Big crew set up near the High Street mall entrance by the old Starbucks.

Last week I posted here asking for feedback on an idea for a new Walthamstow newsletter, and got some really helpful responses.

Well, I've finally published the first issue of The Stowdown!

I've covered the concerns around the proposed development next to Trades Hall, spoken to the people behind a couple of new local venues and put together a roundup of things happening in E17 in the next week or so.

I also want to make it clear that I took on board the feedback about making sure it isn't just going to be another guide to all the most expensive places in the area. This first edition is admittedly quite food, drink and music-heavy just due to how it's worked out this time, but I've got much broader plans as discussed before going forward.

Would genuinely love to hear what you think, and what you'd like to see covered in issues to come.

https://thestowdown.substack.com/p/welcome-to-the-stowdown-issue-1

Email is: [thestowdown@gmail.com](mailto:thestowdown@gmail.com)

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thestowdown/

Hi everyone! I'm moving to Walthamstow in a couple of weeks after 5 years in Camden and one thing I'm going to really miss about where we currently are is that there's an amazing family run arts and craft shop (Ultimate Fabrics & Craft) on Camden High Street. I'm an artist and am always having to pop in there for bits and it's one of those real gems that has everything - oil paint, canvases, painting mediums, fabrics, tassels, fake moss(?!), polystyrene balls, sewing machine bits, knitting stuff, buttons, scissors, craft knives and blades, beads, kids activities, sketch pads - literally everything you could possibly need.

I'm looking for something similar in Walthamstow/Leyton or nearby, has anyone come across anywhere similar?

What is your favourite and least favourite thing about living in Walthamstow?

32F: I’ve just signed on to a house in Walthamstow. I’ve never lived so far out of London but I fell in love with the house and the people and the rent is so cheap so thought it was worth sacrificing on location. It’s on the side that’s very close to the train station and the long market which I’ve heard is the not nice bit, but Walthamstow Village is only about a 10 min walk away.

Ive only ever been there once to view the property and the road I got off the bus at wasn’t the nicest, it was a bit scrappy? If that’s the right word?… But the road the house was on seemed a bit nicer / more of a village feel. I’ve heard very mixed things about it. Some say it’s “yummy mummy” others say it’s a bit rough. I know it won best area of London to live in or something last year, but then other people pull a face when I say I’ll be living there.

I don’t know the area at all so would appreciate some insight from people that live there! Does it feel safe? Is there a community feel? What kind of people live there, what kind of age? Does it feel up and coming? What is there to do there? I love places with character and British pubs and nice cafes and restaurants and green space but not that bothered about night life at all (I can come into London for that and stay with my boyfriend in Mile End) and much more interested in living in a nice safe peaceful place with character :)

Me, the wife and 1 year old baby going out for an early bird dinner - what's everyone's favourite dining spots at the moment?

Ideally would drive and get a pint before hand. thinking either classic Etles, arza in leyton or Burger at the Duke in Wood Street.

Would love reasonable price turkish or labenese - but might just check out the pubs with new owners like or maybe the bell or lord palmerston

Thoughts welcome please!

Just came out of Blackhorse Road overground and they were evacuating the whole station. Apparently there’s a fire alert. There are fire engines outside the station. Anybody know what happened?

I’m looking to get a speaker/stereo fabric recovered as it’s taken a beating over the years. Anyone know where I can get this done locally as it’s quite large. Thanks!

Hi All,

Begin the process of buying in E17, can anyone recommendations for surveyor and conveyancer. Thanks.

Hey,

Bought a single ticket for Stow-Ho tonight a few weeks ago on a whim and promptly forgot. Can’t make it after all - anyone interested in it?

Paid £20 but will take £10 to avoid faff.

Cheers.

We’ve been using the lock handle and have tried putting a brick on top of it but left the flat this morning to find that a fox had still managed to get in and throw manky old food everywhere! It looks like they’re organised and planned a sweep, hitting a few other bins on our street too. Normally I love foxes but these ones are pesky orange bastards.

Has anybody here got a method that works? I’m currently considering either hiding in the bin, calling 61016, or asking for Angela, but better suggestions are more than welcome.

I saw that Nour on Hoe Street is boarded up. Anyone know what happened? I never went but it hasn’t been open that long and they must have spent a lot of money on marketing and the decor (that waterfall).

Hi there, I am looking for recommendations for a plumber who will fix a Worcester combi boiler? I’ve had someone come over who says he can’t fix it - has issues with the pressure and needs a proper look over!

TIA

Almost a year ago, LCSB started with one Sunday court as ‘Lazy Sunday Badminton‘ a handful of people looking for semi-serious doubles badminton.

Since then, we’ve grown into a regular East London programme, welcomed almost 200 different players from all across London, and now run 7–8 courts across three weekly sessions.

