I’ve lived in my current place, which is almost equidistant from Bethnal Green, Shoreditch and Whitechapel, for two years, and I’ve mostly lived around this area. I’ve always felt drawn to it.
When I came to London as a student, a lot of the cheap nights out were in east London. I’d always look around and see how cool, well-dressed and creative-looking everyone was. I wanted to be a part of that. I think I assumed that by moving to an area you automatically become all those things, but it’s not really the case.
I can’t picture myself anywhere else, especially in the industry that I’m in. I’m spoiled for choice with restaurants and wine bars — I get invites to openings and they’re a five-minute walk down the road. It’s an immense privilege.
Eating and drinking
I was put on to Damascus Bite on Brick Lane by my friend Joel Hart, who writes for Vittles. Now I go there all the time. I go for the mixed shawarma plate.
Obviously, you’ve got Smoking Goat on Shoreditch High Street, which is incredible. The fish sauce chicken wings are legendary. You’ve also got a legend in Brat, on Redchurch Street. I went to Bistro Freddie on Luke Street, which has recently opened and feels like it’s been there for years. I’m always ordering their snail flatbread and the chicken and tarragon pie. It’s also extremely reasonably priced. And obviously there’s Manteca, on Curtain Road. Obviously.
In terms of wine bars, Oranj just opened on Bacon Street, although it’s now impossible to get a table. The original Coupette is on Bethnal Green Road — I almost take for granted that one of the best bars in the world is just five minutes away. There’s a great pub culture in Bethnal Green. I love the Kings Arms on Buckfast Street and Bethnal Green Tavern on Bethnal Green Road.
Where I work out
My workout of choice is Tempo Pilates, nearby on Cygnet Street. When I was a Soho House member, I went to Shoreditch House a fair bit as well.
To commune with nature
We’re lucky in east London because we’ve got a mix of ex-industrial areas and also a lot of green spaces. Ion Square is nice, but Weavers Fields is my favourite. In summer, you get people having cookouts, or families celebrating birthdays. Weavers Fields is brilliant.
Grocery shopping
Tesco and the big Sainsbury’s in White-chapel, on Cambridge Heath Road. There’s also Earth Organic on Bethnal Green Road for fancy snacks. You go in and spend about £30. I’m addicted to Soffle’s pitta chips.
For a culture fix
The Young V&A has just opened on Cambridge Heath Road — I need to go. There are a few galleries, and an insane amount of pop-ups and things going on all the time. I go to Genesis cinema on Mile End Road, which is a big, cinematic event. Rich Mix on Bethnal Green Road is good for more indie stuff.
Getting around
I love walking and I love the bus. I’m a top-deck bus girl — if you see me at the front of the bus pretending to drive it, no you didn’t. We have a nice, fancy new Overground at Bethnal Green, which goes from Liverpool Street. The place I spend the second most amount of time in is Soho, and I am blessed by being a short walk from the Elizabeth line at Whitechapel.
Dream street
Derbyshire Street overlooks Weavers Fields. There’s some insane refurbished industrial houses.
Something you only see in Shoreditch
The sheer diversity of people. You’ve got the students and the people who have just moved to the area, and the families that have been here for generations. Some of those people still own local businesses. It’s important to me as support as many of those as possible, like the cobbler, Well Heeled, and dry cleaners, Attaboy, on Bethnal Green Road, where I get my clothes adjusted.
What's the catch?
Like anywhere this close to central London, it’s expensive. But I think it’s far outweighed by the privilege that I have of being able to live here.
In three words
So. Much. Food.
Hannah’s debut book, Corker, is out in spring 2024 (hannahcrosbie.com)
Schools
Stewart Headlam, Thomas Buxton and Virgina Primary Schools are three of 11 primaries rated as outstanding. There are a further 22 nearby rated as good.For secondaries, Swanlea School, Mulberry School for Girls and Central Foundation Boys’ School are the top choices close by.
What it costs
Buying in Shoreditch
Average flat price: £826,920
Average house price: N/A
Renting in Shoreditch
Average flat price: £3,300 pcm
Average house price: £5,000 pcm
