About Urban Makers
About us – Urban Makers Markets in East London
Urban Makers was founded in Bow, East London, by two designer friends Ilka Dickens and Julia Redgrove. Since 2015 we have been hosting makers markets, pop-up shops and creative workshops in London.
You can find us at Old Spitalfields Market on Wednesdays and on the last weekend of every month. We also host seasonal makers markets at the Ecology Pavilion, Mile End Park.
We believe in nurturing creative people with unique businesses, dreams and ideas. We have curated a range of gifts which are not only beautiful but ethical and made with care for the environment. Every time you buy from us you can be rest assured that you are supporting an independent small business which in turn helps our economy where it needs it most.
Our Urban Makers Shop is open 6 days a week at 347 Roman Road E3 5QR.
Want to sell with us online? Apply here
Please see our events page for upcoming markets and workshops and how to apply. Read our FAQs here
Julia and Ilka
Our Partners
Meet the Urban Makers on our Blog
Christmas Charms Making Workshop – Urban Makers Market
Christmas season is here! Come and create 3 charms with Victoria from Stud & Pearl - to keep for yourself or gift to your family and friends. This workshop will be held during the Urban makers Christmas market! Maximum numbers will be 8 people per session. ✨Summary:✨ 💃Who is it for? Beginner-friendly, all welcome. Come [...]
Festive Angel Decoration Workshop
Make sweet little yarn angels for your Christmas tree in different skin tones at the Urban Makers Christmas Market in east London. Urban Makers Christmas Market The Ecology Pavilion Mile End ParkLondon, England Sunday 29 November • 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM £16.96 per person Join Eileen Wedderburn for Christmas Tree Yarn Angel [...]
Christmas Star Origami Workshop
Fold your own origami star, using vintage sheet music, for the top of your Christmas tree at the Urban Makers Christmas Market with Merry Origami This is a drop in event (not 3h long!) Urban Makers Christmas Market The Ecology Pavilion Mile End ParkLondon, England Saturday, November 28 • 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM Join [...]
Cyanotype Workshop – Urban Makers Christmas Market
Join Marina from Marina Cyanotypes for a festive cyanotype workshop and make your own blue prints using leaves, flowers and Christmas shapes at the Urban Makers Christmas Market on November 28th. All materials included. Discover cyanotype printing and make your own blue prints in this special Christmas workshop. When: Saturday 28 November 2026, 11:30am–1:30pm Where: Urban […]
The best Christmas markets in London to visit in 2026
We’re delighted that Urban Makers has been included in House & Garden’s list of the best Christmas markets to visit in London in 2026! We’re in fantastic company, alongside festive favourites including: Covent Garden Christmas Market Southbank Winter Festival King’s Cross Christmas Market. It’s wonderful to be recognised among London’s best seasonal destinations, celebrating independent [...]
Beginner Punch Needle Workshop – Old Spitalfields Market
Beginner Punch Needle Workshop, Old Spitalfields Market In collaboration with Urban Makers - Saturday 26th September, 1pm until 4pm, Mezzanine Book Here Join The Modern Crafter us for this 3 hour beginner punch needle workshop in London at iconic Old Spitalfields Market. Soak up the atmosphere whilst learning how to punch needle your choice of [...]
Bow, E3, named one of the best places to live in London 2026
Bow, E3, named one of the best places to live in London 2026 - Says The Times in a news article published on March 20th 2026. And we couldn't agree more! Living in Bow, “going down the Roman” isn’t just a shopping trip - it’s part of everyday life for us and our neighbours. Roman [...]
Bathroom Ideas: Unique Products Made by Independent Designers
The bathroom is often one of the most overlooked rooms when it comes to interiors. But with a few carefully chosen pieces, it can become one of the most characterful spaces in your home. At Urban Makers, we’ve brought together a collection of bathroom products made by independent designers and makers — from beautifully scented […]
The Ultimate Guide to Pricing Handmade Products for Profit
For many independent makers, pricing is one of the hardest parts of running a creative business. Charge too little and you burn out.Charge too much and you worry nobody will buy. At Urban Makers, we meet talented small businesses every week who are struggling with this dilema. The reality is:Pricing isn’t just about materials. It’s [...]
HMRC Changes 2026: What Makers & Small Retail Businesses Need to Know
If you’re running a small business in 2026, this financial year brings one of the biggest shifts in how tax is reported in the UK, alongside several smaller but important changes that will impact your costs, cash flow, and admin. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s changed — and what it actually means in practice. [...]
Unique Father’s Day Gifts 2026 – Handmade & Independent
Father’s Day falls on Sunday 21 June 2026, and if you’re looking to move beyond the usual last-minute gifts, this is your chance to find something genuinely thoughtful. At Urban Makers, we’ve curated a collection of handmade Father’s Day gifts from independent UK makers — designed to be useful, personal, and made to last. You [...]
Mother’s Day 2026: Thoughtful Gifts from Independent Makers
Mother’s Day falls on Sunday 15 March 2026 — and if you’re looking for something more meaningful than supermarket flowers, this is your sign to shop small. At Urban Makers, we’ve curated a collection of thoughtful, design-led gifts made by independent artists and small businesses. Every piece has a story, and every purchase supports a [...]