Cupcakes & Collectables

Discovering Crystal Palace's Best Independents

I recently moved to the quirky, characterful neighbourhood of Crystal Palace and have really enjoyed discovering the many fantastic independent retailers in the area.

My favourite place to take my friends when they visit is a coffee shop called Soulcialize - it’s completely charming and they sell the most amazing gluten, wheat and dairy-free cupcakes. I'm not wheat or dairy intolerant, just a serious cake-lover and I can happily declare them the tastiest cupcakes I've ever had.

Having indulged my sweet tooth, just a skip across the triangle of main streets is another favourite - Belle Coco. This treasure trove of vintage goodies is packed with amazing retro homewares and clothing. The last time I was there a 1940s back-lit cocktail bar refused to let me leave quietly. My boyfriend had to drag me away! Luckily, the tiny room downstairs full of vintage dresses, scarves, bags, hats and jackets was a good distraction. And here’s my favourite bit - they wrap all your purchases in tissue paper and Belle Coco-branded ribbon!

Lastly, my favourite place to spend a few hard-earned pounds (on smaller items that do fit in the house) is at Haynes Lane Market. It's not a place you'd easily stumble upon, but well worth seeking out. It's a wonderful emporium of retro clothes, jewellery, books, bric a brac and collectables; stuff no one really needs, but if you love these kinds of markets like I do then you'll want it all!

This lovely thing to do in London was kindly shared by Rachel Bull - fan of anything home-grown and editor of Live Urban Love Rural, an online magazine that shows readers how to live a rural lifestyle in the city.

Photo courtesy of Soulcialize.

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