Street Spotlight: Walthamstow High Street

Walthamstow keeps making headlines for being one of London’s last affordable neighbourhoods. But while everyone talks about Walthamstow Village with its pretty houses and chic boutiques, we’re shining the spotlight on the area’s humble high street.

It’s heaven for foodies: there are no fewer than three fishmongers and butchers here alone, as well as supermarkets devoted to Polish, Caribbean, Iranian and Oriental foods. There’s a good old fashioned pie and mash shop and plenty of cafes serving Italian, Lebanese and Moroccan food, with some of them putting tables on the road in warm weather, continental-style. Then of course there’s the lively market, the longest in London (also rumoured to be the longest in Europe). There are flavours from all over the globe on this old school British high street, where small businesses far outnumber chains.

Windmill Tapas
Family-run, all day restaurant offering Portuguese tapas. There’s seafood, feijoada (the classic Portuguese stew with meat and black beans) and moreish custard tarts. Prices are low (around £15 a head on average) and you can take your own wine.

HR Parsons
Butchers selling quality British beef, pork and lamb as well as salt beef, trotters and oxtail.

International Supermarket
Fruit and veg, olives, cheeses, meats, spices, nuts and herbs from Middle Eastern, Eastern European and Mediterranean countries. Best of all, it’s much cheaper than at supermarkets.

Ye Old Rose and Crown
Just a few minutes away from the high street you’ll find this pub and theatre venue, which hosts live music, performances and comedy (Alan Carr has performed here in the past). They do Sunday roasts and there are frequent foodie pop-ups, while their selection of beer has earned them the accolade of East London Pub of the Year.

L Manze
Nothing says East End like pie and mash shop, which is exactly what L Manze is. They also do that traditional cockney delicacy no one eats anymore: jellied eels. Opened in 1929, last year it was awarded Grade II listed status thanks to its beautiful art deco interior, which remains true to its original design.

William Morris Gallery
The former home of the founder of the British Arts and Crafts movement is now a museum housing his paintings, furniture and ceramics.

Walthamstow Market
London’s longest market sells food, bric-a-brac, clothes, books, clothing and household products. It’s busy, loud, and great for bargains.