AIL Street Spotlight: Wilton Way

Wilton Way is rapidly becoming one of Hackney’s most interesting streets
AIL Street Spotlight: Wilton Way picture

Once upon a time east London and Hackney were not the creative hotspots that are today and the phrase ‘silicone roundabout’ was just a glint in the hip media’s eye. Things have changed though – for the better – and where once derelict shops haunted streets, thriving communities of independent shops and cafes have sprung up instead.

Laden with more community spirit than a school tea towel painted with a whole borough’s worth of faces, Wilton Way is rapidly becoming one of Hackney’s most interesting streets. Running adjacent to Graham Road, covering a distance between Mare Street and Queensbridge Road, leaves a lot of space to fill and where the ueber desirable neighbourhood housing ends, the awesome commercial inhabitants begin.

From coffee shops to cake cafes and pubs to vintage stores, all resting on the right side of independent. With room for expansion Wilton Way is only going to thrive. On top of its excellent street parties (definitely watch out for the street parties) here are a few places worth mentioning…

The Other Side of the Pillow

Heading for an individual store in the heart of Hackney might not seem time efficient for shopping, but in the vintage game you need to put the work in or else be satisfied with the Beyond Retro’s of this world. Not that there’s anything wrong with Beyond Retro – it’s great – it’s just that The Other Side of the Pillow is next level vintage. From Fisher Price record players to early Vans trainers and old sunglasses to some of the weirdest textiles you’ll find, it’s a Hackney original. Prices correspond with the difficulty that goes into finding the product but as every vintage enthusiast knows, a one-off is worth the dollar…

Toppers

Hairdresser to the stars of Wilton Way, Toppers is the newest addition to the neighbourhood street. At £45.00 for women and £35 for men, the prices are competitive, especially for the quality of the cuts. The stylish boutique is all Billie Holliday soundtrack and distressed plaster walls. So Hackney, so good.

London Fields Radio

It may be nestled inside the café Wilton’s but London Fields Radio deserves a mention in its own right. Programming a lineup of local music, art, film and entertainment shows, the station broadcasts live to the café and posts its podcasts online. For an insight into what makes the area tick you could do worse than plugging in.

Violet Cakes

When famed US pastry chef Claire Ptak left California restaurant Chez Panisse for London she brought with her a love for cakes. Having been part of the explosion in popularity of the whoopie pie, her brainchild Violet grew from Broadway Market stall to Wilton Way cake shop. Come for the ginger molasses, the cupcakes and best of all the whoopie pies.

The Prince George

So you’re in the area and thirsty, then head to the Prince George at the foot of Wilton Way for the fun of a great outdoor terrace, European beers and one of the best jukeboxes in London.

This article is connected to Wilton Way Cafe
Published Jul 31, 2012