Getting to see the sun in London is no easy feat. So when Helios makes an appearance and the temperature rises as much as to dare to get your bare arms out on a Saturday afternoon, Londoners know what to do: go to a terrace, meet up with some friends, have a cold brew, and get as much vitamin D as possible, before the clouds come back and the skins asks for the coats back.
And so yesterday, when I managed for the first time to leave the house without the constant fear of not carrying enough additional layers to cover up in the (very likely) event that the weather played its infamous dirty trick, I went out possessed by the sunlight to make the most of one of London’s coolest neighbourhoods: Walthamstow.
The chosen destination was a new venue, social hub and community space, near the local treasure of the E17 area, God’s Own Junkyard. Bursting with good vibes and chatting groups of East Londoners downing malt-based drinks and spicy margaritas on tap, The Malt Haus (@themalthaus) stands out for its 60s-70s design style, inspired by listening bars and cocktail lounges from that era.
This welcoming spot from the Pillars Brewery team is set aglow with soft, dimmed lighting and framed by large wooden bookshelf speakers that frame the bar. Cosy, retro low-slung chairs invite you to sink in, while William Morris posters — a nod to the iconic Walthamstowian designer — keep the local spirit alive. A compact bar showcases a beautiful selection of whiskey bottles, ready to be poured by the friendly staff. There’s also a resident kitchen, which yesterday was manned by the Moroccan street food team from Harissa and Lemon (@harissanandlemon).
After enjoying a refreshingly delicious drink and winning a couple of rounds at the most addictive card game right now (Monopoly Deal) in their Biergarten-style tables, it was time to head back home. However, I will be looking forward to my next visit. A party in The Malt Haus’s 70s lounge wrapped in thick crimson curtains? Most likely. Can’t wait.
Words on Art 
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