Pottery was once made here (the name derives from the Lime Kilns used) and it is a former world trading port, but Limehouse’s biggest claim to fame is its colourful Chinese population of the early 20th century.
Whether you are visiting the capital on business or pleasure, Limehouse is a fabulous area in which to book serviced accommodation, located less than 10 minutes by railway from the City of Once you see our amazing, easy access serviced apartments in Limehouse though, it may be quite hard to pry yourself from all that luxury and comfort to then head outdoors.
Perfectly located for business meetings in Canary Wharf, our Limehouse properties come complete with fully equipped kitchens, free Wi fi, and TVs. You will also find housekeeping and laundry services should you require them. There is lift provision in the majority of apartments as well as communal areas when you fancy a bit of company. The stunning views of the Thames and City from the apartments are pretty spectacular too, with some of our Limehouse apartments coming with balconies. Ultimately, Situ's Limehouse serviced apartments are the go-to accommodation option for the area, offering an unparalleled level of comfort and homeliness that hotel rooms and B&Bs just can't provide.
Found in the borough of Tower Hamlets on the north bank of the River Thames, Limehouse is strictly East End. It’s less than four miles from Charing Cross and forms the north-west gateway to the Isle of Dogs. In fact, the stretch of the river snaking around the west of the Isle of Dogs is called Limehouse Reach. The Limehouse Link – a tunnel sitting under the Thames – will take you right into the City.
Cars aren’t recommended in the centre of London or its outlying areas due to the sheer congestion and high parking charges. As a result, it’s better to either go by foot – a walk into the City from Limehouse takes under 45 minutes – or use of the many excellent public transport services.
The population of Limehouse is 6,117, according to the last census, with a very high - 82.1 per cent - of residents of working age (16-64). In fact, Limehouse has a very highly-educated resident population. At the time of the last census, more than half of residents were managers or professionals. There were fewer students compared to the rest of Tower Hamlets borough and .61 per cent of all residents help at least a Level Four qualification. Limehouse also claimed the second-lowest unemployment rate in the Borough (6.6 per cent compared to 12 per cent overall).
Due to its proximity, many residents in Limehouse work in the financial or media sectors based in Canary Wharf. As a result, Limehouse itself tends to have small businesses rather than major employers. For existing and new businesses moving to the borough, Tower Hamlets council are currently offering SME Energy Improvement Grants up to £5,000.
The area’s Chinese past may not be much in evidence today - there are now only around three Chinese restaurants in Limehouse - but its legacy remains in street names such as Ming Street, Canton Street, Pekin Street. One of the more popular restaurants in Limehouse is Shanshuijian, which has proved a hit with locals and critics.
Today this East End borough is more of a Bangladeshi enclave but is also becoming increasingly gentrified - thanks to its proximity to the finance centre of Canary Wharf. Parts of its earlier character remain, however, especially in the facades of its grand old shipbuilding warehouses (some of which are now luxury penthouse flats) in Narrow Street.
One early Georgian building that has survived redevelopment is the 400-year-old, Grade II-listed “The Grapes” pub – also in Narrow Street. Its current preservation is a lot to do with the fact actor Sir Ian McKellen has owned it since 2011(his Gandolph staff is displayed in the bar). Those who feel they have to get out of the city for a bit and experience some greenery, have Ropemakers Fields pretty much on their doorstep. You’ll also find two tennis courts there for tougher exercise.
Entertainment in Limehouse is provided by the Art Deco events venue, The Troxy. This former cinema has been used by opera singers and bingo callers in the past; today it’s the turn of musicians and their regular concerts. For food shopping in the area, there is the Farmers Market every Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm. Designer stores and High Street outlets can be found at nearby Canary Wharf Shopping Centre. All in all, the best way to discover more about the area is to stay in long term Limehouse apartments, including spacious living areas and fully fitted kitchens, where guests can live and work comfortably without hassle or inconveniences.
Just like the serviced apartments in Limehouse, you are pretty much spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing which airport you want to land in when visiting Limehouse. You can get a train from London City Airport’s DLR Station into Limehouse and it’ll only take 15 minutes.
From Heathrow, you can get a subway train from terminals one and two and which takes 45 minutes. A bus will take an hour and forty-five minutes. London Gatwick is 50 minutes by train and London Stansted Airport just 53 minutes, also by train. Luton Airport is around an hour and a half away by bus.
Unsurprisingly, Limehouse train station is the main railway facility in the area. It is based just down the road from the White Swan bar and has four platforms.
It’s only nine minutes into the City of London on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). Pick up the train at Limehouse station and get off at Bank.
The Limehouse station also doubles up as a main bus stop for the area. Around 15 routes run in and out of this stop, not including night services.
The number 135 bus will take you from Limehouse bus stop in Lowell Street into Liverpool Street Station.
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