My list of ten reasons to visit Orford Road, Walthamstow, London E17, highlights what makes this leafy corner of East London so appealing. At the centre of Walthamstow Village, the street is lined with independent shops, cafés, pubs, and restaurants that create a warm, community atmosphere. You can pick up pastries and coffee at Eat 17, enjoy a Middle Eastern-inspired brunch at The Good Egg, or book a relaxed dinner at Ruff’s bistro. There are plenty of places to stop for a drink too, from cosy wine spots to traditional pubs serving Sunday roasts and comfort food. Shopping is equally tempting, with Pavement, The W Store, and WORD offering stylish fashion and gifts. At the same time, Here on Earth and The Little Mandarin showcase handmade objects and prints, while Finamore is ideal for antique treasures. Together, they make Orford Road one of the most charming streets in East London.
My list is in a logical rather than a priority order:
1. Treat yourself to fabulous food at Eat 17
2. Savour a Middle Eastern brunch at The Good Egg
3. Book a date-night dinner at Ruff’s
4. Drink and dine at one of the bars
5. Step into style at Pavement
6. Treat yourself at the W Store
7. Shop for stylish kids at WORD
8. Discover beautiful items at Here on Earth
9. Buy something adorable at The Little Mandarin
10. Browse antique furniture and objects at Finamore
My Favourite Ten Reasons To Visit Orford Road
1. Treat yourself to fabulous food at Eat 17. An award-winning, family-run SPAR in Walthamstow offering responsibly sourced produce, everyday essentials, treats and drinks that are all price-matched with Tesco. Customers can also purchase croissants, pastries and coffee to enjoy at the picnic-style benches in front of the store. 28-30 Orford Road, London E17 9NJ.
2. Savour a Middle Eastern brunch at The Good Egg. Ideal if you’re after breakfast bagels, shakshuka, mezze plates, filled pitas, and signature dishes like babka French toast or za’atar fried chicken. I ordered the Sabich with fried aubergines, fudgy eggs, tahini, mango amba, dak dak, pickles, and a burst of zhoug, a lively flavour combination that hits all the right notes. The Good Egg is situated at the back of the Eat 17 food store and features a private outdoor seating area perfect for sunny days. 28-30 Orford Road, London E17 9NJ.
3. Book a date-night dinner at Ruff’s. You’ll love this cosy bistro serving classics like burgers and sirloin steak with fries, along with fish dishes and a vegetarian option. The relaxed atmosphere, good service, and quality food make this neighbourhood restaurant popular with locals. It’s perfect for celebrating special occasions without the formality. They have a few tables outside on the street. 32 Orford Road, Walthamstow, London, E17 9NJ.
4. Drink and dine at one of the bars. For such a small street, the choice is impressive. Bargo (57) serves wine, cocktails and sharing plates in a lively setting, while Hometipple (34) is an intimate spot for wine lovers, with excellent food and regular wine tasting events. Pubs are plentiful too. The Queen’s Arms (42) is an airy gastropub with exposed brick, a beer garden and a Mediterranean-inspired menu complete with Sunday roasts. The Village Pub (31) keeps things hearty with buttermilk chicken, burgers, loaded fries and flatbreads, while The Nags Head (9) offers pizza, fries and even dog-friendly dishes.
5. Step into style at Pavement. A refreshing lifestyle concept store in the heart of Walthamstow Village, bringing together womenswear, gender-neutral clothing, accessories, jewellery, beauty, books, and homeware. The space doubles as a social hub, treatment room, and event venue, with an edit of beautifully crafted pieces from independent designers and established brands alike. The focus is on contemporary yet timeless style with an ethical approach to production, celebrating cult labels and kudos products while championing responsibility and great design. 21 Orford Road,
London, E17 9NL.
6. Treat yourself at the W Store. A lifestyle boutique offering a beautifully curated selection of clothing, fashion accessories, beauty and wellness products, and stylish homeware. It is an ideal spot to find a thoughtful gift for a friend or something special for yourself. The store focuses on inspiring, sustainable brands and features a carefully chosen range of womenswear, homeware, wellness items, and grown-up gifts. 47 Orford Rd, London E17 9NJ.
7. Shop for stylish kids at WORD. The sister store to The W Store for adults. This chic boutique offers a curated selection of premium children’s and lifestyle brands. You’ll find baby grows, bibs, and quilted blankets for newborns. Choose from adorable rompers to T-shirts, dresses, sun hats, sunglasses, and soft toys. Expect charming prints, gentle textures, and playful designs that make gifting or dressing young children a delightful experience. 36 Orford Road, London E17 9NJ.
8. Discover beautiful items at Here on Earth. You’ll enjoy the curated selection of design-led treasures created by talented artists, makers, and independent designers. From greeting cards and ceramics to tableware, glassware, and abstract prints, each piece is carefully chosen to add style, character, and joy to your everyday life at affordable prices. 39 Orford Road, London E17 9NL.
9. Buy something adorable at The Little Mandarin. Founded by illustrator Eileen Kai Hing Kwan, this charming shop celebrates creativity and community. She features a wide array of art prints, framed artworks, greeting cards, and gifts, collaborating directly with artists and through its Print Agreement initiative to support diverse and marginalised creators. You can also find pins, crochet cacti, small ceramics, and Macarons by Mandy. 65 Orford Road, London E17 9NJ.
10. Browse antique furniture and objects at Finamore. For anyone who appreciates the charm of something old, this characterful little shop is well worth a visit. Because space inside is limited, the owner often displays larger pieces on the pavement, so you might spot dining tables, elegant chairs or solid bookcases before you even step through the door. Once inside, you can take your time exploring a carefully chosen mix of lamps, mirrors and decorative objects. From quirky ornaments to eclectic finds, there’s always the chance of uncovering an unexpected treasure. 63 Orford Road, London E17 9NJ.
Helpful Information About Orford Road
When you reach Church Lane, you’ll be opposite St Mary’s Church, the 12th-century heart of Walthamstow, framed by historic buildings that give the neighbourhood its timeless character. The Ancient House, a rare 15th-century timber-framed hall, and the nearby almshouses from the 16th and 18th centuries are especially striking. Just along the way, the Vestry House Museum (currently being renovated, due to re-open in 2026), once a workhouse and later a police station, now houses the borough archives and brings local history to life. This part of Walthamstow feels wonderfully calm, ideal for a stroll after shopping or brunch.
For a livelier contrast, head around the corner to Ravenswood Industrial Estate, home to breweries, a cider specialist, a distillery, a gym, independent makers and the world-famous God’s Own Junkyard neon studio.
Orford Road is easy to reach. Take the Victoria Line to Walthamstow Central, and it’s a short ten-minute walk. Alternatively, hop on an Overground train to Walthamstow Queen’s Road and stroll through residential streets into the Village.
If you want to explore the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Walthamstow Village Area Guide
Ten Things To Do Near Blackhorse Lane Walthamstow
William Morris Gallery Walthamstow
God’s Own Junk Yard Walthamstow
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.