Columbia Road Flower Market is an absolute joy. Strictly speaking at the boundaries of Hackney, but a brilliant place that many people in the borough will gravitate to on a Saturday or Sunday. At Christmas time, you can go and buy your Christmas tree, and stock up on soft, sugary donuts, Chollah bread, hot coffees and hot chocolate. All through the year this is a great place to buy flowers, and plants and bedding plants if you have a garden. All along the street, behind the stalls, are some great places to eat, drink, and shop. Homewares, antiques, vintage heaven, clothes, shoes, and hairdressing, it's all there. And the aforementioned great cafes, bakeries and pubs too.