Your guide to living in Bethnal Green
The undisputed home of the East End cockney, Bethnal Green has come a long way since its days as one of London’s poorest neighbourhoods. Wander the streets today and you’ll find independent brunch spots, vintage vinyl stores and trendy cocktails bars aplenty - it’s a veritable playground for young professionals without losing its traditional, unpretentious feel.
Bethnal Green boasts more bars/restaurants/cinemas/East End boozers than you could ever need, as well as excellent transport links and cheaper than average east London prices.
So: want to know the best spots for a Ruby or where to head for a kitchen sink ‘rand the East End of town? You’ve come to the right place - take a look at our handy guide to E2.
Where is it?
Of course Bethnal Green is in the heart of East London, just east of Shoreditch High Street. Located in the borough of Tower Hamlets, which also has one of the highest ethnic minority populations in the capital!
What’s the transport like?
A blessing and a curse, Bethnal Green is right on the Central line. It might be commuter hell come the summer months, but the trusty red line is one of London’s most important – with 260 million journeys made on it every year. Going central from this east London pocket couldn't be any easier – the journey from Bethnal Green to Oxford Street takes just 13 minutes.
E2 also boasts its own overground station, perfect for dropping you right into the center of town at Liverpool Street. As for buses, they’re just about as regular as can be. With nine routes going both into the centre of London and further out, E2 is basically public transport heaven.
Where do the locals go?
Parks: The largest park in Bethnal Green is Weavers Fields, which is a popular spot among families and young children. There’s also Bethnal Green Gardens - conveniently located at Bethnal Green’s underground station, and Meath Gardens which has a gothic archway entrance which remains since its origins as a cemetery.
Events & Activities: Rich Mix on Bethnal Green Road, which boasts three cinema screens and plenty of exhibition and performance spaces, hosts everything from gigs and dance performances to comedy and spoken word, with plenty of workshops thrown in for good measure. Take a trip to the countryside without ever leaving Zone 2 at Spitalfields City Farm. A community space that relies on the help of volunteers, this slice of urban greenery promotes a sustainable lifestyle whilst also bringing together the community. Don’t forget to make a purchase at the farm shop before you leave. And you just can't miss Columbia Road Flower Market. Arguably one of London’s most aesthetic streets, this Sunday market showcases bucket upon bucket of every floral delight you can imagine.
The best restaurants: Where to start!? If it’s a proper East End greasy spoon you’re after, family-run Pellicci's is your spot. This is one of the area’s most legendary spots, and a go-to for everyone from the locals to tourists. The Gallery Cafe in the community space of St. Margaret's House serves up delicious vegan and vegetarian dishes at low costs. Be sure to get one of their antioxidant packed juices for what feels like a full body detox. What about date night dinner? Hidden away down an understated backstreet lies the epitome of east London chic, the brick-walled warehouse turned elegant European restaurant that is Bistrotheque. Go for modern takes on delicious classics, strong cocktails and an extensive wine list. And of course, it would be in trendy Bethnal Green that you’d find a row of restaurants hiding away under repurposed railway arches. Arepa & Co serves up the finest Venezuelan food – think: fried chicken, tajadas (fried plantain with toppings), authentic pastries and "arepas" (cornbread) stuffed with delicious fillings and sauces. Another must-try? Sager & Wilde, where you'll find east London's finest seasonal pasta dishes and an incredible wine list.
The best pubs: The Star of Bethnal Green is a traditional East End boozer with a twist; hosting everything from 90’s karaoke nights to a weekly Harry Potter quiz, it’s the perfect spot to grab a pint and unwind. As for the food, they host regularly changing pop-up kitchens, serving up different cuisine’s after every visit. For all you beer lovers, New York inspired Mother Kelly's is another under-the-arches delight, boasting 23 beers on tap as well as a ridiculously large selection of bottled beverages. Sample one of their sharing boards while you sip; choose from meat, cheese or the somewhat unconventional chocolate board. What may sound to the innocent outsider as some kind of bizarre sacrificial cat event, Satan's Whiskers is in fact one of east London’s coolest cocktail bars. Don’t be put off by the taxidermy animals lining the walls; this watering hole serves up devilishly tasty cocktails from a daily-changing menu. For a truly eccentric night go to Bethnal Green's Working Men’s Club. A genuine East End working men’s club since 1887, this Bethnal Green institute hosts all variety of live music, comedy and burlesque against a quirky, old-school backdrop. Go for one of their legendary throwback club nights.
The best coffee shops: With an iconic bottle green exterior, it’s hard to miss independent coffee shop Holy Shot - one of Bethnal Green’s favourite spots with the locals. Not only do they serve up quality food and coffee, they are passionate about sustainability and the shop is fully powered by renewable energy. Calling all vegans! Sazzy & Fran is one of the coolest vegan cafes in East London, with a mouth watering menu and speciality coffee.
Shops: Bethnal Green has its very own market, taking place along Bethnal Green Road Monday - Saturday. Pick up everything from fabrics to jewellery to flowers. Nordic Poetry is known as one of London’s best designer vintage stores, stocking all the coolest and most sought after 00’s and 90’s pieces.
What’s it famous for?
Bethnal Green has a fascinating history; the tube station was the scene of the worst civilian disaster of the Second World War when 173 people were killed in a stampede to shelter during an air raid in March 1943. It was also known as one of the poorest slums during the Victorian era, and Jack the Ripper was known for stocking his victims west of Bethnal Green and in Whitechapel! Bethnal Green is now known as a melting pot of different cultures, with over a third of the population Bangladeshi!
Want to know the average room rent for Bethnal Green, and other London postcodes? Check out our latest guide here!
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