Traditionally known as "the fancy bit" of Walthamstow, Walthamstow Village has long been a hub of independent businesses and a great dining scene that has played a large part in transforming E17 from "up and coming" to "firmly arrived". Though the area's appeal has now expanded to nearby areas including Blackhorse Road and Wood Street, the Village's allure endures. At it's heart is Orford Road, with a slew of chic boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. It's home to all sorts - an aesthetic greengrocers, a bougie supermarket, even a Gails. But there's more to discover further afield, with a range of fun drinking destinations, and even the odd sight.
If you're looking for things to do in Walthamstow, I've compiled this guide to the area with a few of my favourite haunts. From a morning full English, to late night tipples, and plenty of exploring in between, read on for all the best things to do in Walthamstow Village.
Walthamstow Village 101
How to get to Walthamstow Village: The nearest train station is Walthamstow Central, which is 20 minute from Central London on the Victoria Line, or from Liverpool Street on the Weaver Line. From there, it's a short walk to the Village.
Getting around Walthamstow Village: Walthamstow Village is fairly compact, so it's very walkable! Most of the places listed in this guide are within roughly a ten minute walk of each other.
Why Visit Walthamstow Village: Quaint cafes, local pubs, and independent businesses make Walthamstow Village feel like a little pocket of, well, village life, a world away from the hectic streets of London. It's an escape from the hustle and bustle, without leaving the city.
Is Walthamstow Village Safe: Generally I've always felt very safe exploring Walthamstow Village, however like anywhere in London, it's best to be vigilant. Watch out for phone thieves, particularly on bikes, who will target main thoroughfares and stations.
Is Walthamstow Village a good place to live: I imagine a fair few of you have made it here because you're thinking of moving to the area, with popularity booming over the past few years. Walthamstow Village is generally considered one of the best areas to live in Walthamstow, with easy access to plenty of restaurants, cafes, and great transport infrastructure all a short walk away. This does in turn lead to premium house prices, but if you've got the budget, there are some beautiful residential streets with great period properties.
Things to do in Walthamstow Village
God's Own Junkyard
Sat on the fringes of Walthamstow Village is one of the most unique things to do in Walthamstow, if not all of London. God's Own Junkyard is a somewhat surreal, utterly enthralling neon light art museum housed in an industrial estate. The expansive collection of neon signs and art was owned by the late Chris Bracey, who started making neon signs for Soho sex shops, before moving into Hollywood. It's wacky and wonderful, with all sorts of signs from movie props to religious iconography, and plenty more. There's also a cafe on site, for a coffee in one of the most unique spots in town.
Walthamstow Central is the nearest tube station for God's Own Junkyard, and entry is free. Professional cameras are not allowed (so please excuse the phone snap!). The estate it's housed in (see Ravenswood, below) is also home to a couple of other bars / breweries, so it's a great spot to while away an afternoon.
Shopping on Orford Road
For a fairly small stretch of real estate, Orford Road packs in a decent number of shops. Most of these are small independent boutiques and gift stores, stocking all sorts of lovely (often locally sourced) products. Personally I can never resist popping in to The W Store whenever I'm in area, lured in by their chic homeware. Word Store is a sweet shop for children's clothing and toys - I don't even have children and I wanted to buy everything in the store!
Here On Earth is a surprisingly cavernous space, filled with beautiful, artsy gifts like wall art and ceramics. Stock up on beautifully illustrated cards and presents for loved ones. If you're an antiques enthusiast like myself, there's Finamore for all sorts of weird and wonderful second hand homeware pieces. Right next to Finamore is The Little Mandarin, which sells a range of illustrated cards, gifts, and a few sweet treats too.
You also can't overlook Eat17, one of the fanciest supermarkets you'll find in London. I just challenge you not to want to buy everything. If you want to treat yourself? They're known for their signature bacon jam!
The Ancient House
Walthamstow is home to one of the oldest houses in London, dubbed "The Ancient House". Just a stones throw away from the village high street, on the corner of Orford Road and Church Lane, the ancient Tudor building was believed to have been constructed around 1435. With restoration efforts in 1934 and 2001, it's remarkably well preserved, and now serves as residential dwellings. Am I jealous of who gets to live here? Absolutely yes.
