You're visiting the world when you visit this market! Communities from all over the world have…read morestalls and shops in the market, from Colombia to Iran; Ghana to Jamaica. I lived in Colombia for 6 months a few years ago and this is not just the closest I've been since I'd say I'm pretty much there when I have a set meal - almuerzo at the back of the market. It has a great family atmosphere and some interesting stalls. It is under immediate threat of demolition at the moment. To be replaced by chain stores and luxury flats. But a major campaign is underway. Check out this site for more information: wardscornercommunity.org.uk

The market is just amazing it has over 50 stalls but you could walk right past it. It is such one…read moreof those hidden London gems that you have to be in the know to find. The first time I went past Sven Sisters underground station I walk ed right past it. If fact I only found it walking in to a cafe only to find it had a door at the back into this hidden Latino world. There was music playing sunny tunes, with children dancing around, old people just chatting away in Spanish. The place seems more on eone gaint social club than a load of shops. Had a huge meal with fresh juice, followed by a Colombain strong coffee. Than just enjoyed the vibe. Often pop in when passing. Top tip go on saturday for a hair cut, a meal, stock up on books, dvds, music for learning the language. Or just pop into for a coffee or frozen juice on a stick. And if all this eating and drinking gets too much there is always the suit and corset maker to hide the sins.

How have I not reviewed this place yet? When in need of some furniture of random crap for the…read morehouse, this was my go-to place. Now I'm moving back into the area, once again it's a haven of everything old, cheap and totally not antique. I while ago I bought a really old heavy oak table here. It was covered in graffiti but with a little bit of sanding and a lick of paint, it's now a piece in my room that people comment on. It makes me even happier that you can haggle for prices, if you can understand the very strong Irish accents going on that is. I did struggle but eventually, we cut a deal and for £35 I could have the table delivered. They have books, vinyl, vhs, laps, wardrobes, chairs, dining sets. Every weekend it's something different so get there early if you want to have the best pick of stuff. Bring cash, no your spending limit and don't pay more than a tenner for delivery.

This former Somerfield (I think it's also been a Safeway and possible a Morrisons at one time) has…read morenow become a SAINSBURYS. It's much better than its previous incarnation as Somerfield in my opinion, but is still stuck somewhere between 'metro' store and supermarket, which seems to make certain groceries a bit more expensive than what you'd pay for them at the mega store on Green Lanes. Not bad for convenience though.

A large store for inner city London. Food, music, games and plenty of the usual somerfield…read morebargains. Lots of parking aswell

All your DIY and gardening needs under one roof - this is the place to come to stock up on supplies…read morebefore attempting your latest 'Project' at home. There always seems to be promotions on as well which keeps costs under control pretty well. However, I cannot get a grip on the layout of the place and end up wandering round aimlessly trying to tick off all the items on my list. An absence of assistants doesn't help matters and sometimes I wonder whether I spend longer here than on the task at hand back home. Hopefully, i will unlock the key to the maze one day soon...

Big store with tons of DIY and readymade stuff for your house. For the best deals, make sure to…read morecheck the area with houseplants on sale. They just need a little TLC. Sometimes there are also deals in the main floor display area just straight on as you come past the entrance. Also, there is an amazing deal on the basic value lamp - the kind that stands vertical and has a frosted cone shape with lightbulb at the top - less than £6 will get you this lamp, and you can even choose from black, red, or chrome finish for the base part. I was really pleased as this helped me bring light into my new room and didn't break my bank as some lamps will do. Of course there is a huge selection of lamps so you can pay more if you like, but the basic value lamp is working great for me. I also got an £20 Studio Desk lamp in black, which is cute. They have all the lightbulbs you'll need as well, including eco varieties.

I have replaced eating chocolate (and bread and cheese and all of those nice things) with sushi…read more I'm not fussy about my sushi, any old supermarket that sticks rice and fish together does me well. So, anyway, I figured that I would make my own. And this is where Whole Foods came into things. Sushi went surprisingly well. But my bank is missing £16. And that's not including any fish or vegetables. This place is pricey. But its good for you. The food is fresh, there is a big variety of things, they have a great deli section for you to take out hand made, fresh cakes, salads, etc. So I guess that you are paying for the quality ingredients....and good for you stuff. Just don't come the day before you get paid, coz this place is no bargain basement. It is worth coming on a Saturday, as there are loads of free samples dotted around the place, and if you eat enough then you will stop being hungry and buy less, so you will be able to afford your rent. Which is always a good thing!

Soooo overpriced. But if you're trying to find fancy, random, exotic ingredients for your newest…read moreGordon Ramsay creation then this is a good place to find them. And they have a large face and body care product department, patchouli hipster twat heaven. Just do like I did back home. Come for the fancy rare things that you need for your recipe, get the other stuff everywhere else.

Out of all the stores in Smug Newington, this one is definitely the most smug. Nothing says 'I've…read moremade it' more than decking your kids out in the latest trends, except maybe doing the same to your pet poodle. I'm not bitter though and when I have kids I won't have them running around the pub or doing my chores in sackcloth. It's not just clothes either, it's a lifestyle boutique for kids. Ah hem. Yes and it's named after Olive, the owners three your old daughter who apparently presented her best friend Alfie with a t-shirt emblazoned with the words "Olive loves Alfie," which provided the inspiration for the name of the shop. If I'd done that when I was three my dad probably would have sent me to the Nigerian military school he went to. Youth of today eh? The clothes, toys and books they have there are beautiful and when my friends start squirting out sprogs I will definitely be the toast of all the baby showers, with hampers of perfect presents from this shop. My favourites at the moment are the giant Russian dolls, kimono style romper suits and the knitted black girl rag doll in the window. I'm almost broody.

This shop is a lot of fun to browse through. I came here with the intent of picking out a present…read morefor a newborn baby, and the range and styles just boggled my mind. If you want your child to be stylishly dressed, this shop is a step in the right direction. There is music available for kids too, along with some presents and furniture. What I really like about the place is that they stock some vintage clothing for children, and toys as well. Imagine a child dressed in a white lace vintage dress - how adorable! Some of the best dressed children in London come and shop at this store, and we can see why - their parents have taste!

A proper bookshop...but more importantly, and independent one!…read more I really like this place and am so happy that they still exist despite the convenience of online shopping. But it's actually at shops like this where I get inspired for a next book. I'm pretty much fed up with the personalisation of Amazon; while they probably know what I like, they cannot tell me what I might also like. And this is where the independent book sellers like The Stoke Newington Bookshop have a real margin: they have passionate and friendly staff who love to read themselves and they in turn can recommend their customers something totally unique...as long as you're willing to let them take you to undiscovered territory.

This large and popular bookstore is a good place to pick up a weekend's worth of reading. I find…read morebookshops cozy places to browse around in, and I enjoyed the experience of this small but well stoked local bookstore. Frequented by many of the literati that live in the whereabouts of Stoke Newington, this spacious store also hosts book readings by local authors, and an occasional poetry night. They have a good range of children's books, as well as several magazines on arcane and current subjects. I found an interesting philosophy journal here, with short articles on the most challenging ideas of our times by eminent philosophers. Another addition to the overflowing bookshelf!