As a student of History I get to explore a magnitude of events, cultures and themes throughout the human race. This can be extremely exciting and rewarding and sometimes scary, the phrase 'History repeats itself' is becoming increasingly true! One of my favourite modules is Outcast London: London East End from 1800 to the Present day.
Living in the East End has helped me grasp a sense of what life was like now and previously. Visiting Jack the Ripper hotspot Whitechapel the markets of Spittle Fields and Roman Road. Having a kebab in Brick Lane despite the fact this road used to house the Jewish population and their multitude of Bakery Shops (Now only two remain, and they are immense!). Outcast London was written in 1833 by lovely Rev. Mearns, it is the cry to the rest of England to help East London save it sins. Known for opium dens, prostitution, extreme poverty and many other victorian social vices. Skip past a few hundred years and modern day East London is looking pretty promising. Canary Wharf was ambitious and paid off creating a financial hub in the East. This paved the way for the Olympics to regenerate Stratford and lets not forget the monstrosity that is Westfield's Shopping Centre. East London is vibrant and upcoming with so much to offer, instead of looking to the future these are my favourite hotspots now:
Broadway Market
http://broadwaymarket.co.uk/
Take a stroll down Regent Canal, past Victoria Park (Viccy Park), you will stumble across a mass of houseboats some converted into book shops, cafes, hat shops. Exit off the River to Broadway street and you will hit the best Saturday market. Full of cupcakes, meat feasts, olives, dips and sauces to clothes and records. Handmade lingerie is one of my favourite stalls but with so much variety it will appeal to a wide ranging audience. Lining the street are some of the most amazing bespoke shops. If you are to venture there check out the amazing book shops and of course this wouldn't be an East London street without coffee shops dotted around, each one offering something different.
The Morgan Arms
http://www.morganarmsbow.com
This has been Michelin recommended and by God it's good!! The menu changes every week due to the Chefs picking out fresh ingredients. The wine menu is extensive and mainly the waiting staff have all done courses so know what they are actually talking about. The atmosphere is always electric, in the evening it is accommodated by students and locals alike having cheeky beverages at reasonable prices. I have yet to find a place in this price range that does such good food, and if you ever want to stalk me I am here at least twice a week, the problem is so is the rest of Bow, so do book!
East End Thrift Store
http://www.theeastendthriftstore.com/
Vogue labelled this the "Legendary cult vintage shop." I'm not arguing with that. Sometimes it can reminisce a jumble sale and you find yourself armpit deep in clothes trying to find a bargain but when you do, it has all been worth it! I live for their £10-£20 bag days, where I have learnt to play Tetris with clothes to get as many as I can in my bargain bag. Vintage designers-check. Amazing deals-check. Got to go there-check.
Tower Of London
(I am a history student)
http://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do/place/22249-hm-tower-of-london
This is actually a very good day out, especially if you combine it with a boat trip along the Thames. The Tower of London boasts the Crown Jewels along with the Royal Prison. It is nice to go explore, and in my case chose my future engagement ring...
These are just a snippet of places and things to do in East London, I could write a whole blog on the amazing places to go see and all the exciting things to do. Do not disregard the East and spend all your time in Central and West, it is the little microcosm of England, it is diverse in more ways than just ethically and really is becoming the place of the future.
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