East London is an exciting and diverse area, bursting with entertainment. There are seven boroughs within East London, each offering something special, particularly for business professionals. Let’s explore the fascinating boroughs that make up this dynamic part of London.
Hackney
Hackney is renowned for its trendy markets, hipster cafes, and vibrant nightlife. Broadway Market is a must-visit on Saturdays, where you can sample delicious street food and browse through vintage stalls. Victoria Park, often called the ‘People’s Park’, is ideal for relaxing, boating, or catching a summer concert. For evening entertainment, the historic Hackney Empire theatre offers a range of performances. Business professionals can take advantage of the Tech Hub at Google Campus, which provides co-working spaces and events for tech entrepreneurs. The Ace Hotel London Shoreditch features a stylish rooftop bar, perfect for after-work drinks or informal meetings, and Shoreditch House is a private members’ club with a rooftop pool and excellent networking opportunities.
Time to travel to central London: 25–35 minutes by Overground or Tube.
Barking and Dagenham
This borough is known for its strong community spirit and rich history. A visit to the beautiful Valence House, a historic mansion turned museum, provides fascinating insights into the area’s past. For a breath of fresh air, Barking Park is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a family picnic, with its lovely lake and green space. For business professionals, the Barking Enterprise Centre offers co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and networking events, while the Vicarage Field Shopping Centre is a convenient spot for quick shopping during lunch breaks.
Time to travel to central London: 25–35 minutes by train or Tube.
Wondering how to occupy your time while here? Check out our top 10 things to do in East London blog.
Havering
Havering combines suburban charm with countryside beauty. Raphael Park and Bedfords Park offer picturesque settings for outdoor activities. History enthusiasts should visit the Havering Museum to dive into the local heritage. Romford, the borough’s main town, boasts a lively market and a great shopping scene. For business professionals, the CEME Innovation Centre offers business support services, co-working spaces, and conference facilities. The Mercury Shopping Centre is also convenient for quick shopping trips during the day.
Time to travel to central London: 30–40 minutes from by train.
Newham
Newham, transformed by the 2012 Olympics, is well-connected to central London by Tube or DLR. Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a must-visit, offering stunning green spaces, sports facilities, and the iconic ArcelorMittal Orbit. Stratford is a hub of activity, with the massive Westfield Stratford City shopping centre and a bustling cultural scene. For evening entertainment, the Theatre Royal Stratford East offers a variety of performances. Business professionals will find the Stratford International Quarter a new business district with office spaces and networking opportunities. The Crystal, a sustainable cities initiative by Siemens, offers meeting spaces and events.
Time to travel to central London: 10–20 minutes by Tube or DLR.
Find out how our talented Account Managers helped a construction client house up to 20 of their employees in Stratford in our case study.
Tower Hamlets
Tower Hamlets offers a rich tapestry of cultures and histories. The area is famed for the historic Tower of London and the bustling Brick Lane, renowned for its street art, markets, and curry houses. Victoria Park straddles both Tower Hamlets and Hackney, providing a lush green escape. Don’t miss the Museum of London Docklands for a fascinating glimpse into the area’s maritime history. Business professionals will find Canary Wharf a major business district with modern office spaces, fine dining restaurants, and high-end shops. One Canada Square offers meeting spaces and networking events, while Level39 is a tech incubator providing office spaces and events for fintech companies.
Time to travel to central London: 10–20 minutes by Tube or DLR.
Canary Wharf has a lot to offer visitors. Read about the best places to eat, and the best bars in Canary Wharf to make the most of your time here.
Waltham Forest
Waltham Forest combines urban cool with natural beauty. Walthamstow is the heart of the borough, home to the lively Walthamstow Market and the creative hub of God’s Own Junkyard, filled with neon art. Epping Forest offers a vast expanse of ancient woodland perfect for walking, cycling, and exploring. For business professionals, the Mill Co. Project provides co-working spaces and supports creative businesses, and Central Parade is a business and social hub offering workspaces and events.
Time to travel to central London: 20–30 minutes by Tube.
Redbridge
Redbridge is known for its leafy suburbs and excellent schools. Valentines Park is a highlight, featuring beautiful gardens, lakes, and the historic Valentines Mansion. Wanstead Park is another gem, with its serene woodland and historic features. The Kenneth More Theatre in Ilford provides a touch of culture with a variety of performances. Business professionals can utilise the Ilford Exchange shopping centre, which offers a variety of dining options, and the Redbridge Central Library and Museum, a good spot for quiet work or research.
Time to travel to central London: 20–30 minutes by Tube.
Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, urban explorer, or a business professional, East London’s boroughs have something to offer. Each area provides a unique slice of life in this ever-evolving city. So, grab your map and start discovering the wonders of East London today!
If you’re looking for serviced accommodation in East London, team Situ is here to help. Whether you have a borough in mind, or need some help deciding which area would best suit your needs, we can support you every step of the way. Forget cramped hotels rooms or the inflexibility of temporary housing. When you book a serviced apartment in East London with Situ, you can be sure of spacious, comfortable, and luxurious accommodation perfectly suited to your requirements, whatever they may be. Get in touch today and discover how we can make your business trip to East London booking brilliant!