13 Things to do in Walthamstow, London

All hail Awesomestow! Walthamstow is fast becoming an excellent, warm and friendly modern London community, with cat-friendly pubs, cheap and tasty tapas bars and inventive, accessible art galleries.  This is a part of the world that’s worth seeing, and quick, before the secret gets out! Here is our list of things to do in Walthamstow that we’re sure you’ll enjoy too!

1.  William Morris Gallery

The William Morris Gallery is the only public gallery devoted to the life and legacy of William Morris: designer, craftsman, socialist.  In keeping with the spirit of the local area the gallery contains work by Morris and other like-minded creators whose art contains the spirit of campaigning and good humour throughout.
Opening Times: Wednesday – Sunday 10am–5pm. Lloyd Park, Forest Road, Walthamstow, London, E17 4PP

2.  God’s Own Junkyard

One of the most unique, bizarre and wonderful places we’ve ever visited, GOJ is part art gallery, part museum, part thrift store, part antique show and entirely and excellently bonkers.  Located next to the Wild Card Brewery, this massive warehouse holds neon signs, B-movie figurines, twisted and arcane decorations and a whole host of other wonders.  Unless you’ve just picked Lord Sugar’s pocket you’re unlikely to be able to afford any of the pieces on show, so instead wander around open-mouthed at this garishly delightful collection.
Opening Times: Friday/Saturday – 11am to 9pm; Sunday – 11am to 6pm. Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall St, Walthamstow, London E17 9HQ

3.  Eat 17

A picture perfect, award-winning eatery in the heart of Walthamstow Village, we’ve not found anywhere better to kickstart our day.  The best value is at breakfast time with their “smash you in the chops” kippers and elegant smoked salmon and scrambled eggs.  If you want to treat yourself, you can enjoy a starter, main and a glass of wine for £20 and then treat yourself to some ice cream provided by Gelupo – another Frugl favourite.
Opening Times: Monday–Friday Midday–3pm / 6pm–10pm; Saturday 10am–10pm; Sunday 10am–4pm. 28-30 Orford Rd, Walthamstow, London E17 9NJ

4.  Red Imp Comedy

Run by the hugely experienced, charming and funny Susan Murray, this regular comedy night is a hidden gem of the highest calibre.  Murray has used her years on the circuit to build up a little black book that is the envy of promoters around the capital, meaning that audiences can see legends like Omid Djalili and Barry Cryer, as well as rising stars like Sara Pascoe.
Ye Olde Rose and Crown Theatre Bar, 55 Hoe Street, Walthamstow, London, E17 4SA

5.  56 St.James

This brand new coffee shop also has broader and brighter ambitions beyond its very tasty brews and cakes.  As well as being the perfect work station for the self-employed and students, on Friday nights it slaps its special licence down on the table, waggles its eyebrows at you and then starts banging out cocktails with a gorgeous punch.
Opening Times: Wednesday – Thursday 9am- 6pm; Friday 9am – 4:30am; Saturday / Sunday 10am – 6pm. 56, St James’ Street, E17 7PE

6.  Wildcard Brewery

The next door neighbour of the equally excellent God’s Own Junkyard, the brewery has been pumping delicious beers into London pubs (and beyond) since moving their micro-brewery to this site in January 2014.  Backed by local supporters, the brewery is already doing its very best to liven up the area with beery beach parties, open mic nights and mini-music festivals.  Their tour and tasting is an absolute steal – £18 for the full Willy Wonka treatment plus 4 tasty half pints with food pairing.
Opening Times: Friday – 5pm – Midnight; Saturday 11am – Midnight; Sunday 11am – 11pm.  Unit 7, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street, Walthamstow, E17 9HQ

7.  Orford Saloon

Orford Street is at the heart of everything good that’s happening in the burgeoning Walthamstow Village, providing some Iberian sunshine on the border with Essex!  There’s a cornucopia of dishes available, none of which will test your wallet to the tune of more than £7, plus a rotating carousel of sumptuous special dishes.
Opening Times: Monday – Thursday 6pm – 10:30pm; Friday/Saturday Midday – 3pm / 6pm – 10:30pm; Sunday Midday – 9:30pm. 32 Orford Road, London E17 9NJ

8.  Stow Film Lounge

A celluloid willow-the-wisp, the Stow Film Lounge is a pop-up cinematic venue that inhabits a variety of venues around E17.  Taking in every genre from John Woo shoot-em-ups to Disney cartoons, the Lounge gives you the chance to watch cinematic classics and unlikely gems in unusual surroundings.

9.  Auro Rose Cakes

Every self-respecting up and coming part of London needs to have an indulgent cake shop if it wants to be taken seriously and Auro Rose hits all the right, sugary notes.  Nothing on the menu costs more than £6 and you can start with savoury treats like quiche and the inventive bocaditos on offer – Spanish style empanadas with fillings such as pulled pork, sugar cane and pineapple or manchego, basil and olives, before getting started on their delicious array of cakes.
Opening Times: Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 6pm. 84 Hoe St, Walthamstow, Greater London E17 4QS

10.  Le Delice in the Park

Located in the middle of the delightful Lloyd Park – which itself is packed full of sports courts, outdoor gyms, art exhibition spaces and a skate park – Le Delice is the perfect location for a mid-afternoon coffee or a quick tasty lunch, all at old-fashioned prices.  Big breakfasts come in at just a fiver and there’s also some wonderful invention on display with dishes such as a breakfast tagine or roast baby chicken with raspberry gravy!
Opening Times: Monday – Sunday 9am – 5pm.  Winns Terrace, Walthamstow, E17 5EQ

11.  Peppe’s Pizza

In East London some of the best deals you’ll get come out of the back of a van and Peppe’s is the best example of that…  Peppe has a mighty 28 years of pizza making to his name and will rustle up pizzas to order in his wood-fired oven.
Opening Times: Wednesday – Saturday from 6:30pm. Outside Ye Olde Rose and Crown.

12.  Bygga bo cafe

Walthamstow is such a proudly multicultural part of London that it’s sometimes easy to overlook the more understated contributors to that.  Bygga Bo brings a little slice of Stockholm to E17, providing efficiently made coffee with a thumping kick and also playing host to an array of Swedish food sellers, toy makers and lifestyle enhancers.
Opening Times: Wednesday – Friday 10am – 5pm; Saturday/Sunday 10am – 6pm. 8 Chingford Road, London E17 4PJ

13.  Manzes

A trip to Walthamstow wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this classic old-fashioned pie and mash shop.  It’s a joyous slice of an almost bygone London, complete with Victorian décor and the ever-present threat/delight (depending on taste…) of jellied eels!
Opening Times: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm. 76 High St, London E17 7LD
 
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