Exploring Where I Live – Northcote Road

23 February 2014

Connecting with a New London Community / 28 Days of Kindness (Day 22)

At almost 10 months in London, this city’s certainly full of life, variety and deliciousness – and loves to keep me busy! When I’m not busy creating stuff on the computer at work and at home, I try to discover new places and eateries London has to offer. (on Day 22) I decided to pop over to Northcote Road at Clapham Junction (Battersea, London) – an area I’d not been before but had heard great things from friends and blogs.

I discovered a fantastic range of market stalls and quirky carts nested on the pavement of the popular road selling all sorts of things, from artisan breads, cheeses, fruit and veg, flowers, clothes and other whimsical crafts – the kind of stalls you’ll find similar to those you’d expect in Borough Market. I stumbled across Breadstall ~ (supposedly) offering some of the BEST sausage rolls in London as recommended by the Evening Standard. Well, I couldn’t resist not trying one…

Northcote Road is a great asset to the locals, oozing with variety and choice (without the overpriced and pretentious flair). Whether it’s an immediate snack or ingredients for an evening meal, you won’t be disappointed here. Continuing my love for real bread, I also came across Aux Merveilleux de Fred (55 Northcote Rd). Take a peek through their huge windows, and a magical world awaits! This Parisian bakery makes the Merveilleux, a combo of flavourful whipped creams, meringue and chocolate shavings – available in small and large sizes. Don’t forget to try the cramique too, it’s a sugary brioche also typical of Northern France. The bakery is more of a takeaway place, there weren’t any tables and chairs so you would have to stand and eat if you’re like me who wouldn’t have the patience to put them in a box to take home!

Pop over to the Breadstall, selling more than just your average sausage rolls – offering fresh pizza (that all smelled delicious!), pastries, comfort cakes and a huge selection of baguettes. All of which were reasonably priced and served by friendly faces. And while you’re not stall hopping, you can enjoy the cafes, bars and restaurants that are crammed on Northcote Road. I ended the day with a coffee and bagel stop at Brew (45 Northcote Rd). It felt nice to take time out to discover somewhere new in the city where I live and work. Northcote Road creates a distinctive shopping experience, featuring different products, as well as keeping traditional local and multi-cultural products and services alive.

Northcote Road market runs Monday to Saturday at 9.00am – 5.00pm.

(Illustration and photos by Cindy Cheung)

Missie Cindz