While it might look like a place where only vampires and werewolves would shop, there’s something deeply human about this quirky establishment—it supports young people in building their creative confidence through writing.
Hoxton Street Monster Supplies proudly claims to be the “purveyor of quality goods for monsters of every kind.” Whether you’re a vampire in need of “Salt Made From Tears of Anger” or a zombie looking for “Earwax Cubes,” the shelves are filled with items that delight and amuse. For the curious human visitor, it’s impossible not to feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook.
Their website can also be translated into the language of Werewolves, Mummies, Vampire bats, Zombies, and of course Human. Adding an extra fun spin to interacting with the website and brand at large.
Yet beneath the wit and whimsy lies a heartwarming mission. The shop exists to fund and support the work of The Ministry of Stories, a creative writing and mentoring charity for young people aged 8-18. Founded in 2010 by author Nick Hornby, with co-founders Lucy Macnab and Ben Payne, the Ministry is all about empowering kids to tell their stories. From workshops to mentoring, it’s a space where imaginations are nurtured and voices amplified.
While Hoxton Street Monster Supplies is what draws visitors in, it’s The Ministry of Stories that gives the shop its purpose. Inspired by San Francisco’s 826 Valencia, the Ministry uses the shop as a clever front to fund its free writing programs. Behind a hidden door at the back of the store lies a space where young writers gather to create poetry, scripts, and stories.
These aren’t your typical school exercises. The workshops encourage kids to let their imaginations run wild, crafting everything from letters to monsters to entire worlds where monsters and humans coexist. The ultimate goal? To help young people feel confident in expressing themselves, whether they dream of being future authors or simply want to tell their story.
Of course, no trip to Hoxton Street Monster Supplies is complete without picking up some of their eccentric wares. The shop’s Tinned Fear collection is a bestseller, offering flavours like Mortal Terror and Night Sweats, while Cubed Earwax is a surprisingly sweet treat (thankfully, it’s fudge). Each purchase helps fund the Ministry’s vital work, making it the perfect combination of meaningful and mischievous gift-giving.
And if you’re a fan of the written word, the shop also stocks anthologies of stories created by the young writers of the Ministry. These collections offer a peek into the incredible creativity that blossoms in the workshops—each tale as unique and imaginative as the shop itself.
There’s something profoundly charming about Hoxton Street Monster Supplies’ approach to creativity. By inviting kids (and adults) to embrace the weird and wonderful, it reminds us that storytelling has the power to build connections and break down barriers. The shop may cater to monsters, but it’s a haven for anyone who loves a good story and a good laugh.
So whether you’re shopping for a ghost with picky taste buds or want to support the next generation of storytellers, this little East London gem has you covered. And remember: no matter who—or what—you are, monsters are always welcome.
An added bonus is that Hoxton, “endeavours to keep our products as environmentally friendly as possible, sourcing plastic free alternatives and Vegan options where possible.” As noted on their website FAQs.
If you’re in London and are looking for somewhere to take the kids, or even if you don’t have kids, why not stop by the Hoxton Street Monster Supplies store and check out their wares, while supporting a good cause at the same time.
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