A round up of the Newness in store this January

January - a chance to fill the shop with newness! 

We have introduced 2 new collections of Ortigia Toiletries in addition to Zagara and Sandalo which we showcased in the run up to Christmas.   We have added the exotic Fico d’India range, inspired by the cactus of the same name with amazing orange flowers which grows wild across Sicily. The perfume boast a wonderfully powdery fig and cedar fragrance that comes straight from the Mediterranean.  The other range is Melograno (Pomegranate) in a rich red/pink packaging with a scent inspired from the exotic fruit.   It is very rich, dry, dusty and slightly bitter.  

We love the Italian Ortigia brand using natural products indigenous to Sicily and inspired by the aesthetics, colours and scents of Italy’s most tropical region and we're delighted the products have been such a hit.  All the products are made from natural perfume and ingredients: olive oil, vegetable glycerine, and organic colours, and are paraben-free. The luxurious range is presented in signature decorative packaging also inspired by Sicilian images and colours.

Newness also from One Hundred Stars Kimonos, Gowns and Scarves in 2 new colourways of their striking stork design and a brand new collaboration with Kew Royal Botanic Gardens.  Beautiful Passion Flower and Magnolia Designs which  have been created from one of the world's foremost archives of rare and historically significant artwork held at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. 

Together with some quirky new fish vases and striking new Frida shot glasses and coasters and an interactive glow T shirt for kids.  We're full again of great ideas for 2019.

'Archway my Way' by Jen Pedler

Jen Pedler 'Queen of Archway' and dear friend of map gift shop is back leading a series of guided walks titled 'Archway my Way'  and the next walk is on Saturday 16th February at 2pm tickets available here. Jen has set up a 10% discount code for our customers and Archway Card Holders. The code is archfeb19. Entering this code when booking will discount the ticket price for both standard and concession by 10%. 

"I’ve lived in Archway for over thirty years. Let me show you my manor!" 

Archway's regeneration is nearly complete; its brutalist tower has been clad and turned into flats, the controversial gyratory system has finally gone and is now the amazing new piblic space - Navigator Square.

left.  archway tower in full brutalist glory, centre.  archway tower shrouded during cladding, right. archway tower of today.

On this walk you will, see the place where Dick Whittington famously turned again.  Learn why a bridge was built where there should have been a tunnel.  Hear why priests disguised themselves to buy a pub.  Stand on a point that's at the same level as the top of the dome of St Paul's & get fabulous panoramic views from some of the highest points in London.

Left.  map gift shop in 1904 and 2014 right top Whittington's cat right centre. views from Archway Bridge, right bottom Archway Bridge (also known as suicide bridge)

And what's more..... if you fancy a bit of retail therapy, this is possibly the only guided walk that exits through the gift shop! 


This circular walk starts at Archway tube station (meet in the ticket hall) and lasts about two hours - you can book tickets through Eventbrite!  We'll post more information about future dates soon!

The Result Post

Thanks so much for all the pics of your fabulous Christmas Trees, it filled our hearts with such joy to see that your Festive Spirit is so strong (and stable) despite the political shenanigans that have dominated the news in the run up to our favourite time of year.  We have  bucked the high street trend of doom and gloom and really enjoyed all the positivity from our wonderful clientele and community.

We carefully considered all the entries and we all were unanimous that this entry from Claudia was a clear winner of the £50 voucher.  We loved the sense of humour, the vintage baubles mixed with new, we even spotted our very own Amy Winehouse bauble too.

We awarded 2 other winners £25 vouchers each too.  The first was this stunning entry from Bobby.  We recognised many of the iridescent clear and frosty white baubles which have obviously been collected over many years......but what made it so special was the 'Love is Love' rainbow heart from this years collection which I think was a super stylish and genius contrast to the frosty white subtlety. 

Finally there is this entry from Arabella, we have awarded her tree a worthy winner of our 2nd £25 Voucher!  It's the sheer fun of the whole scene, including the intriguing exit right of a 'real' reindeer????  

We'd love to see his face Arabella!

Thanks again to everyone who sent us pictures, we have really enjoyed seeing our decorations and treasured decorations used to such creative effect.

Have a very Happy Festive Holiday.

Ian & Kathryn

Cute Gifts for Cute Kids and all under £15

Christmas Tree Competition - £50 up for grabs!

25th Anniversary Christmas Tree Competition

Have you decorated your Christmas Tree?  Now that the season is well and truly festively underway we have launched our annual competition.

We love seeing all the creativity and festive fun inspired by our Christmas Decorations each year.  There are two £25 vouchers up for grabs and a £50 voucher, star prize as well.

We have really enjoyed the innovative community art projects this year (have you seen the Whitehall Park Living Advent Calendar) and we know that not everyone has space for a large tree.  With that in mind this year we are awarding extra points for imagination and creativity.  So as well as Christmas Trees - do send us pics of your alternative Christmas creations, themes and displays.

You can fill in our contact form and attach pics here.

Secret Santa - Cheap & Cheery Gift Ideas for the Office Secret Santa

Secret Santa gifts should be quirky, fun and shouldn't cost too much.  Here's is our 'go to' collection of ideas (many under £10) which are full of festive spirit.

1.  Mr Rugged Hair & Body Wash £7.75
2.  Mr Perfect Soap £6.95
3.  Mr Manly Soap £6.95
4.  Veggie & Vegan London £9.99
5.  Vladimir Putin:  Life Coach £9.99
6.  Jeremy Corbyn Annual £9.99
7.  The Beautiful Poetry of Donald Trump £9.99
8.  Mr Pefect Hair & Body Wash £7.95
9.  Amber Bath Essence £16.95
10.Amber Hand Cream £11.95
11.Total Eclipse of the Fart Lav Mist £10.95
12.Get a Load of these Whiskers Socks £10.50
13.I'm Not Bossy Oven Glove £12.95
14.Zen - Pencils £6.95
15. Awesome Stickers £6.95

We're in ......Shop Small with Amex

We're in - check out who else is in N19.

To give a little something back, Amex encourages their Cardmembers to Shop Small with local businesses each year.  When they spend £10 or more at a participating small business from 1 - 16 December 2018, they will receive a £5 credit back.

Putting Small Businesses in the spotlight.  Shop Small is dedicated to supporting small businesses who do big things for their local communities.

Stasi Salons Archway 75-77 Junction Road, Archway, N19 

Battenburg Badger, 706 Holloway Rd, London N19 3NL

Bread & Bean, 37 Junction Rd, London N19 5QU