Most of the pictures in this gallery were taken at the Columbia rd flower market (Hackney / Shoreditch every Sunday until 1pm). Hackney used to be inner London’s most deprived area but in recent years, certain parts, have become some of the most fashionable hang-outs for young artists. In sharp contrast to the run-down surroundings, the market is full of life; I only went once (getting up early on Sunday mornings is not one of my greatest strength) and focused mainly on the flowers but remember thinking that next time I’d have to concentrate on the market-goers: bohemian artists, families with young children, fashion conscious straight and gay men, colourful African-Caribbean wearing their traditional native cloths, stick-thin supermodel wanabees, cash-strapped students nursing hangovers, organic eco-warriors etc. all strolling along, listening to stall holders shouting the merits of their flowers: “buy my flowers, they are so cheap you can afford to buy them for someone you don’t even like…. like your wife” one stall-holder exclaimed from the top of his voice; picture French or Italian fishmongers in a village market only substitute the Mediterranean accent for a strong Cockney accent and you will only get a glimpse of the atmosphere. Truly, London at its best.