Discover Local London: The Step @ Bowes Park

Lindsey
By Lindsey Last edited 138 months ago
Discover Local London: The Step @ Bowes Park
Inside The Step / photo by Elaine Sutton
Inside The Step / photo by Elaine Sutton
Cake!
Cake!
The ever growing events board
The ever growing events board
The jolly back garden
The jolly back garden
Bowes Park station by Katie Buckley
Bowes Park station by Katie Buckley
Always a new message on the chalkboard outside
Always a new message on the chalkboard outside

The Step opened on Myddleton Road, N22 earlier this year. Few would have the balls to start a new cafe, bar and gallery on such a little known, hodge-podge of a faded Edwardian shopping street but locals Nell and Mat sniffed regeneration in the air and determined to bring a bit of buzz back to Bowes Park.

Open day and night, 6 days a week The Step not only dishes up delicious locally sourced food and drink in its bright and friendly cafe, it's also home to events, exhibitions and stuff to buy with excellent London credentials behind them.

The majority of their food and drink suppliers are London-based, among them Wood Green's Celtic Bakers, Meantime Brewing for lager, Hackney's Eat My Pies, plus cupcakes from Amy who works in the Step and goodies from Ralph who lives just over the garden wall and runs the excellently named Entrees on Trays.

Almost all of the products on sale in the gallery are by London designer makers, many with a London theme. Locally designed and made greetings cards include ones of Bounds Green tube station and George Moore's shopfront.

The current exhibition, Capital Connect comprises linoprints by local artist Katie Buckley of the train stations along the Hertford North line into central London — Bowes Park being one of them.

Swiftly established events include a popular weekly quiz night, the Cracked Pot comedy night, Click Camera Club, Songs for Little People (and slightly bigger people), toddler and adult craft sessions as well as gigs and community meetings.

Coming up in October is the first in a series of Discovering London lunchtime talks, a wine, meat and cheese tasting by supplier Cannon and Cannon and a regular tip top table sale.

Want to visit? The Step is at 101 Myddleton Road, N22 (closed Mondays). Bowes Park Station is closest (get the train from Moorgate, Finsbury Park or Highbury & Islington), Bounds Green Tube is a 5-10 minute walk. Want to explore the area? Try this walk.

What's your favourite local shop, cafe or community hub? Let us know, email tips@londonist.com.

Last Updated 27 September 2012