Hoxton Street Monster Supplies

Children's amusement center · Hoxton

1

@atlasobscura

"Along an otherwise normal London street is an innocuous storefront for Hoxton Street Monster Supplies, one of the world’s only shops for suppling monsters, bogey men, and creatures of the night with their everyday essentials, however this bizarre store is only a front for a sneaky community writing program.   Inside the shop the shelves are filled with neatly stacked bottles, tins, and boxes of such esoteric ingredients as “Thickest Human Snot,” “A Vague Sense of Unease,” and “Fang Floss.” Warnings on the windows caution such whimsical (or terrifying) rules as only one giant at a time and a kind request that patrons refrain from devouring the employees. However beneath all of this mundane, day-to-day monster shopping, the store actually hides a much more positive purpose as a youth writing and literacy center. Modeled after the various, fantastical theme shops operated by David Eggers’ 826 Valencia, the monster shop is the work of author Nick Hornby’s similar youth writing initiative, the Ministry of Stories. The Ministry is devoted to encouraging creative writing skills in both children and adults providing classes and workshops through outlets such as the Hoxton Monster shop. Luring children into a stop-and-shop for walking nightmares may not seem like the safest option to increase interest in the art of writing, but then again many public schools can be much more frightening." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

9 Cool Shops in London
Jodi on Flickr (Creative Commons)

159 Hoxton St, London N1 6PJ, United Kingdom Get directions

monstersupplies.org
@monstersupplies

1 Postcard

See full details

More Places For You

Lina Stores Soho Delicatessen

Deli · Soho

Step into this family-run Italian deli in Soho, where homemade pasta, premium cheeses, and cured meats create a delicious Italian haven.

3 Postcards

Taberna do Mercado

Portuguese restaurant · Spitalfields

This cozy, whitewashed Portuguese spot serves inventive tapas and superb wines, perfect for sharing among friends in a relaxed atmosphere.

1 Postcard

Trisha's

Jazz club · Soho

Step into Trisha’s, a cozy, eclectic jazz club where members mingle under the glow of vintage photos and checkered tablecloths, offering a slice of Soho's vibrant nightlife.

3 Postcards

St. JOHN Marylebone

Restaurant · Marylebone

Fergus Henderson and Trevor Gulliver's new Marylebone spot serves up St. JOHN's classic British fare and wines in a chic, bright setting perfect for any time of day.

4 Postcards

Ginger & White

Coffee shop · Hampstead

This cozy Hampstead café serves up delicious cakes and artisan coffee in a relaxed setting, perfect for a laid-back brunch or a sunny afternoon.

5 Postcards

The Bull and Last

Pub · Camden

Nestled next to Hampstead Heath, this stylish gastropub boasts a cozy vibe with wood-panel walls and serves a delectable British menu.

16 Postcards

L'ETO

Cafe · Knightsbridge

At L'eto, indulge in an all-day café experience where mouthwatering cakes and inviting decor make for a delightful stop between South Kensington and Knightsbridge.

3 Postcards

Old George Bethnal Green

Sports bar · Bethnal Green

Step into The Old George, a restored 18th-century pub with cozy mismatched furniture, exposed brick, and a large inviting garden perfect for lazy Sundays.

2 Postcards

Towpath

Cafe · De Beauvoir Town

Nestled along the Regent's Canal, Towpath Café is a charming seasonal spot where you can savor coffee and rotating dishes made from local ingredients while soaking up the sun and people-watching.

27 Postcards

Tooting Market

Market · Tooting

Tooting Market is a vibrant hub where vintage finds, global street food, and local gems mingle, serving everything from spicy jerk chicken to artisan coffee.

3 Postcards