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Just because you live in a big city doesn’t mean you can’t go local. And what better time to support your independent London sellers that at Christmas? Whether it’s food, booze or silky treats, these guys can get your festivities off to a good start.
Secret Smokehouse
No more mass-produced supermarket smoked salmon for your morning eggs and champagne — you can buy a whole side of responsibly sourced, RSPCA high-welfare fish from Secret Smokehouse, traditionally oak smoked on site in their new London Fields premises. Perfect to see you through the festive season. And it tastes so good you might want to do away with the eggs altogether. Haddock, trout and kippers are also available for alternative festive breakfasts (who said you can’t wash kippers down with bubbles?).
Hoxton Mini Press
Just around the corner from Secret Smokehouse, Hoxton Mini Press is a local publishing house, focusing the majority of their output on London Fields and the surrounding area. The books are beautifully printed and make for excellent gifts. Seriously, who doesn’t want a pretty pink book all about bubble gum?
Silken Favours
Ideal for a present for a loved one – or indeed, yourself (you’ve been great this year) – Silken Favours’s shirts, scarves, notebooks and home accessories are individual, luxurious and fun. They mainly come in animal designs drawn by designer Vicki Murdoch, and are suitable for almost every occasion. A word of warning, though, buying Silken Favours wares can become a little addictive.
Michelle Oh
Jewellery is always a winner at Christmas. Michelle Oh makes delicate fine pieces with precious stones, as well as more accessible silver pieces with gemstones. Her designs are romantic with a natural twist, and she’ll be hosting a pop-up in Shoreditch’s Boxpark until December 18. All pieces are handmade in-house.
Little Bird Gin
Gin is a wonderful companion for Christmas – you’re allowed to get sloshed at any time of day, after all. Peckham’s Little Bird creates a dry gin which has pink grapefruit, sweet orange peel and ginger alongside seven other botanicals. The ingredients are all natural and there are some cocktail ideas on their website to kick-start your evening. Expect at least one relative to be drunkenly warbling Christmas carols by the end of the night.
Want more Christmas gift inspiration? Check out these awesome gin gifts.