Indie Kids: Our Amazing Neighbours

For those of you who are familiar with our brand and ethos, you'll know that we're fiercely proud of our independent business status. In turn, we're massive cheerleaders of other independents. With our roots firmly set in Brighton's unique North Laine - home of the indie business - we thought we couldn't top our unique neighbours. But then we opened up at No. 41 on Islington's gorgeous Camden Passage and met an equally awesome bunch of retailers, eateries and businesses who are all doing it for themselves. While we absolutely love every single one of the shops that make Camden Passage what it is, we thought we'd big up and give a shout out to a few of our super faves...

SMUG

SMUG founder and owner Lizzie Evans (photo courtesy of www.ifeelsmug.com)

We're ENORMOUS fans of Sacndi chic, and if there's one person who's the queen of all things Scandi-tastic it's the lovely Lizzie Evans of SMUG at No. 13 Camden Passage. From Ferm furniture to geometric planters, bathroom accessories, soft furnishings and delicious ranges in stationery, we're kind of smug to call ourselves SMUG's neighbour. SMUG owner Lizzie also runs a schedule of exciting and creative workshops and classes - from brushlettering to Christmas wreaths - held by talented experts. 

Loop Knitting Shop

A sneak peek inside Loop (photo courtesy of www.loopknittingshop.com)

While we can't claim to be master knitters (in fact, we barely scrape beginner status!), we adore making things with our hands and certainly aspire to knitting something - one day. Our neighbours Loop at No. 15 Camden Passage specialise in all things yarn and wool, stocking a wide and varied range of specialty wools and knitting accessories. Everything about this shop yells cosy and homemade - we absolutely love it. 

The Wearer

The Wearer owner Rachel and her gorgeous shop (photo courtesy of www.thewearer.com)

We are in love - IN LOVE, we tell you - with this beautiful jewellery boutique, The Wearer is located just a little up the way at 2 Charlton Place. Owner Rachel curates an eccelectic range of bold, briliant and sometimes completely outrageous jewellery designs by contemporary movers and shakers in the jewellery world. In her own words "championing independent designers and jewellery with personality", you'll find everything from neat perspex and wooden geo pieces to yellow gold bird claws!

The Elk In The Woods

Inside restaurant The Elk in the Woods (photo courtesy of www.the-elk-in-the-woods.co.uk)

Our direct neighbours at Nos. 37 - 39 Camden Passage, The Elk in the Woods isn't just one of our favourite places to eat in the world - they're also our heroes! (They seriously helped us out with our canapes at our shop launch back in July: thank you, guys. You're the best.) As the name might suggest, there's something a little other-wordly cosy about The Elk in the Woods, with a menu that's actually out of this world altogether. We love their smokey bacon bloody mary, and their ash dusted goats cheese dish. Mmm...

The Breakfast Club

Inside The Breakfast Club, Angel (photo courtesy of www.thebreakfastclubcafes.com)

Okay, so we know that the legendary Breakfast Club cafe isn't exclusive to Camden Passage - they not long opened one of their 'cafs' up in Brighton after all - but we couldn't leave them off our list. Just down the passage at No. 31, queues to be seated at this place are a permanent fixture: indeed, it's a destination more than it is a 'stumble upon'. The reason it's such a mecca is that it's, well, damn good. Sample their famous 'bennies' (eggs benedict) menu or waffles - or hold out for dinner. They do a mean chilli.

Penhaligon's 

Inside Penhaligon's perfumery: an array of amazing scents and smells in a super traditional setting

We simply had to mention Penhaligon's, the world famous perfumery with a Royal seal of approval. Many people aren't aware that this glorious business has a premises just down the way from us at 112 Islington High Street. We always make sure we walk slowly passed this store on our way to Posh Totty Designs: the smells that eminate from Penhaligon's are intoxicating. We just wish we could afford a different bottle of their perfume for every day of the year. 

Are you familiar with the Islington area around Camden Passage? What are your favourite shops and businesses? Can you recommend places to eat that are tucked away or under the radar? What are your destination places on and around Angel? We'd love to know!