Despite growing in size, modern East London retains a sense of community. Close to the Thames River corridor, between the bustling metropolis and a quieter world of neighbouring towns and the Essex countryside, a cosmopolitan welcome waits for you. Images and stereotypes of the East End are usually strong. A nostalgic impression is one of the cheeky chirpy, street wise cockney speaking in rhyming slang having pint of lager in the local boozer.
But East London is changing. The ‘cafe society’ is moving in, creating an East End that appeals as a place to eat; drink; visit an Art Gallery or Museum; buy a new or converted modern apartment to make your home. Restoration of some houses in Hackney makes them look like they woldnt look amiss on the posher parts of London City.
Although the bombings of the Second World War changed the city in gigantic propotions, there are still streets to be found in the East End that have hardly changed in the last 300 years. The East London Boroughs are full of busy roads lined with small shops and friendly pubs affording opportunities to meet the locals. Fashion bargains wait for you in all the High Streets and in the markets, along with large supermarket chains and department stores competing for your business. Large shopping complexes are close by in the Broadway at Ilford; the Vicarage Field at Barking and the Liberty at Romford.
Between the patchwork of East London streets and houses, there’s many large green open spaces to discover gardens, tennis courts, bowling greens, maybe a boating lake or even wildlife. Victoria Park in Hackney is exceptional. The River Thames in East London offers a spectacular view of the Millennium Dome. Standing directly over the Blackwall Tunnel, this project has reclaimed a previously contaminated piece of industrial wasteland.
It is possible to visit the East End from basically any London hotel, given the efficient public transport in the city. Hotels in London that are located on the East End are usually budget hotels with only a smattering of luxury hotels to be found.
