The Columbia Road Flower Market is the perfect Sunday morning – for me anyway. Flower girl that I am, it is what lures me over to this part of London time and time again.  Flowers, plants atmosphere come rain or shine! I enjoy the early start to because I like to pick and choose my plants, I love a choice. There are advantages to going to Columbia Road later in the day. The little independent shops that line the streets behind the flower stands are all open. The choice of plants may have gone, but if you stay the course, I am reliably told you can get the better discounts at the end of the days trading. So it’s a win win! Here are my highlights for a Day Out in Columbia Road.

Eating at Columbia Road Flower Market

Coffee:

Start Space: Grab a coffee & croissant here, they seem to open the earliest. This is a tiny little doorway service, as you walk down towards the bottom end of Columbia Road.
Lily Vanilli Bakery: In the Courtyard for a truly delicious sausage role, and tea cakes to go home with – an absolute must.
Pavilion Bakery: On Columbia Road. Great coffee, bread & croissants

Brunch:

Street food stalls should be your first choice if you are staying put, some are organic, some not.
Clerkenwell Grind : I often stop here on my way home.  I am usually the first one in at 9.30am Cool vibes, delicious coffee, juices and the best scrambled eggs
The Modern Pantry in St John’s Square. They do a fantastic brunch menu, excellent value.
Bourne & Hollingsworth in Clerkenwell. Known for brunch. Definitely book.

Lunch:

Campania is delicious, but it gets very busy. Cosy Italian, on warm days tables are outside, there are buskers entertaining everyone. It is idyllic although Sundays are very busy.

Pubs:

Royal Oak and Birdhouse.  These are the two on Columbia Road. I haven’t been to either, only because I go so early. That’s not to say a beer doesn’t go down a treat for the boys as the girls find their flowers.

Shops

Columbia Road Flower Market is also home to some gorgeous little independent shops, that all support the flower market. They open about 10am, some not until 11am.  If you want to spend the day and get plants, think about it as you plan your morning. If you just want to enjoy the shops, Saturday is a wonderful day to explore without the same hussle and bussle of the flowers. Both are very different days, equally wonderful. Try not to miss my favourites Columbia Road MAP

Angela Flanders : Artisan perfumer, that is a hidden gem for those that love flowers, scents & beautiful things. As she says ‘A drop of magic in every bottle‘.
Mason & Painter: Has designed in collaboration with the Natural History Museum a beautiful selection of mugs and home-wear. They also sell the best scented Rosemary candle, amongst the many other little vintage finds you stumble across.
In Bloom: Beautiful bottles, vases & all things flower related.
Maia : Beautiful original jewellery.  Everyone needs to pop their head into her shop, there is something for everyone.
Colbert Studio : Fun fantastic quirky art. When I last went in the entire shop was covered in foil with neon lighting!

LLW tips:

If you are buying plants, take an IKEA bag or similar to put them all in. If you can, drive and find a yellow line just outside the zone, and walk. Sunday parking restrictions are seriously enforced – be warned!

Verdict:

She said: I love it. I love the atmosphere of the flower market, and I enjoy getting up early to go.
He said: I come as a labour of love for you, but I wouldn’t come on my own. I look forward to breakfast, and then brunch!
Teens said: Not interested in getting up that early!