My ten reasons to visit Calvert Avenue, London E2, highlight the best places to eat, shop and explore along one of Shoreditch’s most picturesque streets. Sitting on the border of Shoreditch and Bethnal Green, the avenue stretches from Shoreditch High Street to Arnold Circus, the centrepiece of the historic Boundary Estate. From independent boutiques and colourful lifestyle stores to healthy lunches, sushi burritos and neighbourhood cafes, Calvert Avenue offers a quieter, more local side of East London while remaining just moments from the area’s creative energy.
My List of ten reasons to visit Calvert Avenue, in a logical rather than priority order:
1. Enjoy a seasonal lunch at Leila’s Shop and eatery
2. Grab a healthy lunch at Beans Love Greens
3. Pick up a sushi burrito from Let’s Do Maki
4. Browse Moroccan-inspired creations at Larache
5. Buy a modern, functional bag from Ally Capellino
6. Discover relaxed menswear at Oliver Spencer
7. Find a thoughtful, colourful gift at Luna & Curious
8. Shop pre-loved fashion at Paper & Cup x SCT
9. Explore independent businesses at Cleve Workshops
10. Relax in the circular Arnold Circus Gardens
My Favourite Ten Things To Do In Calvert Avenue
1. Enjoy a seasonal lunch at Leila’s Shop and eatery. The ever-changing menu makes the most of ingredients from the greengrocer next door, which is also worth a browse. I tucked into a lovely lunch the previous week. The restaurant is open Wednesday to Saturday, 12-3 pm Find them at 15-17 Calvert Avenue.
2. Grab a healthy lunch at Beans Love Greens. Expect colourful salads, nourishing bowls, fresh juices and superfood smoothies, alongside speciality coffee, soup and toasted sandwiches. I had a tasty salad bowl while in the area. It is located at 17 Calvert Avenue.
3. Pick up a sushi burrito from Let’s Do Maki. This small Japanese eatery specialises in sushi burritos, poke bowls and comforting hot dishes, including katsu curry and Dan Dan Noodles. They are open for lunch and early dinner. Their address is 6 Calvert Avenue.
4. Browse Moroccan-inspired creations at Larache. Founded by artist Hassan Hajjaj, the shop is filled with colourful homeware, artwork, accessories and one-of-a-kind pieces. From tea boxes and tins to tin trunks and slippers, this store offers a creative experience. You’ll find it at 30-32 Calvert Avenue.
5. Buy a modern, functional bag from Ally Capellino. The British brand is known for beautifully made, heavyweight waxed-cotton or canvas backpacks, totes and crossbody bags with leather detailing. New arrivals include their British pasture leather bucket bags and purses. Pop into their showroom at
6. Discover relaxed menswear at Oliver Spencer. Expect easy-to-wear tailoring, premium fabrics and contemporary British design, all with a focus on quality craftsmanship. From suits to trousers, outerwear, shoes, bags and even sunglasses, it’s a one-stop shop for your entire wardrobe. Located at 10-12 Calvert Avenue.
7. Find a thoughtful, colourful gift at Luna & Curious. This cheerful lifestyle store offers clothing, homeware, books, toys and accessories, all carefully curated to make you happy. The women’s clothing is quirky, while the children’s pieces are totally cute. With homeware, stationery and toys, it’s well worth a visit. Stop by 24-26 Calvert Avenue.
8. Shop pre-loved fashion at Paper & Cup x SCT. The small but stylish space combines second-hand clothing with excellent coffee and a few outdoor tables. It’s an award-winning social enterprise coffee shop that trains people in recovery from addiction, with all profits supporting recovery and homelessness services. Stop by at 18 Calvert Avenue.
9. Explore independent businesses at Cleve Workshops. This hidden collection of small buildings is home to barbers, beauty therapists, hairdressers and other local specialists. It’s officially on Boundary Street but backs onto Calvert Avenue. Make sure you visit, as it’s super cute.
10. Relax in the circular Arnold Circus Gardens. The historic bandstand sits at the centre of the Boundary Estate, surrounded by benches and benefiting from an elevated position. At the other end of the Avenue, St Leonard’s Church offers peaceful grounds and impressive Georgian architecture. The grounds have plenty of seats made from reclaimed wooden pallets.
Helpful Information About Calvert Avenue Shoreditch
Another shop to mention is the Nakagawa pop-up, where you can browse hundreds of Japanese crafts, from textiles to ceramics, at 16c Calvert Avenue until July 2026.
Calvert Avenue is one of Shoreditch’s most characterful streets, a tree-lined avenue in East London, E2, known for its independent boutiques, neighbourhood cafes and Victorian architecture. Running between Shoreditch High Street and Arnold Circus, it offers a quieter atmosphere while remaining close to the area’s creative buzz.
At the western end of the street is Arnold Circus, a circular garden and bandstand at the heart of the Boundary Estate. Completed in 1900, the estate is widely recognised as Britain’s first council housing development and remains one of East London’s most distinctive historic neighbourhoods.
The nearest stations are Shoreditch High Street Overground, around five minutes away on foot, and Old Street Station, roughly ten minutes away. Liverpool Street Station is also within easy walking distance.
If you want to explore the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Lovely Lunch at Leila’s Shop Calvert Avenue
Ten Things to do in Shoreditch London
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. To avoid disappointment, please check that the places I referenced in this article are still in business before you visit.