Creative and local – Kentish Town Stores

THERE’S a new hunger for simple and tangible pleasures – just witness the craft revival and boom in coffee shops in Kentish Town Road. Social Pottery, which hosts pottery workshops, has recently expanded into new premises on the high street.

At Kentish Town Stores, tucked away on a corner site once home to Crossroads Women’s Centre, owner Luci Noel showcases work from upcoming ceramicists – along with an event space, lifestyle store and thriving café.

Among the many coffee options in NW5, Kentish Town Stores is hands down the most stylish. The place is exquisitely neutral and tasteful. Sip on a perfectly crafted flat white among exposed brick and pot plants. Shop for artisan wines, vegan soaps and jars of chuckleberry jam.

The display of ceramics here is intriguing. You can buy works from a diverse range of artists – from the magnificent indigo blue vases of Sophie Alda to bright-handled teacups from Anna Jones.

In the evenings, the space evolves into a drop-in for a drink and small plates – charcuterie, cheeses and the like.

This month’s programme includes a ring carving workshop and live music from upcoming singer-songwriters from Kentish Town.

We swung by for breakfast one weekend. The counter is piled with displays of cardamon and cinnamon buns, breakfast muffins, granola cookies and peanut butter blondies.

The sandwich specials are creative: there’s a vegan option of roast cauliflower and muhammara with a rocket and parsley salad; or salami with balsamic-roasted tomatoes and pesto.

My three-cheese toastie with optional kimchee was well done: squashed flat, oozy and crisp around the edges.

A malted banana bread is baked with dates for extra richness. Take it warm with a salted maple butter or lashings of yoghurt and fruit.

My friend chose the avocado on toast, served with a sprinkling a dukkah spice mix. The crushed coriander seeds add delightful crunch and a gentle heat.

It’s hard to fault the food and service here. The menu is short and sweet. There are plenty of staff, too, who are keen, friendly and fast.

Even the WFH (“working from home”) issue is well-handled. For many café owners, the issue of laptops is a headache. You can’t pay the bills if your premises is stuffed with people tapping on MacBooks while eking out a cuppa. Upstairs, the tables are clearly marked – the rectangular ones for laptops and the round ones as communal, with no laptops allowed.

If you crave more creativity in your day-to-day life, there is something rather inspiring about the Kentish Town Stores experience.

You’re surrounded by the unique work of individuals who have turned passions into their own small and independent businesses – from the potters and leather workers to Swedish bakers.

This is a destination that will evolve and grow – firmly rooted in the local creative community.

Kentish Town Stores
230a Kentish Town Road, NW5
@kentishtownstores
www.kentishtownstores.com