Walthamstow's once humble reputation as the end of the Victoria Line, and not much else, has in recent years transformed into one of the hottest neighbourhoods in London. House prices are on the rise, as are the number of hipster breweries and independent stores. People have gone from asking me "is it safe?" to if it's really worthy of all the hype...
I've been living in Walthamstow for eight years now, and have truly fallen in love with the neighbourhood I call home. Whilst there's certainly been elements of gentrification over the years, there's still a diverse community and local, traditional businesses, that make the area a real melting pot. It's also close to plenty of nature, with the marshes, wetlands, and Epping Forest all a short jaunt away. And of course, there's the "Village", a pocket of East London hipsterdom at its finest (but undeniably, quite nice...).
After living here for so long, I'd like to think I know the area pretty well. So I decided to put pen to paper (finger to keypad?) and write this local's guide to the best things to do in Walthamstow. I've included plenty of my favourite haunts, from activities to restaurants and bars, that make this vibrant neighbourhood so exciting.
I should flag that Walthamstow is a rather large neighbourhood. Whilst I know my little part of it (the St James St, Blackhorse Road area) pretty well, there are other parts such as Wood Street that I’ve yet to thoroughly explore. Hence this guide is slightly lighter on these parts - but that doesn’t mean they’ve not got plenty to do too! I promise to make it my mission to explore further afield and update this guide with lots more Walthamstow things to do when I can.
Walthamstow 101
How long to spend in Walthamstow: Whilst you won't be able to see everything, Walthamstow makes for an excellent London day or half day trip. See a sight or two, grab lunch, or explore in the evening to discover the popular drinking and entertainment scene. A lot of activities are Friday-Sunday, so I'd recommend a weekend visit to get the most out of your time.
How to get to Walthamstow: Walthamstow is served by a number of tube and overground lines, making it easy to get to from other parts of London. The Victoria Line runs into Blackhorse Road and Walthamstow Central. The Overground from Liverpool Street stops in at Wood Street, Walthamstow Central, and St James Street.
Getting around Walthamstow: Walthamstow is a large neighbourhood, so I'd generally recommend picking an area you want to explore, and discovering it on foot. However, if you want to see it all, there's plenty of local buses - though they tend to spend a lot of time stuck in traffic!
Top 5 Things To Do in Walthamstow: Ogle the neon lights at God's Own Junkyard, catch an event at Big Penny, Soho Theatre, or the Trades Hall, drink your way through the local breweries of Blackhorse Beer Mile, Dine in a denim factory or disused tube carriage, and discover the green spaces of the Marshes and Wetlands.
Things to do in Walthamstow
God's Own Junkyard
Of all the things to do in Walthamstow, this is arguably the one that most entices people to take the trip. God's Own Junkyard is a fascinating neon light art museum housed in an industrial estate. The collection 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. 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.
William Morris Gallery
Walthamstow has a fair few claims to fame. The legendary horror director Alfred Hitchcock called the neighbourhood home, David Beckham and Harry Kane both cut their teeth at local youth team Ridgeway Rovers, and Walthamstow residents E17 were one hit wonders in 1994 with "Stay Another Day". However one of the famous names we’re most proud of is arts and crafts era designer William Morris. Known for his whimsical floral and nature prints, you’ll almost certainly have come across his work on carpets, cushions, and other soft furnishings at some point. Morris’s old home has been converted into the William Morris Gallery, showcasing the designer’s heritage and history. It’s well worth a wander round to discover more about his work, as well as a number of temporary exhibitions exploring his legacy.
The William Morris Gallery is free and open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am to 5pm. On Saturdays, you'll find a street food market in the grounds between 10 and 4pm.
Big Penny Social
One of the best things about living in an area like Walthamstow is the sense of community - which can be hard to find in a big city like London. One of my favourite places to experience this is Big Penny Social, a multi-purpose bar, restaurant, and events space on Blackhorse Road.
It could easily fit into any of the sections this guide is divided into, as it really does it all. A cavernous space with two main halls and a sprawling outdoor beer garden, there’s always something happening at Big Penny. It’s honestly hard to try to condense everything they do into a couple of paragraphs!
I’ve been here for Halloween parties, football tournament viewings, flea markets (see below), and Christmas pub quizzes. When there’s not anything on (a rarity), it’s a good spot for remote working during the week, or bustling with locals and families hanging out on the weekends. Oh, and it’s a pretty decent spot for a meal too. I’d recommend signing up to the newsletter to keep abreast of the many happenings, or just pop down for a drink and a natter!
