Experts in unearthing hidden gems, this doesn’t always just mean the sparkling variety. During this last year we’ve discovered a range of interesting and unique finds, from brands and spaces to culinary delights and experiences.
Here we share just some of our lockdown discoveries, including many local gems…
Simon…
Richmond Park – for early morning runs and fresh air with the family.
All Day Happy Mix on BBC Sounds App – whenever I have needed a ‘boost’ this has always got me back in the mood!
The pizzas from the Breadstall on Northcote Road are a firm favourite and not having to go indoors is a bonus.
Also a cheeky ice cream from Oddono’s on Northcote Road) always goes down well when the sun is shining!
And finally I have to give a mention to Pearsons, the No.1 bike shop in South West London and the oldest in the world!
Dream Ticket: I definitely dream of being at a test match at Lords with the constant hum of the crowd whilst watching the battle between bat and ball!
Emma…
Pintus Deli – in the summer it was our fave place for a takeaway aperol spritz and panini to enjoy on Clapham Common.
The Flower Stand on Northcote Road – their beautiful flowers brightened up our flat throughout lockdown.
Neal’s Nurseries in Wandsworth – our go to place for filling our home jungle.
Deli Boutique on St John’s Road – their delicious freshly baked bread, cakes, baguettes and pop-up deli of fresh produce were perfect for taking to the park in the summer. (They also sell lovely bottles of Provence Rose!)
Kat Coffee, down by the river in Wandsworth – we’d get our takeaway coffee whilst strolling along the river to Putney. We even came away with a houseplant once, from their little pop up plant stall.
Chalkboard, a family owned toy shop on Northcote Road – after seeing their videos on Instagram during lockdown 1 and 2 it was our first port of call when shopping for Christmas gifts. The husband and wife team were so helpful, giving us demos of the toys and great recommendations. We came away feeling we had such a personal and fun experience.
Minnow on Clapham Common – the best takeaway beef empanadas for refuelling after a walk, we also love the pretty floral shop front displays.
Dream Ticket: My dream ticket this year, all being well, would be to get the Eurostar to Paris for a long weekend away, finding inspiration for my paintings. My Grandma is also from Paris and I’ve never been!
Richard…
Tom Rooth – a former colleague at Christies, Tom is now an artist creating his own hand drawn ceramics with a great lockdown story – he also painted the mural on Northcote Road.
Butcher & Larder – Parents from my daughters’ school, they bravely started their own butcher/farm shop in 2020 with delicious produce!
Tierre Verde – Webb’s Road’s very own go to deli and grocer who have done an amazing job over the past 12 months.
Cupsmith – our friends’ lovely coffee roasting business, just perfect for great coffee and gifts.
St John Restaurant – our go to for a treat at home or a destination for when they reopen.
The Last Supper – a contemporary art gallery on Webb’s Road, they reframed several pictures for me in summer 2020 which look great.
An Dúlamán Gin – I was given a bottle as a gift during lockdown 1 and have been savouring every drop – you can taste everything about the environment they try and capture.
Dream Ticket: My dream ticket would have to be a weekend with Mrs W at The Newt in Somerset.
Feature image of Northcote Road by Tom Rooth