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I went to Columbia Road Flower Market for the first time last Sunday and I can’t believe that I’ve waited this long (shameful as I live in the same Borough as the market). If you’re in London it’s worth a visit. The flowers are beautiful and you can get a glimpse of a real East London Cockney trader. There are also plenty of cupcakes! It was much easier to get to than I’d anticipated. There is an Overground Station nearby but I was able to get the bus from Canary Wharf to Liverpool Street and then walked to the market.
I was surprised there were so many cupcakes considering that the Flower Market hardly spans two blocks. Columbia Road itself boasts a line of quirky shops and cafes that I think rival Portobello Road. It was also much less crowded than Notting Hill on a Sunday.
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Our first stop was the newly opened Lily Vanilli Bakery. Open on only Sunday, Lily offers a range of coffee and baked goods. My friend chose a brownie. She reported to me later that it was delicious. Some simple vanilla cupcakes were on offer with fruit toppings.
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Simple and delicious
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The cake was pure and simple. It was so soft I just wanted to use it as a pillow and sleep in it! She clearly “gets” what makes a good cake/cupcake and (seems to me) doesn’t sell them just because they’re popular.
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Second stop was Treacle, which was really cute inside. It was a shop with cutsey things for sale and the cupcakes are in a big case up front.
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They had some minis for £1 each. I got a chocolate. It had a nice flavor and was moist but after eating the Lily Vanilli cupcake it didn’t have that same wow factor.
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Nestled in the back of Vintage Heaven is a little cafe, The Cake Hole (see Vintage Heaven website). It was so busy we didn’t stop here but I think I saw a sign stating they have cupcakes from The Primrose Bakery.
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On the way home we stopped for lunch (in Spitalfields) at new retro fish n’ chip joint, Poppies. I’m not a fish expert but we really enjoyed it. The lemon sole I had was excellent. I prefer my chips a little more crispy but they were still good.
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Columbia Road is perfect for an afternoon adventure! I’m loving the little cactus I bought for my desk at work for £4. The little pink flowers cheer me up on long days.
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oh wow i am favoriting this post of yours so i can remember to check this place out next time i go to london i love flower markets and cupcakes to what more can you ask for lol
Columbia rd flower market is such a delightful visit and a Sunday must-do! I went just before Christmas and it was so festive and floral! Loved walking around with a steaming hot cup of chocolate and a bacon sandwich. Thank you for the cupcake recommendations!
I've been meaning to check out he market, you have me sold.
Columbia road is my favourite place to be on a Sunday. Great post.
I am not sure that I want my fiancee finding your blog. She has enough trouble with Oreos and other desserts from her job running a TGI Fridays in Taipei. And a mother who wants to plump her up.
Looks really interesting. I'm ashamed I've never been. We drove right past Columbia Rd this morning so I really have no excuse!
I love Columbia Rd. Flower Market
It was there where I tested my first cupcake!!!
and now Im trying to make some of them
Lots of kisses!!!xxxxx
http://www.la-cremedelacreme.blogspot.com
Sam, I'm ashamed that I've lived here 9 years and haven't been. 4 of them right in Tower Hamlets! It is worth going just to get some flowerly plates from Vintage Heaven!