Since opening our gift shop in 2020, Urban Makers has loved being part of the Roman Road community in Bow, East London. The area is packed with independent shops, cafés, and services—each with its own personality. Here’s a more detailed guide to some of our favourite local places, including what makes each one special.
Founded in 2015, Urban Makers has been bringing makers markets to East London for 10 years — from our festive markets at the beautiful Ecology Pavilion to the iconic Old Spitalfields Market. The East end isn’t just where we work — it’s where we live, raise our families, and feel most at home. East London is in our blood.
Gift Shops & Pet Shops
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Bàrd Books
Located right by Urban Makers at 341 – 343 Roman Road E3 5QR
A bookshop‑café hybrid offering carefully curated literature, events, pastries, coffee, and a relaxed vibe in the evenings. Perfect for browsing and lingering. -
SNAP
465 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5LX
A cheerful cards & gifts store with stationery, homeware, prints, and quirky designs. Great for finding thoughtful gifts or something immediate to brighten someone’s day. -
Dogbliss
379 Roman Road E3 5QR
More than just a dog shop—natural treats and accessories for pets, with a community feel. For fellow pup‑lovers, this one is a gem.
Cafés
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Mae + Harvey
Located at 414 Roman Road, Bow, E3 5LU
Mae + Harvey is an all‑day café. Open early for coffee and breakfast, they also serve brunch and lunch. Their chicken sarnie is legendary. -
Zealand Road Café
391 Roman Road E3 5QS
A friendly spot for good coffee and and all day breakfasts – located on the corner of Zealand Road and Roman Road -
Café East
426 Roman Road, Bow, E3 5LU
Café East is a family‑run café full of character. It’s very popular—often busy! The menu is large and varied: brunch, breakfast, lunch with halal, vegetarian, and vegan options. -
Jungle Electric
Found at 467 Roman Road, Bow, E3 5LX
Jungle Electric is a fully vegan, independent café that’s also a community hub. Their food is all plant‑based; they also sell pre‑loved clothes, host live events (music, film screenings, drag bingo, etc.), and they strive to be an inclusive, welcoming place.
Restaurants
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Symposium
363 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR
Symposium is a family-run authentic Italian restaurant, wine bar and deli. Their food and wine are lovingly sourced with a focus on natural, biodynamic and organic wines. -
E3 Vegan
357 Roman Road E3 5QR
Open since 2020, E3 Vegan are committed to sharing their love of real food and interest in a more humane lifestyle. A welcoming and relaxed space in which to experiment with some of the most exciting and radical culinary choices on offer in London.
️ Local Services
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Workshop 353 Picture Framing
353 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5QR
Offering bespoke and standard-sized picture frames, canvas stretching bars and stretching service and giclée digital printing. -
Vet in the City
375 – 377 Roman Road E3 5QR
An independent veterinary clinic providing honest and high-quality independent veterinary care for the family pets of East London.
Roman Road is special because it’s built from places like these—shops and cafés that care about what they do, how they look, and who they serve. Each one adds colour, flavour, warmth, and personality to the street.
To sell with Urban Makers in our shop or at our markets please apply here