I wish butcher’s shops still looked as they did in the Victorian times, don’t you? Thankfully this one in the East End of London neighbourhood, Hackney, survives as inspiration having been completely restored and turned into a beautiful two-bedroom live-work home, with a kitchen and lounge, for sale on The Modern House.
For me, the star of the show is undoubtedly the original shop floor complete with its ornate Edwardian and Art Nouveau tiling, the carved wooden payment kiosk turned cubby hole study. Then there’s all the gorgeous intricate ironwork and, of course, the original painted scenes that depict the sophisticated, well-heeled neighbourhood of Hampstead Heath, a century ago.
The now-Grade II listed building dates back to 1890. The handprinted sign on the facade reveals the name of the original butcher, Mr Hancock, who operated here at number 493 at the turn of the century. 
According to The Modern House listing, the shop changed hands two or three times after (records are lacking), but always remained a butcher’s until 1990, when the last commercial tenant, Mr W Plumb, closed the 100-year-old butcher shop for good.
Elsewhere, other original features preserved are the original wooden floorboards that run throughout the rest of the 1,200 sq ft house and a fireplace with Art Nouveau tiles similar to those in the shop. Other surprises include a little workshop and a courtyard garden.
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