My Secret London with Neal from Present & Correct (Part 1)
Neal Whittington, 29, runs the rather splendid online design and stationery store, Present & Correct. With a solid professional background as a graphic designer and illustrator, Neal spends much of his time these days scouring the globe for weird and wonderful paper-y delights. Here he opens up his little black book of favourite London haunts.
Best for a bargain?
Any of the city car boot sales: Wimbledon, Kilburn, Battersea, Chiswick. Borough Market late in the day for cheap veg.
Above: Bric-a-brac a-plenty at Battersea car boot sale.
Best for vintage?
There are several great shops at the Highbury end of Holloway Road which all sell a mixture of mid-century furniture and accessories. Due to its location you will find these places are much cheaper than if they were located in a trendier part of town.
I love vintage places that just sell one thing too, like Get Stuffed (for taxidermy) or EW Moore (for amazing retro wallpaper), as well as DA Binder (for old shop fittings).
Best for fashion?
I love Paul & Joe, and I always look in Liberty. Smaller independents like Sefton and Diverse stock some good labels. Second-hand shops like Rokit, Beyond Retro and charity shops come up with the goods, too.
Above: Vintage finds at Beyond Retro.
Best for jewellery?
I don’t wear any jewellery but I love Solange Azagury-Partridge. Also our friends Zoe and Morgan.
Above: Designs by Solange Azagury-Partridge.
Best for interiors and gifts?
SCP and Skandium are lovely shops and there are some great little gifty places along Columbia Road – like Ryan Town and Treacle. Labour & Wait is unique and so attractive and I cannot leave Muji empty handed. Ever!
Above: Skandi-heaven at Skandium.
In part 2 tomorrow, Neal reveals his secret London destinations for stationery, kids' stuff, skincare, souvenirs, and places to eat.
For all addresses and a Wee Birdy map of Neal's secret London, click here.
Read more about Neal's online store, Present & Correct here.
For more secret Londons, click here.
