In our season finale of The Upgrade podcast we’re shining a light on the London independents that we love. From Hackney’s hippest lifestyle collective to a sourdough hero who is shaping his neighbourhood one loaf at a time, these are the London shop owners that help their communities thrive.
23 September, 2020
This is our love letter to London.
In our season finale we're spotlighting the London independent brands and stores that we love.
We catch up with Paul Firmin, one half of the duo behind trendy Earl of East. The seriously cool brand started on a Hackey market stall and has grown into two stores - one in Hackney and one in Coal Drops Yard - that regularly grace the pages of design-driven mags. It's also our go-to for succulents and scents.
We'll also be joined by Max Tobias, founder of Dusty Knuckle bakery. What started in a shipping container in Dalston, is now a socially conscious bakery that supplies restaurants including Ottolenghi and the Chiltern Firehouse. This summer, they launched a "breadmobile" service which delivered loaves to locked down Londoners.Alongside baking banging bread, they provide employment opportunities to disadvantaged youths.
The two pioneering London independents share with us their favourite neighbourhood haunts, the antiques market we must visit and how shopping local is changing the face of the British High Street.
We'll be back with Season 2 soon.
