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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.