Shoreditch

Columbia Road Flower Market and Shoreditch Street Art.

There is no better way to feel the presence of Spring than wandering through Columbia Road, Shoreditch’s Sunday flower market on the hottest afternoon in March. There was a strong scent of Jasmine drifting through the still air as the sun emerged from behind the last cloud - our skin suddenly seemed to glow! The folk music was also so lovely. As we weaved our way through the slow-moving swarm of bearded hipsters and stray yummy-mummys, we were easily seduced by flower sellers thursting scented roses into our midst. I bought a huge, cheerful fuchsia Azaelia plant to bring back to Bristol on the evening train. I later plonked the 2ft plant pot in the middle of the train’s shared table much to the astonishment of my fellow passengers when they eventually rose from their screens to investigate the aroma!

After indulging in sheets of artisan writing paper in the sweet little stationery shops lining Columbia Road we embarked on a search for East London’s best street art. My favourite find was the oddly moving image of Christ’s Madonna gazing down at a Banksy-esque stencilled soldier. As a painter myself, it was incredibly inspiring to watch a talented young artist up on his ladder, working on his graffiti against a factory wall.

We ate the most fabulous brunch at Andina, which is a super healthy Peruvian kitchen serving everything from purple quinoa, maca and goldenberry porridge to beetroot and chilli Bloody Marys! One final duck into the Box for a peek at all of the funky - but sadly painfully over-priced - boutiques and concept shops and we were back on the road West.

 When you walk along the streets of Shoreditch past funky little barber shops, vegan cafes and vintage emporiums, there is an atmosphere, which seems to pulsate with creative energy. I feel very envious of the lifestyle, despite the fun I have back in the bohemian streets of Banksy’s birthplace - Bristol's Stokes Croft.