Columbia Road Flower Market

London can sometimes feel overwhelmingly urban and grey, especially towards the east where the City and its skyscrapers dominate. It is a rather pleasing antidote to wander Columbia Road Flower Market on a Sunday morning and take in the vibrant hues and heady scents.

Columbia Road becomes a hive of activity and good-natured bustle as locals mingle with visitors to find a boisterous barrow-boy announcing “everythin’ for a fiver” and select their bouquet, seeds, plants or herbs of choice.

The road is pedestrianised and lined with a fine array of wee boutique shops (no chains here), cafes and some excellent pubs. There is great coffee to be had as you roam and admire the displays, or grab a bacon roll (it’s the Trufflepig way…) as you investigate some of the nearby antique stores. It is also great for people-watching and often has impromptu dance or music performances.

Afterward, head down to the iconic Brick Lane and visit the local art galleries and stalls. Finish with a spicy curry and a pint to round off the day’s pleasure in London’s Bangladeshi community.

Anton spends his time wandering his home of London when he isn’t out researching the globe for Trufflepig travellers.