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City Flora & Plants

interior shops markets•
London
London

City Flora & Plants

120 Old Street, London EC1V 9BD, United Kingdom

Interactive map
Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked away on Old Street, this compact plant shop has transformed from a 24/7 convenience store into something rather special. What City Flora & Plants lacks in size, it more than makes up for with rare varieties, expert knowledge, and that infectious plant-loving energy that's become increasingly rare in London's commercial landscape.

City Flora & Plants: Shoreditch's Unexpected Green Sanctuary

Where a former convenience store bloomed into a plant lover's paradise

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

The space maintains an intimate, welcoming energy that feels refreshingly calm in the heart of bustling Shoreditch. With energy levels sitting at a gentle 3.5 out of 10, this isn't a high-octane retail experience - rather, it's a peaceful sanctuary where you can actually think and browse without feeling rushed. The carefully arranged displays showcase everything from everyday house plants to rare specimens, creating visual interest throughout the compact interior. The atmosphere strikes that sweet spot between trendy (7.0/10 on the cutting-edge scale) and genuinely unique (7.5/10), avoiding the try-hard vibe that plagues many Shoreditch establishments. The flexibility here is remarkable - scoring 8.5/10 - meaning whether you're a serious collector hunting for rare finds or someone who just wants a simple succulent for their desk, the space adapts to your needs. It's the kind of place that encourages spontaneous discovery while maintaining an almost meditative quality that's surprisingly conversation-friendly.

Food & Drink

Not applicable - this is a plant shop specializing in greenery rather than gastronomy.

Service & Experience

The staff here are genuinely passionate plant experts rather than just retail workers, and it shows in every interaction. They provide personalized plant care advice with what customers consistently describe as genuine expertise and deep knowledge. This isn't superficial customer service - these are people who understand the nuances of plant care and can guide you through everything from basic watering schedules to the specific needs of rare varieties. The generous, helpful approach creates an educational experience that goes well beyond a simple transaction. It's clear the team's plant knowledge is comprehensive, making this feel more like consulting with horticultural experts than shopping at a typical retail outlet.

Value for Money

At price level 1 out of 4, City Flora & Plants delivers what's described as reasonable and competitive pricing for both the quality and variety on offer. In an area where everything typically carries a Shoreditch premium, this accessibility is noteworthy. The shop manages to cater to both casual plant parents picking up their first succulent and serious collectors hunting for rare specimens, suggesting the pricing structure works across different budgets. The value proposition extends beyond just the plants themselves - you're essentially getting expert consultation included with your purchase, which adds considerable worth to the overall experience. For a location this central and trendy, maintaining student-friendly pricing while offering rare varieties and statement plants represents genuinely good value.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Hit them at 11am sharp when they open Monday through Friday for first pick of new arrivals and to avoid the after-work plant parent rush. The compact space can get crowded quickly, especially during weekend visits, so timing your visit strategically makes a significant difference to your browsing experience.

What to Focus On

Focus on their rare plant varieties and statement pieces - this is where their expertise and sourcing really shine. Don't overlook their plant care products, and if you're a business owner, inquire about their corporate plant rental services.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The shop offers plant sitting services - perfect if you're going away and worried about your green investments. They also provide corporate plant rental services, which isn't widely advertised but could be ideal for offices. Given the limited space, call ahead on +44 20 7608 2980 if you're looking for something specific to avoid disappointment.

The Final Verdict

City Flora & Plants represents that increasingly rare find - a specialist shop with genuine expertise that hasn't been sanitized by corporate retail standards. The transformation from convenience store to plant paradise feels authentic rather than forced, and the staff's knowledge elevates this beyond typical plant shopping into something approaching horticultural consultation. Yes, the space gets crowded and you'll need to time your visit carefully, but for the combination of rare finds, expert advice, and reasonable pricing in prime Shoreditch location, it's become an essential stop for London's growing community of plant enthusiasts. The flexibility and welcoming atmosphere make it work whether you're a complete beginner or serious collector.

Christoff's Rating:
7.8/10

Perfect For:

serious plant collectors hunting for rare varietiesoffice managers seeking corporate plant rental servicesstudents and young professionals wanting quality plants without premium pricing

Quick Details

1

City Flora & Plants

⭐️ Plant lover paradise
⭐️ Knowledgeable staff
🎨 Shoreditch gem
⭐️ Student friendly

This compact Shoreditch gem occupies what used to be a 24/7 convenience store, and the transformation feels almost magical. The former City Express now houses an expertly curated collection of houseplants, from common varieties to rare specimens that'll make your plant-obsessed friends jealous. What sets this place apart isn't just the quality of plants - it's the genuine passion of the staff. They remember your previous purchases, follow up on how your plants are doing, and provide the kind of personalized advice that keeps plants alive in London's challenging conditions. The space might be compact, but every inch is thoughtfully arranged, creating beautiful displays that inspire rather than overwhelm. For Shoreditch, the pricing remains surprisingly reasonable, making this accessible to both casual plant parents and serious collectors.

What's Great

✓ Staff provide genuinely expert plant care advice

✓ Rare varieties at reasonable Shoreditch prices

Keep in Mind

× Compact space gets crowded quickly during peak times

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Arrive at 11am sharp for first pick of new arrivals and avoid the after-work plant parent rush

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Mon-Fri: 11am-7pm"
📍120 Old Street, London EC1V 9BD, United Kingdom
💷££
📞+44 20 7608 2980
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

City Flora & Plants has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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