Just on the edge of the City, Bethnal Green is a stretch of Victorian London that has been re-energised by the recent arrival of a multitude of small cafes, bars, restaurants and independent boutiques, rivaling all that neighbouring hipster zones Shoreditch and Hoxton have to offer. Step out of the tube and you are a moment away from the delights of aptly named Paradise Row, a cluster of stylish bars located in the old, brick railway arches. Here, Resident gets 5 stars for its 1950s fittings and delicious cocktails while, next door, Sager + Wilde is the place to go for seasonal cooking and quality wines presented in a wood-panelled setting or at the seating area outside.
Head a little further north and you can dine in Edwardian splendour at the Typing Room, an affordable but quality restaurant located in the old Town Hall. For clubbing, locals party hard with established Basing and Oval Space both within reach. And if you do happen to strike it lucky on the dance floor, let love blossom at Columbia Road Flower market, a heavenly Sunday haunt of beautiful flower stalls and pavement cafés selling artisan coffee and cakes.