Imperial & Standard, Hackney Wick E9

Hackney Wick, the oracle (or erm...moi) predicts, is having a Bit of a Moment right now. This largely un-developed area of many old factory and warehouse buildings is one of London's most interesting art scenes and communities. And it has been for years...but is now in a new kind of limelight. As (you may have heard) this part of East London was chosen to be redeveloped and is now famously in the shadow the the looming Olympic Site...

So now is the time to explore this independent area, quick smart. It is a bit rough around the edges, yes, however if you're like me and enjoy gawping at architecture you'll love seeing the intact mixture of factory buildings like the old Peanut Factory with its old signs still showing. It is also full of loadsa other stuff to do - pop-up cinemas, art spaces, suitably lovely eateries and one of the best London festivals. 

However with the world's biggest show of the Olympics on the horizon it looks like this East London creative enclave may see a few changes around the corner. So this intrepid traveller hiked over on the good old Overground train to review one of Hackney Wick's best homeware stores Imperial & Standard interiors and prop hire. 

And I'm pleased to say it is one of the (many) parts of Hackney Wick that I hope sticks around after the athletes leave it be later this year. Here's why...

These wonderful oversized props...

Fantastic vintage. How useful could these be...

Everything from crucifixes to stuffed chickens...

Industrial lighting, always a winner with me...

First discovery of DNA...?

Beautifully gory...

It's nicely packed to the rafters so great for a proper rifle through...

Even the Open sign rules...

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I love the original travelling stickers still on these trunks...

When you take my advice and visit Hackney Wick, make sure that Imperial & Standard is top of your list. Lovely to browse and with some products that are definitely top of my WANT list.