Walthamstow Flea Market
One of my favourite things to do in Walthamstow is the Walthamstow Flea Market at the aforementioned Big Penny Social. Over 60 stalls take up the outside and inside spaces of the venue, stocking antiques and vintage finds. There's a bit of everything - homeware, furniture, clothes and accessories. I've picked up vases, wall prints, and more in the past. Fans of mid century modern and 70s homeware aesthetics in particular will find plenty of interest. In my opinion prices are fairly steep for second hand, however you can usually haggle some. Even if you're not looking to buy, it can be a fun way to while away an afternoon - and dog spot the many cute pooches!
It's usually on a Sunday between 11-5pm, however it's not regular as it moves around London venues. Entry is £2 per person, card accepted. I recommend arriving fairly early - in Summer the queue to enter can get quite long. If you've missed the Walthamstow event, they also have markets in nearby Hackney and Stratford.
Walthamstow Village
Walthamstow's hipster status is really cemented in the "Village", a picturesque neighbourhood just beyond Walthamstow Central. At it's heart is Orford Road, where you'll find a slew of stylish boutiques and family friendly gastropubs. It's also home to about the fanciest Spar around, stocked with all sorts of independent brands and local produce at somewhat eye-watering prices. At the back, London brunch institution Good Egg have an outpost, serving up Middle Eastern shakshukas and mezze dishes. A few other honourable mentions? Orford Road fish and chips, The W Store (it took all my willpower not to buy all the things from this gorgeous clothing and gift shop), and The Nags Head. Combine your Village wander with a visit to nearby Ravenswood Industrial Estate (see drinking, below).
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Walthamstow Village
Explore the Marshes and Wetlands
Though it's only 20 minutes into central London, Walthamstow's proximity to nature makes it feels more suburban. In the Blackhorse Road / St James Street area, you'll find The Wetlands nature reserve, and the neighbouring Walthamstow Marshes.
The Wetlands is a wildlife reserve and site of a Thames Water reservoir. It recently opened up to the public, and has fast become a popular spot for walking, jogging, cycling and bird watching. There's a number of paths that meander round the reservoirs, leading you to the Engine House (now a popular cafe), and The Coppermill viewing tower.
Dogs are not allowed in the Wetlands so as not to disturb the wildlife. Opening times from October-March are 09:30am-4pm, and April - September 09:30am - 5pm.
The Marshes, on the other hand, are accessible 24/7, with a number of sprawling fields and picnic sites weaving down the River Lea. In Summer, you may spot grazing cows, or wander over to the Lee Valley Riding Centre to see the horses. The canalside route takes you down to Clapton, Hackney Wick, and even Stratford to the East. There's also a number of pubs and cafes on route. My go-to is The Princess of Wales, a lovely dog-friendly pub in Clapton sat on the canal.
Walthamstow Market
Walthamstow's main high street hosts the legendary Walthamstow Market, Europe's longest market, operational since 1885. Spanning from Walthamstow Central down to St James Street station, it's a kilometre stretch of stalls selling everything from textiles and clothing to plants and street food. On the weekends, the stretch nearest Walthamstow Central hosts a farmers market, with fresh dairy, breads, and butchers cuts.
Read More: Explore my London Area Guides
Restaurants in Walthamstow
Slow Burn
If Walthamstow is the new hipster enclave of East London, it needs a suitably hip dining experience. Enter Slow Burn, a veggie focussed restaurant on Blackhorse Road. Nothing weird about that, you say. But what makes Slow Burn so unique is its location, within a working denim atelier. Workbenches are turned into dining tables, surrounded by sewing machines and fabric scraps.
The regularly changing menu itself is packed with fresh ingredients across a broad spectrum of cuisines. Though it’s predominantly vegetarian, there are also a few meat and fish dishes. It’s designed to be shared, ideally with a rather lovely cocktail to wash it down. I've visited countless times now and the menu is always different, and always innovative. On my most recent visit that included cauliflower fritters, Cornish octopus, and a particularly delightful oxtail loaded rosti. You do occasionally get the odd miss, but more often that not you're rewarded by clever pairings and complex flavours.
Slow Burn is definitely one of the quirkiest of Walthamstow dining experiences, but even without the charm of a unique location, the food is more than enough to recommend a visit.
Slow Burn is open Friday evenings, and weekends from 12pm. I'd recommend arriving early or booking ahead, particularly if you're a big group.
