Shoreditch

SHOREDITCH

The East London neighbourhood of Shoreditch, otherwise known as London’s capital of cool, is arguably the city’s hippest area. Just three miles from central London, Shoreditch is very much a destination home, packed with independent boutiques, world-class restaurants, buzzing cocktail bars, cool gastro pubs – and a thriving creative presence. Whether you’re looking for a substantial elegant Georgian or Victorian house to buy, or a stunning converted warehouse apartment to new-build flats, Shoreditch is the vibrant place to live. The area attracts varying crowds from young bohemians to tech-savvy entrepreneurs and artists, and also families moving here, seeking a fashionable and edgy London lifestyle.

The Shoreditch skyline has changed considerably over recent years, with uber slick new developments towering over a mix of traditional property with pockets of Victorian and Georgian terraces to a steady smattering of restored brick warehouse and loft conversions. The Shoreditch Triangle,  bounded by Old Street, Great Eastern Street and Shoreditch High Street contains some of London’s best warehouse conversions. Families are drawn here too by the outstanding state primary and secondary schools such as Shoreditch Park Primary and Green Spring Academy or the private TheLyceum, but the city’s two top performing private schools, City of London School (for girls and for boys) aren’t too far away.

There’s something on offer for every resident here from pop-ups, mini festivals, street food villages, flea markets, craft beers galore, not to mention oodles of creative energy. The playground of the Great Brit Artists of the nineties, Shoreditch is still home to some of the best London exhibitions, galleries and contemporary artists. Street art is alive and kicking – Shoreditch is renowned for its eccentric and colourful street murals. You’ll also hardly see any shop chains here, rather a really diverse mix of British design, vintage clothing, young artisans, and more. Boxpark is a collection of shipping containers that hosts trendy pop-up shops, bars, and restaurants and The Old Truman Brewery, hosts everything from retail to restaurants. Brick Lane is the No.1 home to many famous curry houses and Brick Lane Market for vintage top picks, or Old Spitalfields Markets, another popular haunt or the beautiful and green Hoxton Square. On Sunday’s Columbia Road Flower market is packed with artisan stalls, artsy independent stores, and flowers galore.

Everyone here takes coffee and breakfast seriously, such as Origin, the very serious coffee house to the Cereal Killer Café with over 120 types of cereal, or Lantana for languishing over breaks fast pastries. Popular restaurants include Leila’s for authentic and unpretentious to Rochelle Canteen and The Clove Club, both London’s best restaurants. The Bricklayer’s Arms and The Owl and the Pussycat are Shoreditch’s best proper pubs  to the Nightjar, a happening cocktail bar with live jazz and swing most nights. If you fancy a swim, you try the panoramic rooftop swimming pool at the members’ club Shoreditch House. For outdoor space,  Shoreditch Park,  a 19-hectare open green area has a wide range of sports amenities and a children’s play area, drawing in families, and young professionals alike.

Shoreditch is very well connected here transport wise with rail, bus and tube. For overground you can pick up at Shoreditch High Street or a tube at Old Street station. Buses and taxis abound, and there are cycle friendly routes all over the area.

West End within easy reach.