Area Guides
A vibrant and diverse corner of East London, this culturally rich neighbourhood is known for its creativity, history and charm.
Acknowledged as a popular destination for both visiting and residing, most recently, Blackhorse Road was voted as one of “The Best Places to Go in the UK and Ireland in 2024” by Condé Nast Traveller. Also, Wood Street was named one of “Britain’s 50 Best Streets to Live On” by The Telegraph.
You forget you’re in London with the beautiful green spaces that Walthamstow has to offer. Walthamstow Wetlands has stunning views and unique wildlife while Epping Forest offers 8,000 acres of space to explore.
Walthamstow is also home to the world’s largest collection of William Morris’s work, making the William Morris Gallery a must-see. Also for an experience like no other, you can visit “Neon Paradise”, God’s Own Junkyard.
From independent cafes and shops to craft breweries and green spaces, you’ll find a unique blend of community spirit and enthusiasm for “Awsomestow”.
Crate
35 St James St, London E17 7FY and 17&Central, Selborne Rd, London E17 7JR
It’s a box park. No, we didn’t know what one was either before Crate opened, but we do now and we love it! Home to a multitude of small businesses, it’s even got it’s own bar. Seriously, what’s not to like?!
The Kitchen
41 Orford Road, London E17 9NL
The owners’ vision for The Kitchen was that it should have a warm, cosy and welcoming atmosphere and serve food of the highest quality. Guess what – you’ve nailed it guys!
Sodo Pizza
21-23 Hatherley Mews, Walthamstow E17 4QP
Tucked down a cobbled mews, just off Hoe Street, this fantastic restaurant serves some of the best pizzas in East London. Try the Jon Bon Chovy – it’s one of our all-time faves!
Orford Tapas Saloon Bar and Deli
32 Orford Road, London E17 9NJ
As Time Out wrote “A little piece of Spain in the heart of Walthamstow”. And who are we to argue with Time Out?! Great food, great ambiance, and lovely staff – enough said!
Yard Sale Pizza
15 Hoe Street, London E17 4SD
Housed in an old glass factory on Hoe Street, this is an awesome pizzeria, whether you be carnivore, vegetarian, or vegan. Try the Mr Lava Lava – it’s a vegan delight!
Peeld
69 Orford Road, London E17 9NJ
This restaurant’s mission is to provide healthy food for everyone and boy does it deliver! Delicious and nutritious poke and acai bowls are there specialty, and once you’ve tried them you’ll be hooked!
Eat 17
28-30 Orford Road, London E17 9NJ
The original and still the best, this amazing restaurant has been a fixture on Orford Road for as long as we can remember. Whether you’re celebrating a special day or having a romantic meal for two, this is the place.
Bargo
57 Orford Road, London E17 9NJ
A sophisticated social space, this brilliant bar-cum-restaurant is one of the latest additions to Orford Road but has already cemented its place in E17’s affections. The place to go for exceptional cocktails.
Hollow Pond
Whipps Cross Road, Leytonstone, London E11 1NP
If you fancy going all Wind in the Willows and “messing about in a boat”, then this is the place for you. Hire a row boat in the summer and take a trip across the water, maybe with an ice cream in hand!
Walthamstow Marshes
Lea Bridge Road, London E10 7QL
This internationally important nature reserve is the largest of its type in Europe, providing shelter for a wide range of wildlife. Explore its vast 211 hectares, and when you’re done, pop into the Engine House café for a cuppa.
St James Park
121 Hartington Road, London E17 8AS
Large expanses of lawn make this the perfect spot for a kick around with the kids, or for a summer picnic.
Lloyd Park
Forest Road, London E17 4PP
Home to the award winning William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park is a mix of formal gardens and large lawns – the perfect spot for a summer picnic. Check out the café in the Gallery too – it’s great
Ye olde Rose & Crown
53 Hoe Street, London E17 4SA
An award winning theatre pub located on Hoe Street. Whatever it is you love – be it beer, community, friendly people or music and theatre – you’ll find it here.
The Flowerpot Walthamstow
128 Wood Street, London E17 3HX
The writer can still remember the bitter tears falling into his pint in this pub when England lost to West Germany at Italia ‘90. But don’t let that put you off – The Flower Pot is a fantastic old style boozer, a staple of Wood Street.
The Nags Head
9 Orford Road, London E17 9LP
A traditional pub, set at the St Mary’s end of Orford Road, it has one of the best beer gardens in E17, and often hosts a jazz band on a Sunday afternoon.
The Castle Pub
15 Grosvenor Rise E, London E17 9LB
Good food, good drink and a friendly welcome – what more could you possibly want from a local pub? A lovely beer garden maybe? Check! Try the beetroot and quinoa – it’s epic!
Fellowship Square & Fountain
Waltham Forest Town Hall, Forest Road, London E17 4JF
Located at Walthamstow Town Hall, Fellowship Square is part of the council’s programme to create a new neighbourhood and cultural hub, centred around the iconic fountain.
Lancasters Home & Garden Centre
Unit 2, The Old Station Yard, 186-188 Wood Street, London E17 3NZ
Located in the old goods yard of Wood Street station, Lancasters is a Walthamstow institution. A wide selection on plants and knowledgeable, friendly staff make this the place to go for all things horticultural.
Go GO golf at Crate
CRATE Walthamstow 45 Selborne Walk, London E17 7JR
A nine-hole mini golf course, inspired by all the natural treasures in the borough. Of course, it’s slightly silly, but isn’t that half the fun???
God’s Own Junkyard
Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street, London E17 9HQ
The only junkyard visible from space (not really…well, maybe), this is a neon-lit wonderland, where you can sip something cold whilst taking in the magic. Our top tip – take sunglasses!
Hometipple
34 Orford Road, London E17 9NJ
A bottle shop and bar par excellence, hometipple’s golden rule is “Is it delicious?” Well we’ve tried many a bottle from here, and we can confirm “yes – yes it is!”
