Clapton Glass

"This used to be a car salesroom selling landrovers, that was really a front. These guys put an ad in for a Roller and when the punter came in to hand over the 100 grand in cash they took him into that tin office that I still have in the corner. Two armed robbers came in with shot guns, perforating the office, and got the lot. Of course it was an inside job. I have been running this place for 28 year, was born in Columbia Road, although I now live in Essex – I love it there, nice and quiet. I once did a job for the Hard Rock cafe - that's how I got the sign, just asked if I could have it; I love it."

Keith's Electrical Shop

Keith, who is 78 years old, has been working in his capsule shop for 20 years, repairing radios and record players, supplying hoover bags and light bulbs and making electrical safety checks. According to Keith, making ends meet in the shop today is a case of just trying to "keep my head above water".

Greggs

Smoked barracuda, cat fish, cow nose and goat tripe are all on offer at Greggs. Gizzard (turkey and chicken), cassava, ugu (not unlike spinach) and fufu flour are all for sale. Kunle (above), from Lagos, Nigeria, has been working in the shop for eight years.

Caribbean Market

Ahmed is Turkish but specialises in Caribbean food. Fresh yam, mangoes, green plantain, breadfruit and coconut water are some of his most popular produce. Like so many of the shops on Chatsworth Road he is open seven days a week (8am–9pm), 365 days a year, including Christmas Day. Ahmed's cat, Lucy,who can often be seen sentinel outside his shop, is famous in her own right and has even been 'cat papped'. Since Hackney Council told Ahmed that Lucy was no longer allowed to be in the shop, she lives around the corner, but visits often.

Pak's

Pak's is packed with thousands of African and Caribbean hair and beauty products. With shops in Leyton, Finsbury Park, Harlesden, as well as Chatsworth Road, Paks has been in operation for nearly 30 years.

Princess

Princess is Nigerian and sells African fashions, jewellery, handbags and shoes in Sheriq Boutique, which has been open since 2005.

Going Underground

Who knew that lurking below the vibrant artery that is Chatsworth Road is an exciting, subterranean world? Step below the emporia of Chatsworth supermarket and you will discover an Eastern European Social Club. Hidden beneath the Bookbox is a ceramic cafe and in the depths of juice bar, Lumiere, is – unbelievably – a VIP room complete with red rope. On the miniature dance floor is a pair of red, sparkling shoes just waiting to take flight, and the toilet emits the sound of the sea when you shut the door.