On Sunday’s from 8 am hoards of young and old, the hipster and the hippy, descend on Columbia Road flower market in EC2 this fairly narrow street lined with flower traders. This is a “3 bunches for a tenner” type of market in easy walking distance from Hoxton and Shoreditch High Street Stations.
The stock is largely seasonal; peonies are the current flower of choice as it is May. There is a fantastic range of herbs, plants, shrubs and trees too. It isn’t a wholesale market like New Covent Garden but plenty of inspiration abounds. I am sure that many a vase will be dusted off and many a bunch of flowers given – as a result of the morning’s excursion.
Tired of flowers? Behind the traders are some quirky shops; generally fuelling the economy for anything vintage but cute nonetheless.
Once you’ve fought your way though all the Ikea bags filled with bedding plants the weary on a sunny day head to the Courtyard on Ezra Street. Don’t worry about trying to find a seat in a cafe, as the pavement seats the masses. Sunday flower hunters rest up with a coffee a bagel or a jam doughnut from Jones Dairy and if you are lucky enough enjoy the band.
