10 reasons to shop (and eat) locally
Internet shopping and a tendency to visit familiar multinational and big-chain restaurants are chipping away at communities and making life considerably blander. While choosing big-name businesses over small might save you money and time in the short-term, in the long-term preserving the character of your local high street could be worth a lot more than you think. Here’s our top 10 reasons for spending some of your pounds locally: 1. You can help build communities. Popping ou
Red Lion the latest business to join Local Buyers Club
Popular Stoke Newington pub the Red Lion is offering 10% off Monday-Friday evenings to members of the Local Buyers Club. The pub on Stoke Newington Church Street recently came under new ownership and has undergone some wonderful improvements. The rooms are lighter and brighter, most of the fixtures and fittings have been replaced and there’s a new audio/visual system. The kitchen has also been vastly improved with a stone-based pizza oven and among the new staff is a talented
Rio-generation past the half-way point
A campaign to create a second screen and refurbish The Rio Cinema in Dalston has received a £40,000 pledge from The Mayor of London. 'Rio-Generation' has also captured the hearts of celebrities Paloma Faith, Trevor Nelson, Russell Brand, Luke Evans and Director of Baby Driver Edgar Wright – who have all spoken out in support. The donation from The Mayor of London's crowdfunding scheme brings the total raised so far to £72,442 of their £130,000 target, with just 61 days to go.
Hackney’s best alfresco dining
We’ve been eating our way around Hackney’s pub and restaurant gardens to find you the best outside spots and the yummiest foods this summer. The pretty walled garden of Andi’s in Stoke Newington Church Street is one of our favourites - gorgeous wisteria lines the walls, the floor has gorgeous painted tiles and there’s an outside heater in case the sun goes in. The food, produced by Great British Menu judge Andi Oliver and her business partner Kelly Miles is outstanding – th
Andi Oliver gives thumbs up to shop local discount club
Great British Menu judge Andi Oliver has voiced her support for a new discount club which encourages people to shop and eat locally. The broadcaster and restaurateur, who recently launched Andi’s restaurant on Stoke Newington Church Street with her business partner Kelly Miles, offers 10% off the bill to members of the Local Buyers Club. She spoke of the value club would bring to community life. “Neighbourhood is hugely important to us”, she said. "One of the reasons we came
New club offers discounts at dozens of Hackney businesses
A new membership club encouraging shoppers and diners to support local and independent businesses has just launched in Hackney. The Local Buyers Club, which costs just £12 per year to join, includes a discount card which is accepted at dozens of businesses in Stoke Newington, Dalston, Clapton and Islington and it’s expanding throughout North London. Among the businesses offering discounts of 10% or more are Andi's, The Prince pub, The Red Lion, Stoke Newington Tea House, Gree