Bow Area Info | E3

Located in the Borough of Tower Hamlets and within walking and cycling distance of the city, central London and Canary Wharf, Bow was the original home of the 'Cockney'. Today, however, it is a young, lively and multicultural area that first emerged as a desirable place to live following the development of Canary Wharf and Docklands in the late 80s. The arrival of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2012 has further cemented its appeal while another big draw are the wonderful waterways that encircle this area. These include the Regent’s Canal, the Hertford Union Canal and the Limehouse Cut, while at Bow’s north-east borders are the backwaters of the River Lea.

For green space, Victoria Park is just on the other side of the Hertford Union Canal, and is one of London’s most historic and oldest public parks. It boast a café, boating and fishing lakes, rose garden, bowling green, tennis court, children’s water play feature and playground as well as having an active Victorian bandstand!

Affluent young professionals and creatives are moving into the new apartment complexes and warehouses-turned-lofts, creating a mixed population with the working class families and students already living here. Georgian townhouses and cottages on quiet, tree-lined streets attract families while refurbished council estates provide more affordable housing options.

Transport links are good in Bow, with Bow Road and Bromley-by-Bow stations both on the Hammersmith & City and District Lines and affording easy access into central London and the city. Nearby Mile End, meanwhile, is on the Central line if required.

Schools in Bow include Old Palace Primary School, which has an outstanding Ofsted rating, and Bow School, a co-educational secondary that is rated good.

Things To Do In Bow

Ever-changing Roman Road plays host to a traditional East End street market three days a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday), famed for its affordable fashion, delicious street food and quality home ware. Then there’s the dozens of independent stores, cafes and restaurants that line the Roman Road, perfect for enjoying a coffee or light bite. We recommend Zealand Café, a fantastic place to get your caffeine fix and which also serves a banging breakfast, brunch and lunch. For something more substantial, you can’t beat traditional pie and mash, something that G Kelly has been dishing up to hungry locals for more than 80 years.

For more posh nosh, a selection of restaurants and gastro pubs can be found in Victoria Park Village, Westfield and Canary Wharf. The Morgan Arms is one of our favourites, where the kitchen takes pub grub to dizzy new heights, serving delicious risottos, flavour-packed pies and such scrumptious burgers it’s impossible not to clean your plate. Similarly at The Empress over on Lauriston Road, which prides itself on sourcing most of its product locally and where the menu never fails to delight and surprise.