As the lift of lockdown two eases and our local businesses begin to open up their doors, the team at TLA have rounded up their favourite local independent stores, with everything from our most treasured French patisseries and leading Mexican lunch spots, to independent arts and cultural hubs and the artisans paradise that is Borough Market.
This year, now more than ever, it’s so important to support our communities and local suppliers and with a little festive inspiration along the way, here are some of our top spots to support in the heart of TLA’s home, Bermondsey Street.
ComptoirGourmand
There is quite simply no other place that beats our favourite small, family run boulangerie patisserie. With three bakeries dotted dangerously close to the TLA office, it’s often the case one of us will stop in our tracks to be tempted by their window display of delicious pastries and guilty pleasures. This season, Comptoir Gourmand have created their own special hampers for you to gift your loved ones. Packed with their signature indulgences, every hamper includes ingredients for mulled wine, mini 20 madeleine mould trays, baking mixture, brownies and cookies, as well as a bag of their ground Monmouth Coffee. Find out more HERE
VITRINE Art Gallery
VITRINE, Digital is currently hosting a Pop-Up Shop until3 January 2021. The shop features artworks in the categories ofPrints, Homeware, Wearable, Unique, Books, and Audio with prices starting at£20. Place orders early to arrive in time for Christmas. Find out more HERE
Nine lives Bar
Out of hours, Nine Lives is our stylish go-to spot for the modern house cocktail and a post-work tropical atmosphere. Just in time forChristmas, they have come through and put together the perfect gift to encourage those to release their inner mixologist; the NineLives Curfew Cocktail Kit. Packed full of goodies to help recreate the signature Nine Lives experience from the comfort of your own home, the box contains everything from cocktail cans and Nag Champa incense, to bamboo straws and an exclusive playlist by house DJs, the Hotel Lobby. Find out more HERE
SantoRemedio
LondonBridge’s answer to vibrant, modern Mexican tastiness, Santo Remedio has launched a new range of seasonal gift boxes for those wanting to shake a selection of Mexican Tequila and Mezcal cocktails at home..salud! Find out more HERE
HAKATA Ramen + Bar
One of our favourite lunch spots when we’re feeling ravenous for ramen, HAKATA Ramen + Bar brings everything that ramen-ya in Japan are famous for - quality ‘comfort food’,served in a vibrant atmosphere with friendly service. Find out more HERE
Giddy Grocer
Situated in the heart ofBermondsey Street, the Giddy Grocer is a wonderful artisan grocery store, run by long-term Bermondsey locals who believe in supporting the community andBritish producers. Whether for bread and pastries, wines and ales, traditional deli items and seasonal fruit and veg, the Giddy Grocer does everything to live up to it’s name, serving the community with passion and unbeatable produce..not to mention their famous Christmas dinner sandwich..a TLA favourite! Find out more HERE
The Gated Garden
Brightening up the ThreeCrown Square at Borough Market with its colourful array of flowers, plants and beautiful botanical ornaments, the Gated Garden is a delightful spot to ponder and be inspired for Christmas presents. Find out more HERE
Richard Bramble Collection
Artist Richard Bramble has worked with many eminent British chefs, producers and growers to create ingredient, recipe, fish, and livestock paintings as well as textiles, and an expanding range of ceramics and homewares. His popular local stall showcases these as well as his prints of the many colourful scenes of Borough Market. The key thread of food and nature runs consistently throughout the range. Find out more HERE
Maltby Street Market
Opened in 2010, this unlikelySouth-East backwater is a popular weekend destination. Fully subscribed since its origination, it’s very limited size and the picturesque character of the railway arches and decoration encourage for careful curation and a churn of local start-ups and star-traders form Venezuelan street food and cheese trucks, to Japanese bakeries and gin distilleries. Find out more HERE