Look Local: Walthamstow’s speedy market

here is no shortage of eye care available to residents who refer to their local area, situated between Hackney and the Epping Forest, as ‘Awesomestow’ and grimace at any signs of gentrification creeping its way north-east from the City of London.

While many of the area’s most iconic venues, such as a striking greyhound stadium and art deco cinema, have given way to new eateries and modern developments, others remain. The Grade II-listed

L Manze eel, pie and mash shop, for example, has been serving shoppers and traders at Walthamstow street market, Europe’s longest at 1km, since 1929.

Practitioners in the suburb are proud of its multiculturalism, thriving retail environment and the overall sense of loyalty. However, efforts by North East London LOC to secure enhanced optical services have so far fallen on deaf ears.