SHOPPING

Broadway Market once linked London Fields to Smithfields. Now, the only herds you’ll see are of the skinny-jeaned variety, thanks to Hackney’s recent evolution from marginal to fashionable. Locals come on Saturday morning for the farmers’ market: look out for the Spore Boys mushroom stall, terrific Italian cheese, smoked meats, pies, plus vintage and quirky fashion, accessories, babywear and books.

Open throughout the week are Black Truffle at no 74, for glamorous shoes and bags; top-drawer toyshop Buggies & Bikes at no 23 for children’s clothes; La Vie vintage and fashion boutique at no 18; the wonderful Broadway Bookshop at no 6; and hip knitting emporium Fabrications at no 7. You can eat Argentinian at Buen Ayre, prepared by chef John Patrick Rattagan (a Buenos Aires expat) at no 50 and pick up French and British deli treats at L’Eau à la Bouche at 49. The road is bookended by the gentrified Cat & Mutton pub, and F Cooke pie and mash shop, established in 1900 – truly a national treasure.

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