Restaurants in Walthamstow Village
Good Egg
Over the years, whenever anyone asked me for a brunch recommendation in London, The Good Egg would invariably be on my list. Their Kingly Court, Soho branch, served me many, many, shakshukas over the years, and I was gutted when I found out they'd closed doors, back in 2023. Thankfully, they opened up right here in Walthamstow instead!
The Good Egg is a very welcome addition to the Village's restaurant scene, taking over a spot in Eat17. As well as their extensive Middle Eastern brunch menu (served till 4pm), they also serve pizzas from Proud Mary pizzeria, and an additional dinner menu from 5-8:30pm.
As for what to order? The aforementioned shakshuka, now in a green spinach and lentil form, and the babka french toast, optionally with smoked streaky bacon. Or go for one of their classic filled pittas - you really can't go wrong!
Ruffs Bistro
The sleek burnt orange exterior of Orford Saloon has housed various incarnations over the years. It's most recently opened as of late 2024 as Ruff's Bistro, a neighbourhood restaurant with a seasonal menu. I stopped by to try their breakfast and brunch menu, served till 12:30. It's not a menu that is shaking up the rule book, by any means, but offers a strong curation of breakfast staples. There's your full English, with vegetarian and vegan alternatives, eggs various ways, shakshuka and french toast. I alighted on the Eggs Benedict, because the combination of a perfect poach, and a well balanced hollandaise, is in my opinion the true test of a breakfast menu. Thankfully, we were solid on both counts, and I polished my eggs off post-haste.
Though it looks fairly compact, Ruff's is an unexpectedly large space, with further outdoor dining in the back. Staff are friendly and attentive - in fact, we even got a free Bucks fizz to celebrate the launch of the breakfast menu (and an easy way to keep me happy!). I have yet to try the regularly evolving lunch and dinner menu, however it sounds (and looks, from the Instagram stalking I've been doing) excellent. Think refined, modern British plates and beautifully presented classics. If you do try it, let me know.
Drinking in Walthamstow Village
Ravenswood Industrial Estate
The Ravenswood Industrial Estate sits at one end of Walthamstow Village, housing a number of breweries, distilleries, and more. It's biggest draw is arguably the aforementioned God's Own Junkyard, but once you've got your fill of ogling neon lights, you'll find plenty else to do. Namely, drinking beer from Pillars Brewery and The Real Al Co and Taproom. For gin aficionados, Mother's Ruin is Walthamstow's own gin distillery, turning into a cocktail bar on the weekend. There's also a regularly changing line up of street food vendors. You'll also find occasional events, such as Oktoberfest festivities, and a thrift market. Most of the outlets are only open Friday-Sunday, so make sure to check opening hours in advance.
Looking for more Walthamstow breweries? Check out my guide to the Blackhorse Beer Mile
The Nags Head
Walthamstow Village has a fair few pubs for a fairly compact area, from fancy gastropubs to classic East London boozers. One of it's most popular is The Nags Head on Orford Road. If the playful green and pink exteriors aren't enough to convince you, there's a regular schedule of events, including pub quizzes and live jazz. The insides are what one might describe as eclectic, with mismatched furniture, lots of framed photos, and even a resident cat or two.
I've not had the chance to eat here yet myself, but they serve pizzas during the week, with the addition of burgers from Walthamstow staple Baggio Burger from Thursday to Sunday.
It's particularly popular in Summer, with an outdoor seating area and vast alfresco beer garden. This is one to leave the kids at home for, as children aren't allowed inside the pub.
There's so much to do in Walthamstow, and the Village is the perfect starting point to getting to know one of London's most exciting neighbourhoods. I hope this guide has provided a solid starting point for exploring Walthamstow Village, and inspired you with plenty of things to do, see, and eat. If you check any of these out, do let me know. Or equally, if you have any further suggestions for my next Walthamstow Village day out, I would love to hear them!
