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In our new series 'secretly brilliant' we shine a light on all the new, hidden or just straight-up amazing spots in London that deserve a big high-five. Next up: N16's Fee Fee La Fou HQ:
In a nutshell...
It’s a dazzlingly colourful gallery-cum-shop that makes Rainbow Brite look normcore.
Where is it?
Just off Kingsland High Street, a mere stone’s throw away from gloriously grotty club The Alibi.
© Gareth Hacker
What can you buy?
Everything you could possibly want and nothing that you strictly need, which makes it perfect for picking up presents. Probably London’s greatest gift shop, it is chock-a-block with the kind of plates that are way too pretty to eat off and the kind of jewellery that would garner you concerned looks from fellow tube passengers. It also does a lovely line in interesting soft furnishings – embroidered Thomas the Tank Engine cushion, anyone?
© Gareth Hacker
What's the vibe?
If a ringmaster retired in order to fulfil his lifelong ambition of owning a gift shop, he’d probably open somewhere a lot like Fee Fee La Fou HQ. Artist Fee always dreamed of running away to join the circus but instead created her very own big top, complete with circus-themed wallpaper. Inhabiting the space where galleries and shops meet, everything in the emporium is for sale, from the chaotic crockery to the prints lining the walls. This is not the place to go if you’re into restrained style; it celebrates bad taste and guffaws in the face of Scandi minimalism. You’ll find Fee perched behind the counter, cheerfully peddling her wonderful wares.
© Gareth Hacker
Why make the trip?
As the capital’s high streets are being overrun with identikit shops and chain cafés, this is a prime example of what we could lose if we don’t support local business. A truly individual shop with a brilliant sense of humour.
Discover the world of Fee Fee La Fou HQ at 6 Bradbury St, London, N16 8JN (the nearest station is Dalston Kingsland Overground).
Check out more secretly brilliant bits of London