline park, soft play and climbing, as well as a huge selection of lessons for all ages, including swimming, gymnastics and tennis.
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Luke’s Cider Tap
A little bit of west-county in E17, this cosy tap room is exactly the kind of gem you’d hope to find in Wood Street’s brilliantly quirky Georgian Village. Luke crafts the cider at his family farm in Somerset and is an oracle of apple-based information.
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The Castle
A true Walthamstow Village institution, the picturesque Castle regularly features in the national press, but it’s a local’s pub at heart – and is as enjoyable in winter with a hearty roast as it is in summer with a cold pint.
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The Queens Arms
An excellent first stop for anyone heading to Walthamstow Village from the tube, the Queens Arms enjoys grand tradition, having been built in 1859, but it’s done a great job at modernising, with a Mediterranean-influenced menu and extensive drink selection.
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Ye Olde Rose and Crown
Not only is Ye Olde Rose and Crown indeed old, it’s been owned by the same family since 1985, which is just the consistency we crave. As you’d imagine, it’s a friendly place with a pool table and a theatre space.
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The Blackhorse Beer Mile
Local breweries really tapped into something with the Blackhorse Beer Mile. Craft connoisseurs travel far for beers pumped by Signature Brew, Wild Card, Exale and Big Penny Social, but live music and street food make it popular with all.
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The Chequers
Situated alongside Europe’s longest outdoor market, Chequers dates back to the 17th-century, and later acted as a meeting place for The Krays. Nowadays you’ll find sport screens, cask-beers, pub grub and a good story or two from the locals.
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The Bell
Whether you’re cosying-up with a roast or supping a pint in the secluded garden, you’ll find this traditional boozer ringing with charm. The Bell’s plentiful seating makes it perfect for groups, but it’s easy to hide in its many nooks.
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The Nags Head
Visitors come for the quirky cat-filled decor and stay for the food and music. Dog-owners shouldn’t be put off by the feline-love – canines are welcome. Children, however, aren’t, so book a babysitter and stay for the evening.
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Walthamstow
’s
Features + Perks
Transport links
With Victoria line trains now running every 100 seconds, Walthamstow sits at the top of the second most frequent line IN THE WORLD. On it you can travel to Oxford Circus in just 19 mins (and always get a seat). Or get to Liverpool Street in 18 mins on the Overground.
Green open spaces
Waltham Forest has more green space than any other borough north of the Thames. We’ve got the sprawling Marshes, the Ponds and the Forest, not to mention dog and family-friendly parks scattered with playgrounds, outdoor gyms and picnic spots.
Family fun
There’s a reason families flock to Walthamstow – we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to fun kids’ activities, but Fellowship Square might be the icing on the cake with its all-singing, all-dancing splashtastic fountain.
Schools
Walthamstow Primaries with the highest Ofsted rating include Barclay, St Mary’s CofE and South Grove, while secondaries Frederick Bremer, Walthamstow Academy are ‘good’, and Walthamstow School for Girls ‘outstanding’. Top marks, Walthamstow schools.
Art & Culture
Waltham Forest was the first ever Mayor’s London Borough of Culture in 2019, which regenerated the local creative community. But Walthamstow has actually nurtured a lively arts scene for decades, with international names such as Grayson Perry and Peter Blake having worked on their craft here.
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Whether you’re thinking of buying or selling your first home, or just want to say hello.
Contact Us
Phone: 020 3397 9797
Email: hello17@stowbrothers.com