17 & Central is thrilled to be welcoming CRATE Walthamstow, an exciting new hospitality and leisure destination, to the shopping centre this summer. Bringing together street food operators, leading local brewers, mini golf, music, light installations, cultural performances and so much more, this exciting new space will open in July.

Taking over the entire first floor of the shopping centre, CRATE Walthamstow will
offer a full food experience alongside a diverse live music and entertainment programme, including workshops, classes, talks and events – everything from book clubs and baby yoga – in its large event space.

There will be a private events space for hire called The Cosy Room, perfect for workshops, team building exercises and small gatherings of up to 20 people. The space will also be used for some of CRATE Walthamstow’s smaller, more niche events such as mini movie marathon nights, intimate comedy shows and panel discussions.
​And for those that prefer their fun a little more competitive, the 9-hole Waltham Forest-inspired indoor mini golf course is sure to be a big hit.
There will be an in-house craft beer and cocktail bar run by the High Street Social team and a speciality coffee shop from Central Coffee Collective. The bar will showcase local and regional breweries and deliver a competitively priced house lager and ale. The new venue will also be home to seven independent street food traders, including leading burger brand Nanny Bill’s and the amazing Yorkshire Burrito.

CRATE Walthamstow offers emerging promoters and the local community a platform to bring event ideas to life, whether it’s fashion shows, spoken word, panel discussions, dance classes or creative workshops. A mix of permanent and rotating art and light installations will be on display in the community gallery, as will artwork from local colleges.
The top ten submissions of a recent, local, amateur photography competition will also get to see their work displayed in the gallery space. The winning photographs will be unveiled during launch week and guests will have the chance to meet both photographers and artists.

“We’re really excited about CRATE Walthamstow coming to 17 & Central; it will bring so many benefits to the local community,” said 17 & Central General Manager, Gavin Cockayne. As well as providing a relaxed environment for families to use during the day, with a huge selection of activities and food offerings, it will also support the night-time economy with tailored events for the evenings.

“The space will provide a much-needed destination in the shopping centre where people can socialise, experience the leisure offers and try a variety of cuisines from local independent operators. The opening will also create more jobs in the area and drive visits from local boroughs to support the growth of our brilliant Walthamstow community.”

Dannie Hodgson, CRATE’s Operations Manager added: “At CRATE, we’re passionate about creating a social space where independent businesses and the community come together and thrive. Launching this summer, we look forward to CRATE Walthamstow becoming a firm favourite with the local community.”

CRATE will be open on Mondays from 8am-10pm, from 8am-11pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8am-11.30pm Thursdays-Saturdays and from 11am-10pm on Sundays.