Qype: Growing Life in London

London - Shopping - Garden Centres

Really unique little shop. Everyone I’ve mentioned it to immediately thinks of growing something dodgy in the bedroom closet, but, well, that’s enough said about that! What this shop specialises in is the means to grow plants hydroponically (in water rather than soil), and/or without natural light. The range of stock is actually larger than you might think and rather interesting, including different soil replacements, some nice seeds and a fish tank which grows plants in the top (fish fertilize the plants with their poo, plants put oxygen in the water for the fish). A lot of the stuff claims to be actually rather ‘green’ too.

Somewhere to visit if you are environmentally aware, a technology junkie, or looking for something cool for a dark corner of your top-priced Islington home. Quite a range of potential customers too then…
Check out my review of Growing Life - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Pavement Barrier in London

London

I recently wrote about a new barrier in Hackney, that seems to be intended to protect pedestrians from bikes, but is in fact resulting in people walking in the road. This one is probably less dangerous, but, if anything, sillier.

It’s situated in a pedestrianised side street that provides a nice cut through to Upper Street next to the Town Hall. What’s really clever is that in this case one side of the alley is marked as a bike lane. But whoever positioned this barrier put it across the lane, so the only (staggered of course) gaps are on the pedestrian side. So cyclists have no option but to go through the gaps for pedestrians…

The people who plan these things drive cars all the time don’t they?
Check out my review of Pavement Barrier - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Appetite in London

London

Part of recent updates to the buildings around Hackney Town Hall, this is opposite the rather ugly addition to Hackney Empire, nestled under the corner of new Museum building.

In the past I’ve gone in and decided against, feeling it a little pricey. I’m not sure if the prices have actually gone down, or I’ve just got a little richer and used to Islington prices… but they seemed fair on my last visit. They do a good range of fresh sandwiches (including paninis ready to be heated), salads etc. They range from £2 or so upwards. I went for a Chicken with lemon and spring onion. I was worried that the onion would be overpowering, but I’m glad to say it wasn’t. The taste was lovely and fresh, with the chicken holding it’s own.

They do have seating outside, though I don’t think the setting is exactly the most picturesque in London. Never mind, they do provide quality at reasonable value.
Check out my review of Appetite - I am moonrising - on Qype

Qype: Dominic Crinson in London

London - Home Services - Interior Designers

I don’t want to look at the prices… the ones I’ve glimpsed are scary… Oh well. This shop is just gorgeous. Fabulous and unusual tiles and wallpaper. The sort of place where one look through the window starts you planning a whole houseful of rooms around feature walls featuring the stuff… if I ever had the money. Some of it is crimson (notice that is not quite the name), but loads of other colours featured too. Influences from Indian glowing colours to modern cool. Great eye candy and window shopping… unless you can find the money for at least that feature wall!
Check out my review of Dominic Crinson - I am moonrising - on Qype