A part of the capital that was once synonymous with Dirty Den, Jack the Ripper and jellied eels – East London has come a long way in the last 20 years.
In fact, it’s now one of the most vibrant and exciting places in the country, filled with fantastic restaurants, bars, galleries and parks. There really is something for everyone, with lesser known areas such as up and coming Dalston, Clapton and Haggerston offering a fresh approach to London life.
East London hotels are a great place from which to explore the area and while the usual sights and sounds of the capital are still great (here’s looking at you London Dungeons!) there are loads of hidden gems for you to find on this side of town too.
With Eastenders now paying attention to the changes happening a stone’s throw from Walford, now’s the ideal time to explore East London. Here are three of the best hidden gems in the area.
Mangal 1 Ocakbasi Restaurant, Dalston
Don’t be put off by the mouthful of a name – the mouthfuls of food you’ll be getting from this Turkish restaurant are worth the trip alone. The doorway will be full of revellers when you reach this grilled meat heaven as hungry customers wait for a table or takeaway.
Walk past the chefs cooking over the smoky red hot coals and take your seat, because you’re going to need to sit down after eating your weight in shish, kofte, kebab and home made flat bread!
They don’t sell alcohol but they do operate a bring your own booze policy, so it’s a cheap meal out too. Naturally, you’ll need somewhere to sleep all this off so why not try out one of our East London hotels and check out the area and it’s trendy bar scene while you’re there?
Victoria Village
A vibrant space situated on the Mile End side of Victoria Park, Victoria Village has cosy pubs, welcoming cafés, quirky shops and tasty restaurants and is the ideal tonic to a day wandering the beautiful paths and canals of the park.
We recommend the Lauriston pub, which boasts a pizza oven behind the bar, Machete, a Mexican restaurant with a brilliant cocktail menu, and famous butchers The Ginger Pig – for pies, steaks and everything in between!
The Star of Bethnal Green
A pub that is a mere five minute walk from Bethnal Green tube station, The Star is the ideal place for a drink, some food or indeed a dance (we tend to give all three a try).
Plate-spilling Sunday roasts, a pizza menu to die for and craft beers on tap will keep you well fuelled while regular club nights and a karaoke bar upstairs will ensure you’re entertained well into the early hours!
