1. Go trad
Keeping it old-school? Our perennial street favourites are Natasha, who brightens up the canopy area (opposite the Assembly House) with her daily stall (and was one of our most popular ever Ich Bin interviewees), longstanding shop Jayne’s (200-202 Kentish Town Road), a few doors down from Kentish Town tube; and Dave on Queen’s Crescent, who’s been running the twice-weekly (Thurs/Sat) stand like a true star since his wife Donna sadly passed away last year.
2. Go posh
Fancy trying something a bit different? Consider the brilliantly-named Augustus Bloom, who admittedly sounds a little like a character in a James Joyce novel. Shed any literary concerns, however, as this smart new floristry venture was set up by lifelong Kentishtowner Gus Cavanagh, who sells his beautiful upmarket creations through his studio at Haddo House on Highgate Road. And guess what? He’s only been commissioned by the likes of Selfridges, Bafta, and the Tate gallery. Oh, and the Pope and the Queen. Find out more here.
3. Go ‘subscription’
Finally, how about revolutionising your beloved’s floral life? This is quite possible with a new online subscription delivery service, Wild Flowers, which specialises in British-grown blooms, and has launched in time for you-know-what by a “born and bred” local, Pauline Racle. She sources and arranges seasonal British-grown flowers and delivers them on a weekly or monthly basis, from £24. And starting 13th Feb (tomorrow), a selection will also be stocked at Earth Natural Foods (200-202 Kentish Town Road).
