Diverse, vibrant and with its finger well and truly on the pulse – that’s London’s Tower Hamlets. It’s what we like to call the Selfridges of the capital’s boroughs, in that it truly offers something for everyone. Art lover? Foodie? Fitness fanatic? Come right in, because you’ll be welcomed here with open arms.
Regeneration in Tower Hamlets
This is a portion of the capital that’s seen much in the way of regeneration and innovation. In the past decade, this area of East London has been heavily invested in – from the celebrated Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to its slick property developments. And the highly anticipated arrival of Crossrail will revolutionise the area even further.
East End history
Tower Hamlets covers a large chunk of London’s historic East End, and so it’s easy to journey back in time here. The neighbourhoods are characterised by 19th-century docks, Victorian townhouses and tales of Jack the Ripper. Walking tours that tell the story of the area’s heritage come highly recommended.
Modern pursuits
Perhaps the capital’s biggest oxymoron, Tower Hamlets offers just as many contemporary faces as it does traditional ones. In sought-after districts like Shoreditch, Bow and Stepney Green, modern galleries and work spaces share the roadsides with trendy cocktail bars, street food stalls and pie and mash shops. These postcodes are hotspots for creative professionals, who frequent the artisan coffee shops by day, and enjoy the cutting-edge live music venues by night.
HomeViews reviewer says…
“Bow is a trendy neighbourhood with a good pub and café scene.”
Shopping in Tower Hamlets
The retail therapy scene is just as varied. Tower Hamlets offers everything from vintage clothes stores to treasure-trove antique dens. And residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to markets, courtesy of big-hitters like Old Spitalfields, Brick Lane and the Colombia Road Flower Market. Hands down, these are the best places in the city to experience the authentic sights and sounds of the East End.
Tips from HomeViews reviewers…
“Chrisp Street market is one of the area’s highlights, and is packed with everything from fruit and vegetables to clothing. Billingsgate Market is another London institution with an abundance of net-fresh and budget-friendly seafood. Plus, Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs are just beyond it, which means there’s no shortage of upmarket bars, high-end restaurants and must-visit East London landmarks.”
“Close to the (Whitechapel) station is Whitechapel Road Market, between Vallance Road and Cambridge Heath Road. The area has a large British Bangladeshi community, and you’ll find all manner of Asian spices and cooking ingredients for sale at this authentic street market.”
