Bethnal Green | E2

Unpretentious and diverse, Bethnal Green has a distinctly different character to it’s nearby hipster neighbours, Hoxton and Shoreditch. Perhaps this links to the fact that it was the most heavily bombed area in east London during World War II and as a result has a high percentage of social housing. However, amid the estates you’ll still find plenty of Victorian streets as well as converted period buildings including former bathhouses, biscuit and soap factories as well as listed tower blocks.

Some of the most desirable streets lie on the Jesus Green Estate conservation area, just adjacent to Columbia Road flower market, where you’ll find lovely two and three bedroom period cottages, originally built for local hospital workers. Close to the Young V&A (formerly The V&A Museum of Childhood) is Cyprus Street, which suffered huge civilian loss of life in the Second World War. However, it retains some particularly elegant period homes, as do many of the roads that run off it.

Whether renting or buying, property here offers excellent value for money when compared to surrounding areas, and attracts a wide range of people from young professionals and creatives to young families, who rub shoulders happily with the old school east enders and Bangladeshi families that also reside here. Transport wise, Bethnal Green is extremely well connected, with its tube station on the Central line just one stop from London Liverpool Street. There is Overground access at Bethnal Green and Cambridge Heath, too, as well as at Shoreditch High Street and Hoxton.

All of Bethnal Green’s primary schools are rated good or better by Ofsted. The outstanding primaries are Globe on Gawber Street, Mowlem on Bishops Way and Thomas Buxton on Buxton Street. The outstanding comprehensive schools are Morpeth on Portman Place and Swanlea on Brady Street.

Things To Do In Bethnal Green

Bethnal Green is home to some of London’s best weekend markets, most notably the Sunday flower market at Columbia Road, where you’ll also be able to grab a flat white to go along with your freesias. Bick Lane’s food, antique and clothing market is another must visit too, a place where you can browse for hidden treasures amid the hustle and bustle while feasting on the most fabulous street food.

Of an evening, we’d recommend you pop back to Brick Lane for some authentic Indian cuisine, with more than 20 curry houses to choose from. The Bengal Village is a favourite of ours, with the tender, slow-cooked garka lamb an absolute winner. There’s plenty of bars here too to slake your thirst and even a ten pin bowling venue, All Star Lanes, which also has a bar and restaurant serving cocktails and burgers.

For a more traditional evening, the Birdcage on Columbia Road won’t disappoint. This lovingly restored Victorian pub offers great craft beer, proper pub food and the odd cocktail thrown in for good measure, and also just happens to be the favourite watering hole of comedian Micky Flannagan.

If it’s large open spaces you’re seeking, however, then Weavers Field is the place to go, offering over 15 acres off open lawns, wooded walks and even an outdoor gym. Or just over the border into Hackney, you’ll find Haggerston Park, which has the added attraction of being home to Hackney City Farm, where you can roam among the geese and chickens and meet the pigs, sheep and goats up close and personal.