Hoe Street has for a long time been a bleak, bus-choked thoroughfare, famous for a disused cinema and numerous estate agents, Algerian coffee shops, indistinguishable fried chicken shops, working men’s clubs, hairdressers, tattoo shops and Turkish supermarkets. It’s a hard working, ethnically diverse street; open all hours providing Walthamstow with late night takeaways and cheap coffees and linking Leyton and Chingford.

Hoe Street’s name comes from the Old English hōh, meaning a ridge and at one time part of it was known as Green Leaf Lane – sounds like it’s changed a lot since then! The area devel­oped in the late 19th century and at one point it boasted two rival cinemas, Hoe Street railway station and the shiny, modern 1960s Central Parade with its flats, shops, lecture hall and clock tower.

And now Hoe Street is changing again at a rapid pace. From chocolate shops and fancy cakes to craft beer and art galleries – who’d have thought it!

Aura Rosa Gio’s cake shop offering bespoke cakes, designer cupcakes, posh patisseries & afternoon tea.
84 Hoe Street, E17 4QS

Anie’s Sewing Service Dressmaker and tailor service including bridal wear & alterations.
77 Hoe Street, E17 4SA

Clapton Craft Voted the Best Shop in Hackney 2015 by Time Out and now they’re bringing their craft beer bottles and growlers to Walthamstow opening in early 2016.
74 Hoe Street

E17 Art House Picture framers and art gallery, great selection of affordable art, greetings cards and gifts by local & London designers.
54-56 Hoe Street, E17 4PG

Hermanos Mexicanos Fresh Mexican street food, takeaway and delivery including cheesy quesadillas, spicy habanero soup & big, bad burritos.
58 Hoe Street, E17 4PG

Mirth, Marvel & Maud 13 years after the EMD cinema closed this bizarrely named Pop-up Pub opened in the old Grade 2 listed cinema foyer, serving local ale, craft beer, cocktails & sharing boards.
186 Hoe Street, E17 4QH

No 70 collaboration between two local businesses Menagerie Makes and Bella Quail offering reloved furniture, gifts, cards & home ware.
70 Hoe Street (obviously!)

Rocket Barbershop Ok, so it’s not exactly on Hoe Street, but it’s close by. This independent men’s barbershop has recently opened for Hackney style hair and beard clipping & trimming.
611 Forest Road , E17 4PP

Sodo Pizza Again, just off Hoe Street in Hatherley Mews behind the EMD cinema. The third restaurant from our favourite Clapton based pizza chain is due to open early 2016. Amazing stone baked, sourdough pizza using local suppliers.

Saw Chocolate Small batch, high quality, handmade chocolates, caramels and truffles from this tiny, new shop.
72 Hoe Street

The Italian Delicatessen of Walthamstow A big range of Italian cheese, charcuterie, olive oils, fresh local-made pasta, breads & fine wines.
38 Hoe Street

Yum Yum Thai Tasty, authentic Thai cooking arrived in Walthamstow from this award winning, Stoke Newington restaurant and takeaway last month. Great value £8.55 two course set lunch.
202 Hoe Street, E17 4BS

But finally, as everything changes, let’s not forget some of the old Hoe Street favourites: All-day cafe Le Delice (114), Brazilian butchers Boi Na Brasa (40), Turkish supermarket & foodie treasure trove Akdeniz (147-149), Algerian butchers & deli Maghreb Food Store (222), complimentary therapies & massages at Ashlins (181), comedy nights & fringe theatre at the Rose & Crown, and our favourite Chinese takeaway next door New Dragon Inn (57), long standing local coffee & cakes hangouts L’Hirondelle and  Oasis (160 & 152),  Turkish gozleme & baklava bakery Niyazi Usta (254).