Today i’d like to introduce you to a very special place, a favourite of mine, a little hide-away that i wish i could transport to be my local. Unfortunately it’s too far for me to visit sporadically and i have not been there for ages. Over the weekend, while visiting friends in Kent for lunch, i made a special de-tour to go and take pictures for you.
Let me introduce you don’t bring me flowers. Hither Green (SE13) is not far from lewisham, so if you ever are in that area, maybe to visit aladdins cave, do make a small detour and go and treat yourself to this bijoux florist and café, filled to the brim with charismatic detail. A real feast for the senses!
Meet lynne. Unassuming, gentle and definitely practicing the slow living movement, she does not own a computer. When i asked her whether she would mind me taking some photos so that i can blog about her place, she simply said yes. Thank you lynne.
You don’t bring me flowers (named after the neil diamond song) started life about 9 years ago. I first discovered it around 2005 and every time i needed a special bouquet of flowers i would head there. Fortunately over the years i have managed to find flower shops that sell wild flowers a little nearer to where i live. But, hand on heart, it’s never the same. There is something magical about the way lynne does everything and she just has that magical touch!
A knitwear designer with a fierce eye for styling and vintage pieces, she has created this unique space in an extraordinary manner.
Let’s begin with the gorgeous blooms! It isn’t just the flowers. It’s everything around them too. Living in central london, i’m surrounded by celebrity florists selling the most predictable flower bouquets at hugely overinflated prices. They always leave me cold and uninspired. Take a look at these!
I would kill for that tap!!!
Home-made and locally sourced produce take care for an authentic café menu, all part of the charm. You’ll find tea paraphernalia and all sorts of produce for sale.
I particularly like this big pinboard of cards.
While you’re enjoying your stay, vinyl records are played throughout the day. It’s as far from the digital chaos as you can get.
A few more delightful details for you.
I just had to show you the various lights dotted around the place. Beautiful, no?
There are two floors. Downstairs you’ll find the florist, a few tables, art on the wall. Upstairs is like an intimate and cosy living room with the most charming vintage decor. It was packed so not really conducive to photographing.
You don’t bring me flowers also hosts monthly writers nights, some film nights and other events. For more information contact them directly.
You must all know the saying: ‘je ne sais quoi‘. That fits perfectly to describe lynne and her effortless way of having created this unique space, right near the station. Even after 9 years, it has not dated and, for me, is one of the coolest and inspiring cafés/florists around. Bravo!
You don’t bring me flowers
15 Staplehurst Road
Hither Green
London SE13 5ND
Tel: 0208 297 2333