It's Blitz

There was always an invisible chalk line right down Brick Lane. On one side, constant change. On the other, nothing much apart from from one or two great pubs, and certainly none of the latte bars and art-store-slash-galleries that spread like rashes over every other street in the neighbourhood.

Until now. Blitz London, billed as 'London's first vintage department store' has high-kicked right over the chalk line and set up shop on the other side of Hanbury Street.

There's a wide variety of vintage (everything from rows and rows of cheapo leather hotpants to gorgeous, pricey old-time frocks), a great selection of £4 books, a cafe and a brilliant selection of furniture that includes both insane Victoriana and mid-century sleekness.

Bigger isn't always better (not for me, anyway) but the stock's pretty cool - I'm sure I'll be back.