My Third Place – Lauren Stone
God’s Own Junkyard
What is God’s Own Junkyard?
God’s Own Junkyard is hard to describe… but it’s surely one of the coolest places to visit in East London. It’s a neon wonderland, a gallery showcasing the brightest, most colourful art pieces imaginable.
Located in the Ravenswood estate in Walthamstow, when you’re walking there for the first time following your Google Maps, you think you are going the wrong way. Isn’t this just a car park? But no, look closely. You’ll spot a very colourful full size cow, and you’ll know you’re getting closer! (Yes, a full size cow.)
I used to live a 5 minute walk from this treasure of a place – and feel so lucky that this was the centre of our local community. Every time I had a guest come to visit me, I would always take them for a visit to God’s Own Junkyard.
It’s not just neon lights that are on display – there are reclaimed signs and old movie props scattered amongst the madness. It feels like every inch of the wall space is covered in some kind of loud artistic showmanship. It’s impossible to pick a favorite piece.
Who makes the neon artwork?
Chris Bracey is the neon artist, local to Walthamstow, who has been making these signs since the 80’s and runs God’s Own Junkyard. He uses old reclaimed signs and lights and turns them into new artworks. Expect to see everything from old fairground lighting to strip club neon signs there. It’s no surprise that his work has featured in major movies and is sold across the world.
A Wonderland of Creativity – something for everyone
God’s Own Junkyard is a great place to visit for both adults and kids – you can see little one’s faces light up (literally!) as they explore the gallery and try to make sense of it all! Even for little babies – taking them there is like some kind of extra special baby sensory class.
It feels like local groups choose this unique location for community meet ups – I walked in once to a local group of ukulele players having an afternoon practise and a cuppa under the neon lights.
As well as the main gallery, there are one or two rooms next door also filled with neon artworks. These rooms are used for different events like pilates classes.
Food and Drink
If you fancy a coffee and some lunch then you’re in luck. The Rolling Scone cafe is located right there amongst the neon where you can pick up a drink, a snack or a good ole jacket potato. You’ll sit on mismatched furniture or even an old train seat literally underneath and surrounded by the neon displays. It’s my favorite place in Walthamstow for a catch up with a friend.
A Social Space for private events
It’s not surprising that films, TV commercials and music videos are filmed here. But what is even cooler is that the space can be hired for events and parties. I think it would be impossible to not have a good time at an event here.
This also includes weddings! I was fortunate enough to write and deliver a wedding ceremony right there under the neon lights. Anna and Gavin wanted a quirky, local and unusual location to tie the knot in front of about 50 guests, and so God’s Own Junkyard was the perfect venue. The guests who had not been before were all amazed by the colourful location and it certainly made the wedding ceremony a fun, joyous and bright affair!
What else is in the local area?
The other fantastic thing about God’s Own Junkyard is the other local businesses located just outside. If you like a drink, you’re in luck. There are two separate breweries and taprooms making their own local beers, ales and ciders as well as a gin bar called Mother’s Ruin. When the sun is shining you’ll find other local mobile businesses joining in the fun – pizza and hot dog trucks, ice cream vans etc.
And then two minutes away you are in the leafy streets of Walthamstow Village, which is a quiet pocket of East London filled with pubs, restaurants and shops, lots of which support independent designers from the local area.
Could not recommend this area more highly, and feel so grateful that this community was my home in London. 
www.perfectlysaidbylauren.com
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