Friday 18th December 

Welcome to our last Weekly issue of the year. It's something of a bumper edition - with enough links to last you, oooh, at least one cold wet afternoon after a brisk walk on the Flats. We hope you've enjoyed our tips, stories and ideas throughout 2020; perhaps it's even provided a moment's respite. Enjoy the festive season as much as is sensibly possible - and see you in January.

1. Our Top 10 most-read stories of 2020
 

It's been a year like no other, and in an attempt to make sense of it locally - the big issues aside, of course - today we glance back at the features that connected most with you lot. It's encouraging to see that, despite the doom and gloom of Covid, many of 2020's most-read articles concern exciting new openings in the area like Bread & Oregano, Filly Brook, Figo and Zaxx. Remind yourselves of some reasons to be cheerful, below (and enjoy this glorious sun-drenched picture of Hollow Pond in yesterday's afternoon sun while you're at it).

1. Three new openings for 2020 (published in late Feb right before you-know-what changed everything)
2. Bread & Oregano arrives in Leyton
3. 12 grocery stores we'd like to thank
4. Zaxx on Francis: what's it actually like?
5. Six Things We Learnt This Week (just after everything reopened on July 4th)
6. Six of the best lockdown walks
7. Figo to open in Leyton in 2021
8. A mini travel guide to Leyton Midland 
9. Hollow Pond: a brief history
10. Why Dabba Drop is Leyton's most ethical vegan takeaway

2. Phlox stars in a guide to London's Top 50 Independents
 

 

More good news for our local independents. Well done to Francis Road's tiny literary beacon for making it into a stylish guide to the capital's Top 50 small shops, just published by Hoxton Mini Press. In our exclusive extract, author Imogen Lepere raves about Phlox as well as three other unmissable north and east London stores. Read it here.

3. Join Hackney Bridge's creative community (sponsor)



Although we're all in deepest Tier 3, happily shops and takeout joints are all still open - which means that you can stroll over to Hackney Bridge on the edge of the Olympic Park for a coffee at the Roasting Shed and a mooch around its fledgling cluster of shops. A unique combo of workspace and studios from the team behind Peckham Levels, current must-sees are the skate shop and vintage clothing store Get Up Yesterday. There are also a few work spaces left if you want to join its diverse mix of creatives in 2021. Read more here.

4. Holiday hike inspo? Hit The Line 
 


We're not sure why we've only just discovered this path, but that's London, right? The Line is a lengthy art trail which feels perfect to explore either as a whole or in parts over the Christmas period. For locals, it starts conveniently at the Olympic Park's Orbit sculpture before crossing to the Three Mills river and along the River Lea down to historic Cody Dock. The other Sunday we explored the section north of the Thames here.

5. A small festive plea



So yes, it's Christmas, and isn't Leytonstone Library looking festive right now? And we know everyone seems to be asking for your money at this time of year, but if you want to help us stay afloat into 2021 there are simple things you can do as a reader or local business. As well as sharing our links, we would be so happy if you donate to our DonorBox. 

And while we've got your attention, please continue to support our advertisers as they truly value speaking to you all. We've had a lovely bunch these last few months including top Leytonstone boozer the Heathcote & Star, Leyton landmark pub the Coach & Horses, spanking new E11 gym Puregym, yoga maestros Leyton Yoga, the very cute Puppydog Grooming Salon at Edie Rose, the wonderful folk at Masala India and buzzy new destination Hackney Bridge (see more above).  Go check 'em all out and #supportlocal. 

6. Nostalgia corner: remember Camden in the 1990s?

7. More links if you're bored: Gasholder's Top 10 of 2020
 

1. Unsurprisingly, the Top 18 places to eat in King's Cross alfresco was essential reading in between lockdowns
2. New St Pancras 2020 arrival Hoppers was very popular, coming in at second place this year
3. The Crazy Golf game that celebrated clubbing at Bagley's
4. What's it like to share your life with a Jack Russell (pictured) for 16 years? Read this moving tribute to dog ownership here
5. The curious story of St Pancras church
6. Why Allegra in Stratford is essential for lunch
7. London Shell Co's Seashore DIY Boxes reviewed
8. New pedestrian bridge to link Pancras Square with Coal Drops Yard
9. Walk the fascinating streets of St Pancras with this new guide
10. East London's finest new vegan dining room is here