If love is in the air this Valentine’s, shopping local is the sure-fire way to make a unique and meaningful gesture.
We know this day can be triggering- if that’s the case, we’re sorry – please scroll on! This article offers local inspiration for the romantics among us and there’s not a red rose in sight!
Please make a conscious choice to shop-local this Valentine’s; Stoke Newington’s independents would welcome your love!
First up – cards.
It's simple, it's affordable and even if you are not a fan of the commercial nature of Valentine's Day, sending a card to someone who means something to you is just a really nice thing to do.
The psychological benefits of greetings cards are well documented - the recipient feels more socially connected and less alone. Plus, research shows that being kind and generous leads to more a positive mood and less anxiety. Earlybird has a gorgeous selection – designed in-house and by other small UK businesses. And we love these bright, bold cards designed and sold by Rude on Nevill Road. Nook also has some stunning cards.
Flowers! Let’s face it, sending red roses is pretty uninspired. Evergreen and Outrageous have a stunning selection of roses (vibrant pinks and oranges) as well as hydrangeas and chrysanthemum. They’ll happily deliver locally.
Gifts
Jewellery
These lockets by Cult of Youth are simple and engraved with sentiments from: “I fucking love you” to “Love you to the Moon and Back.” They also offer gorgeous earrings. Metal Crumble has a beautiful range too and offers bespoke engraving on lockets, bracelets and more.
Headache? Pah! Tonica Lab offers a saucy “libido-lifting balm” (I’m not sure where you rub it!”) and a sensual aromatherapy spray called “Saucy Mood Mist.” Find these alongside indulgent bath salts at Know and Love.
Whether it’s special stationery, chocolate, candles or snuggly throws, Search and Rescue has lots to choose from. Or pop into The Ark on Stoke Newington High Street for fun mugs and quirky gifts.
The team at Stoke Newington Bookshop are always a brilliant source of gift inspiration – pop in and ask them for recommendations or check out their Instagram page.
As well as stocking a great range of champagnes and sparkling wines, Made in Little France now stock award-winning and ethical Land Chocolate (made in East London).
Experiences
Fire up the potters’ wheel and prepare to channel your inner Patrick Swayze and get your hands dirty - Lesley McShea offers ceramics courses from her Church St workshop.
Though the theme of this play isn’t particularly romantic – Tower Theatre has a production of Our Country’s Good (about the voyage of the first convicts travelling from England to Australia in 1787) on February 14th.
Eating out
Usually closed on Tuesdays, The Good Egg is staying open this February 14th with a Valentine’s menu – a sharing menu for two. Their brunch includes a special French toast with blood orange and honeycomb and the three-course evening set menu (£25 per person) includes a Batata and confit garlic mayo lamb shawarma with burnt aubergine.
Japanese restaurant Aun is also open with a set menu that looks incredible! Booking ahead essential.
Pop a cork or two and head to Escocesa where they’ll bust out the oysters!
The Eating Out page of the See you in Stokey website has plenty more inspiration.
Comments