From hidden-gems to places to people-watch, from bookshops to beauty spots – The Five at Five offers some post-lockdown inspiration that celebrates the independents.
This week’s selection has been curated by the founder of London Terrariums, Emma Sibley, who highlights her favourite spots that inspire and intrigue.
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Sibley’s fauna fantasy began in 2014, when she felt her passion for gardening was going to waste, due to not having a garden in London — a common predicament in the capital. Fast forward to 2021, and Sibley and her team find pride and joy in teaching other Londoners how to create these miniature gardens.
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FOR FOOD
Italo deli in Vauxhall is incredible for a hangover-brunch in the sun. There are only a few tables outside so you have to be lucky to grab a good spot, but the food is so worth it and you literally feel like you are on holiday — not minutes away from the mad busy Vauxhall roundabout.
It’s a family run business and always makes you feel like it’s a family run business… like you’re always welcome. It’s nice to have seen them grow and achieve their accolades over the years.
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FOR PEOPLE-WATCHING
Borough Market on the weekend... I love watching the fruit and veg guys who have been trading for generations there. We have been spending a lot of time there recently — it really is one of my favourite places.
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FOR BOOKS
Artwords on Broadway Market is always worth travelling North of the River for. I first came across this bookshop at The Plant Magazine launch 8 years ago; a wonderful selection of design books as well as newly released fiction, you will always find a gem to take home.
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FOR WELLNESS
Yo Kesh, a tiny one-lady-nail-bar tucked away in Holdrons Arcade in Peckham — I spend so much time on Keshia’s Insta page, her nail art is insane!
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FOR SHOPPING
London, definitely. It is full of the most incredible independent stores, even though I live here, I still always stumble on a shop that has just popped up that I haven’t seen before. I live in Nunhead and one of my favourite local stores is called Alkemi — it’s my go to for gifts for friends and Korean homeware gems.