Walthamstow Supper Club
If you’re nonplussed by the thought of dining in a denim factory, let me do you one better. Walthamstow Supper Club is a dining experience hidden in the grounds of the Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum, set upon an old tube carriage. It's one of those perfect "impress your date" destinations, as they've managed to make what is usually a stuffy, claustrophobic affair (rush hour on the Victoria line, anyone?), rather intimate, and even possibly romantic. There's a communal dining table if you're down to make friends, or book a private table if you really want to woo.
At the helm is Chef Bea, hailing from Colombia. However she's honed her culinary skills across South America, bringing a fusion of vibrant Latin flavours to this sleepy Walthamstow backstreet. The regularly evolving menu pairs locally sourced British seasonal produce with classics such as ceviche tostadas and empanadas. We were particularly enamoured by "Kapchi", a potato pavé with mushrooms, and the dessert of "Bananos Calados", a mosaic of decadently caramelised bananas with aguardiente, corn and orange cake, and a moreish coconut ice cream.
There's either a 4 or 6 course tasting menu available. I did the latter, and it was perfectly proportioned. For once, I wasn't waddling home after a tasting menu! At time of writing these are £57 for 4 courses, or £73/£79 (private seating) for 6 per person.
It's easily one of the most memorable and unique things to do in Walthamstow.
Crate
First off, I should clarify that Walthamstow is home to two Crates. There’s St James Street, a quintessential London shipping container complex filled with local businesses and street food vendors. Then there’s the rather swish new Crate Walthamstow Central in the Mall on the High Street, which houses bars, street food, and a kids play area.
Personally I’ve spent more time at the former, purely because it’s closer to me and been open longer. It’s a great spot in summer to hang out with friends when the weather is nice, grabbing beers and street food from the regular changing vendors. Look out for community events being held in the space too, such as Tai Chi and Bollywood Dance classes, Drag Queen pub quizzes, and even Baby Ballet!
Pizza in Walthamstow
Because I couldn't pick just one, here's a few favourite go-to pizza spots in Walthamstow:
- Sodo Pizza: A favourite pizza spot of mine, with 5 branches around London. My go-to is the Wicker Man - pepperoni, nduja, mascarpone, and chilli honey. You can get a takeaway, or visit their atmospheric restaurant just off Hoe Street.
- Yard Sale Pizza: Yard Sale isn't exclusively Stow based, however it is my default when I fancy a takeaway pizza. They have an excellent range of pizzas in normal and sharing sizes, as well as fun monthly collaborations with London legends such as Tayyabs, Ottolenghi, and more.
- True Craft: True Craft is a laidback pizza and craft beer spot with local roots just opposite St James Street station. I haven't actually eaten here yet, but every time I walk past I tell myself I should!
- Italian Bakery: Full review further down, but this lovely bakery serves up a mean pizza with weekly specials.
- It's Not Big Dough: This Neapolitan style pizza cart sits in the entrance to Pretty Decent Beer Co of Blackhorse Beer Mile from Wednesday to Sunday, serving up unique flavour combinations and monthly specials (pictured).
Taro
The L Manze pie and mash shop on Walthamstow High Street is one of those local institutions. With retro exterior signage and classic tiled booths, the Grade II listed building is a real Walthamstow icon. So, when the shop itself closed, there was real concern for what would happen to it. Thankfully, it's in good hands with Taro, a popular London brand of noodle and sushi bars. There's less jellied eels, more steaming bowls of ramen, bento boxes, and sushi rolls that look like miniature works of art.
The menu is so vast, you could easily visit countless times and never order the same dish twice. But you'd be remiss to skip their gyoza, plump and perfectly formed with a crispy base. Sushi is another must, but here, you're spoiled for choice. The standouts are the Chef's special rolls, which are as picturesque as they are tasty.
If you're overwhelmed by the choice of ramens, noodles, and rice dishes, I'd recommend the Tantan Ramen. Spicy ground pork sits atop a bed of noodles, in a creamy, nutty peanut sauce. It's warming, hearty, and so moreish you'll find yourself slurping up every drop. If miraculously, you still have room? The matcha cheesecake made me seriously question my previous aversion to matcha, it was that good.
Read More: 10 Best Restaurants in Walthamstow
Walthamstow Cafes and Bakeries
Weird Dough
Working from home, I often get bored and decide to take myself for a walk. And more often than not, that walk tends to take me to local bakery Weirdough for a cheeky little pastry treat (because I definitely deserved a treat after sending a whole two emails..). It’s one of those spots that’s buzzing with people on a late Sunday morning, picking up their coffees and croissants after a walk around the wetlands.