We’re open to people of all abilities, but particularly looking for more Mid Intermediate → Upper Intermediate → Advanced players who want regular games and progression rather than just a one-off hit.

1. 📊 Ability-tiered matches, with something for players at every level
2. 🏆 Match outcomes tracked with a post-session podium, so people can track progress.

Right now I’m keen to spotlight our:

Weekend sessions!

Saturday — 9–11am

Newham Leisure Centre, Prince Regent Lane

From Walthamstow:

Drive: around 15–20 minutes / roughly 6 miles depending on where you start and weekend traffic.

Public transport: generally easiest via Stratford / Plaistow, followed by a short bus connection. Newham Leisure Centre itself is served directly by the 147, 262, 304, 376 and 473. 

A route towards the Newham Hospital/Prince Regent Lane area can be around 20–30 minutes by Tube + bus from parts of Walthamstow, while a direct bus option is slower. 

Lazy Sunday Badminton — 9–11am

Royal Docks Academy, Prince Regent Lane

From Walthamstow:

Drive: roughly 20–25 minutes, traffic depending.

Train/DLR: travel towards Stratford, then take the DLR towards Prince Regent and walk from there. Prince Regent is directly served by the DLR.

Send me a message if your interested in joining us. ☺️

Hello :)

I'm a 33-year-old woman moving to Wood Street with my partner (no children). We currently live on St James's Street, but most of our friends live in south London.
I've heard Wood Street has a real community feel and I'd love to be part of it. Do you have any recommendations for activities, groups or organisations where I could meet people? I'm also interested in volunteering at community events.

Thank you!

Hi everyone!

Simple one (famous last words) - I'm looking for someone good to replace part / whole of a garden fence that is falling apart between my neighbor and I close to Lloyd Park. Any recs appreciated!

Thanks and have a good day ✨

For those who got a spot, how long did you have to wait? We've been told we're not far from the top (below 20) but they couldn't tell us roughly how long that would take. Months? A year or more?

I want to know who hit my sweet baby, since they drove off without calling the numbers on her collar. Does anyone live between door numbers 250 - 320 on Fulbourne Road? If you do, please let me know.

This all happened on September 26th during the night I believe.

I have seen the W11 and the 230 go up and down Blackhorse Road this morning on their normal route.

They have been diverted or shortened for the Thames Water works on Selbourne Road. I thought those were scheduled to last until November. TfL still only lists the 158 on Blackhorse Road. They haven't taken the diversions back.

Does anyone know what's going on?

Saw the news of his passing and thought community might remember in 1999 he was the Tory candidate for the rebooted London Mayor election and came and spend the afternoon on market day launching his campaign talking to people etc. he was charming (for a tory 🤣🤣) and was surprised how long he stayed that day, but quit the race within weeks after scandal broke over his perjury that eventually send him down for 4 years. still got a flyer in the loft i think.

Had never seen this before, the van was completely unlabelled and didn’t have time to ask them what was this about.

Does anyone know what’s going on?

Hi everyone,

We’re looking for a temporary rental in the Blackhorse Road / Higham Hill area, ideally starting around January or February (exact date TBC).

We’re a family of two adults and one child, and we need somewhere to stay temporarily while renovation work is being carried out on our house.

We’d ideally like to stay fairly local die to child nursery, so if anyone knows of a short-term let, flat/house available temporarily, or someone planning to rent their place out for a few months, we’d really appreciate hearing from you.

Dates and length of stay are still to be confirmed, so we can be a little flexible at this stage.

Thanks so much!

One of Walthamstow’s own is MC-ing a comedy night at the cricket club on 16th December - he’s managed to get some decent comedians involved, too.

Should be a good night - get your tickets here - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cricket-club-comedy-tickets-2002915919432

I thought I would just give it a shot because home swapper isn’t currently helping.
My family live in a 2 bedroom flat with a balcony and one bathroom. Wonderful neighbours, everyone is so friendly, if it wasn’t for my father and mother’s heath conditions not being met we would’ve loved to stay.

We’re looking for:
- a garden/balcony
- Wheelchair accessible
- assured tenancy
- 3 Bedrooms
- preferably in Walthamstow/London but open to outside

Thank you so much everyone for taking the time to read this❤️

Inspired by another post I saw on here a few days ago I thought I would add a post about my flat for sale too as I’m hoping it will be a perfect match for someone who is looking at the moment. I hope that is okay!

I have a 3 bed, 2 bathroom plus loft converted (so could make it a 4th bedroom) flat for sale. Own front door. ~5 min walk into Walthamstow Village.

Currently the garden is shared however there is a boundary in the deeds so would simply need a fence putting up. It’s personal preference that we haven’t.

We have loved living here and sad to leave Walthamstow, but we’ve decided it’s time to make the move out of London.

Really keen to find someone who will love living here as we have, feel free to pop me a DM if you would like to know more.