Cass Art

Known for its low prices and thus much loved by impecunious artists and designers (there’s a discount for those with student cards), Cass Art stocks a stellar array of artistic materials in its outlets across the capital. Its flagship store in Islington, tucked just behind the Islington Green end of Essex Road, spans three large floors and sells everything from sketchbooks, Moleskine notebooks, sheet paper and brushes to easels, wooden mannequins, canvases and portfolios, in a browser-friendly setting. There are inks, markers, oils, acrylics, watercolours and pastels in every conceivable colour and a good crafts section downstairs.

As featured in the 100 best shops in London

Branches: Leicester Square, Kensington, Kingston, Soho, Hampstead.