The croissants come in a range of both sweet and savoury fillings, but there's also various other pastry sweet treats, sandwiches and baguettes. My current favourite is a particularly decadent chocolate and vanilla pain suisse, and their oozingly chocolatey salted caramel cookies. I’m also a big fan of their focaccia, which I love to buy and fill up with cheeses and meats picked up at the nearby artisan shop at Crate when I’m feeling bougie. Great, now I’m craving focaccia…
*These pictures are actually of their old venue, but they've recently moved to a larger space across the road. With plenty of indoor seating and an outdoor garden, it's a big upgrade!
Italian Bakery
This lovely Italian Bakery (yep, it does what it says on the tin) used to be at Crate St James Street, but recently moved to a bigger space up on Forest Road. It’s full of delicious Italian produce, including meats and cheeses, olive oils, wines, and jars of delicious looking pastes and sauces. Oh, and cannolis. And a rather delicious pistachio tiramisu. All the good things!
The Italian Bakery serves up a breakfast and lunch menu, which I have yet to try - so do report back if you go. They also do pizza which is available for takeaway, and definitely one of the better pizza takeaway options in the neighbourhood (trust me, I’ve tried em all!).
Buhler and Co
My favourite breakfast / brunch place in Walthamstow is Bühler & Co. The menu focuses on international fusion dishes - think banh mi bagels, and Indian infused full breakfasts. It's also entirely vegetarian. I'm a big fan of a bacon breakfast, so for it to be my favourite, you know it's good! There's also grab and go sweet treats, or order from their cocktail menu for a boozy brunch. Bühler & Co is not too far from the William Morris Gallery and Lloyd Park, so consider combining them for a lovely Walthamstow morning!
Dudley's
Wood Street cafe Dudley's is a bit of a Walthamstow staple. The thing here is brunch, with an all day menu showcasing twists on classic dishes. The cheese toastie comes loaded with kimchi, whilst the french toast is lavished with pecan cream and raspberry honey butter. I chose to try the "Mrs Patricia" with bacon, a sort of eggs benedict on toast, with gooey soft poached eggs and crispy thick cut rashers. It's a popular spot, particularly on weekends, for coffee and catch ups. They also do yoga and live music events, so keep an eye out for listings.
Read More: The Most Beautiful Restaurants in London
Drinking, Nightlife, and Entertainment in Walthamstow
Blackhorse Beer Mile
Because you’re not properly hipster unless you have your own beer mile, right? With many, many breweries popping up over the years, Walthamstow is giving Bermondsey a run for its money with our own bar crawl of breweries along the Blackhorse Beer Mile. If you’re thinking, ugh, beer, never fear, there’s also a winery and a brandy distillery, plus most of the venues also do softs, cocktails, and food. Our favourites are the aforementioned Big Penny, Burnt Faith, Exale (pictured, and which has a regularly changing street food residency), and Renegade Winery (which has a full blown food menu we have yet to try, and if you’re lucky, you might just catch a magic show…). See the full Blackhorse Beer Mile lineup on my Google Maps list here.
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.
Walthamstow Trades Hall
I should disclose that we’ve never actually made it to Walthamstow Trades Hall, however if the hype on our community Facebook Group “Walthamstow Life” is to be believed, it’s the place to be. The Trades Hall is a community and events space similar to Big Penny, with regular gig and club listings.
Soho Theatre
It was the announcement that Central London comedy stalwarts Soho Theatre were taking over an old cinema venue on Hoe Street that really cemented Walthamstow's "It" status. The theatre company's second outpost opened in the neighbourhood in 2025, with a lineup including plenty of famous names in British comedy, alongside drag acts, talks, and live music. It also hosts a number of community minded events, with a programme of workshops, classes, and kid's activities.
I'll admit I'd become quite attached to the old residents of the cinema, Mirth Marvel & Maud, which offered Sunday roasts and live events. Therefore I was somewhat sceptical, especially as the much lauded opening kept getting pushed back further and further. But I popped in recently, and I'll admit they've done a solid job redeveloping the space. And it's great to have such an esteemed entertainment venue within walking distance!
If you want to check out the Theatre without committing to a show, the site also boasts a cafe, bar, and serves up Indian street food from Curry On Naanstop.
Read More: Explore my full London Travel Guide
I hope this guide to the best things to do in Walthamstow has been helpful, and provided a starting point for your own Walthamstow adventures. As always, if you have any questions or recommendations please do pop them in the comments below. And do check back as I plan on keeping this post updated as I explore and get to know more of my wonderful local borough!
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