Shop: Farm:shop

At a time when eco-sustainability is king, there is one type of shop that any self-respecting city could not do without: the farm store. Opened just over a year ago in the capital, Farm:shop is the brain child of eco-social design practice Something & Son as part of the Hackney's Art in Empty Spaces community initiative. The idea is to replicate their idea across the country - or even the world - with the aim of educating consumers in the art of cultivating do-it-yourself food within green spaces, be it in allotments, on balconies or gardens.

TheFarm:shop adventure started with the renovation of a dilapidated site in East London. A chicken coop was installed on the rooftop while just under the windows there is some 'aquaponic' micro fish farming going on in huge tanks. Mixing new technology with some traditional methods, the shop also grows its own organic fruit and vegetables.

The first floor of the space is reserved for events and can be hired out while downstairs is a café selling items that use only the produce grown by the store. Entirely run by volunteers, Farm:shop is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday and free tours are given of the premises. And as for their motto, we think it's something everyone could learn to do: eat, drink, grow, work and play!

Address: 20 Dalston Lane, Hackney, London