Celebrating Black businesses
Throughout Black History Month, we’ll be shining a light on amazing local Black-owned businesses. We’ll be regularly adding to this list each week, so you can get out there and shop local!
Mr Beanstalk Coffee
Mr Beanstalk Coffee is a local staple in Clerkenwell, selling some of the area’s best coffee alongside plants and products from local Black-owned companies. They also offer space for local pop-ups to collaborate.
Visit the shop at 36a Myddelton Street, EC1R 1UA, or check out their Instagram @mrbeanstalkcoffee
Lesley’s Sauces
For more than a decade, Lesley’s Sauces has been selling their famous sauces and hot food. They are a family-run business, and you can buy the sauces to cook along at home through their website.
Visit the Leslie’s Sauces website
Wolkite
Wolkite has been serving the local area authentic Ethiopian food since 2011. Based on Hornsey Road near the Arsenal station, they have plenty of vegetarian options.
The Gadgets Lab
The Gadgets Lab on Caledonian Road provides repair services for all things tech, including phones, gaming devices, tablets, laptops and computers. They repair quickly and at affordable prices, and have a loyal local community.
Sophe Cafe
Sophe Cafe is an independent Eritrean cafe serving up great coffee and Eritrean and Ethiopian food. There are great vegetarian options, and the space is light and open to sit in.
Diva Choice
Diva Choice creates bold jewellery, swimwear and lingerie, bringing luxury pieces at affordable prices. They cater for all tastes and offer inclusive sizing: from eight to 22.
Mento Flowers and Coffee
Mento is a florist and cafe based just outside Finsbury Park station. Their shop is a local favourite for flowers, gifts, good coffee, and treats, including vegan cakes.
Visit the Mento Flowers and Coffee website
Idunns Basket
Idunns Basket is an all-natural, cruelty-free, handmade beauty brand. Their products are created with a belief in the power of good quality natural ingredients, and that good skin and hair care should not cost the planet.
Visit the Idunns Basket website
Basement 144
Basement 144 is a rum bar, kitchen, and venue for hire in central Holloway. Drawing on both Caribbean and Congolese inspiration for the menu with an extensive rum offering at the cocktail bar, Basement 144 is a lively local worth checking out.
Visit the Basement 144 website
CityFitHub
CityFitHub are a fun and friendly fitness studio in the centre of the City. They provide personal training for all levels of ability, so check them out to start on your fitness journey with one of their passionate trainers.
New Beacon Books
Sitting on Stroud Green Road, New Beacon Books is a local institution. For more than 50 years, they have been promoting and distributing African and Caribbean literature and are thought to be the UK’s first Black specialist bookshop and publisher.
Visit the New Beacon Books website
Shea Love London
Shea Love London creates beautiful cosmetics using shea butter to prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. The company is run by Naomi Wynter, who has drawn on her experience of being a nurse and midwife to create the products.
Visit the Shea Love London website
12:51
12:51 on Upper Street is the restaurant of chef James Cochran, winner of the BBC’s Great British Menu award. The menu draws on James’s Caribbean and Scottish heritage, and the restaurant has become a favourite locally.
GlobalNet ICT
GlobalNet ICT is an IT training hub based in Finsbury Park. They provide online support for people of all experience levels to become career-ready, covering everything from general coding to specific operating systems.
Visit the GlobalNet ICT website
Dar Leone
Dar Leone is an Islington design studio offering a range of jewellery, textiles, and interior pieces from around the world. The collection is inspired in by founder Isatu Funna’s travels and childhood in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Romeo’s Bakery
Romeo’s is a local favourite, serving up refined-sugar- and gluten-free sweet and savoury treats: from slices of raspberry gateau and brownies, to salmon quiche and Breton crepes.
Visit the Romeo’s Bakery website
Second Abode
Second Abode offers vintage, antique and second-hand homeware. Carefully chosen by owner Roman, each piece has a story, be it a colourful Persian rug or a Baroque, hand painted wine glass.
Visit the Second Adobe website
Garden City House
Clothing company Garden City House was founded in 2019, to bring African-style clothing to Islington. Designs are inspired by the city of Kumasi, Ghana, known as the ‘Garden City’, but many of the items are made in the UK.
Visit the Garden City House website
Masquerade London
Masquerade London creates original, unisex fragrances in London. Key scents include musky oud, warm amber, and floral rose.
Visit the Masquerade London website
The Tastebox
Found on Gillespie Road, The Tastebox serves up some of Islington’s best Jamaican and Caribbean food. Stop-off for the likes of jerk chicken, curry goat and brownstew fish – served with rice and peas or in a wrap – or get it delivered to your door.
