Charming riverside settings and picturesque squares only tell half the story of Bow. The East London neighbourhood combines scenic settings with a vibrant atmosphere and stylish shops, cafés and bars. Young professionals living in Bow are an eclectic bunch who represent modern-day London.
Just a jaunt down the road from areas like Bethnal Green and Globe Town, there's plenty to see and do. Whether you're walking around Tredegar Square or shopping along Roman Road, there are plenty of things to see and do. If you're thinking of living in Bow or already call the E3 postcode home, here are some highlights of the E3 postcode.
Nunnery Gallery
The Nunnery Gallery is a free public gallery that champions the works of emerging, local artists. Located on the ground floor of a former 19th-century covenant called The Nunnery, the building displays an artistic design that complements the art on show. It comes complete with gothic arches and original tiled floors that truly show off its style.
Of course, the art on offer is the biggest attraction. Works aim to explore the history and themes of Bow and surrounding areas and encourage a discussion about art in the community. An on-site café also provides coffee, pastries and hot meals, just in case you get peckish while browsing the exhibitions.
Find at 183 Bow Road, Bow, London, E3 2SJ
Phone no: 020 8980 7774
Email: [email protected]
Follow @bowarts
Print House Bar & Kitchen
Located in nearby Stratford, The Print House channels its Shoreditch vibes. The large and spacious settings mean visitors can actually hear each other, even on busier nights. While an outside space provides enjoyable riverside settings during the warmer months.
Print House Bar & Kitchen has a range of ciders, beers and wines. There’s also food in the form of battered fish and chips, flat iron steaks and burgers. Even better, there’s a range of tasty home-made ice creams on offer.
Find at 133 High St, London E15 2RB
Phone no: 020 8534 4051
Follow @printhousebar
Snap
Find new items for your home at Snap, a contemporary design store in E3. There's a range of prints, mugs and stationery on offer — perfect small additions to your humble abode. Each design is unique, whether it's an illustration of London buses or abstract city images.
Snap is located on Roman Road and is a local favourite with those living in Bow. You'll be sure to find a gem or two that brings colour and warmth to your home. After all, the shop's motto really does sum up its ethos: Snap sells nice things made by nice people.
Find at SNAP, 465 Roman Road, Bow, London, E3 5LX
Phone no: 020 8617 8944
Email: [email protected]
Follow @snapstorelondon
Muxima
A local community for artists and musicians, Muxima also happens to serve up some great coffee. It's won the Timeout award for the best coffee shop in Bow twice, thanks to its hot brews and sections of cakes. But Muxima is so much more than a local coffee shop.
If you're living in Bow and fancy yourself as a creative, you'll want to use the space as a hub for work. Or you can take part in one of the exhibitions, pop-up dinners and gigs. Even if you don't fancy a hot cuppa, a selection of beers and cocktails are available for you to indulge in.
Find at 618 Roman Road, Bow, London E3 2RW
Phone no: 020 8980 0850
Follow @muximamuxima
Roman Road Market
East London has some of the best markets around, and Roman Road's iteration is a worthy addition to the list. It's been going for more than 150 years and stretches half a kilometre through Bow. The traditional East End market has everything from fashion and food to homeware.
Check out Stuart's Fabric Hall, Andy's Doughnuts and SuperChefCaribbean during one of your wanders around the market. There's a reason why it's one of the oldest trading street markets in the country: Roman Road Market consistently provides high-quality items.
Find at Roman Road, Bow, London E3 5ES
Phone no: 0843 886 8462
Follow @romanroadldn
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
A legacy of the 2012 Olympics, Queen Elizabeth Park has award-winning parklands, waterways and playgrounds. It’s also the location of the London Stadium, a 60,000-seater stadium now home to West Ham which was once an Olympic venue.
Explore the green spaces and enjoy a scenic stroll at one of East London’s most popular parks. If you fancy yourself as a bit of a thrill-seeker, ride the 50-metre slide at ArcelorMittal Orbit. But not before standing at the top and soaking up London’s iconic skyline.
Find at Stratford, London, E15
Phone no: 0800 0722 110
Email: [email protected]
Follow @queenelizabetholympicpark
The Coborn
The Coborn is a Young's pub located just off the Mile End Road. It sits snugly in the middle of a residential street with rows of terrace houses and is a favourite with the locals. Once a typical East End boozer, the Coborn is now a bright and airy place with modern interiors.
It serves up Young's beers on tap, and there is a range of foods on offer too. There's the usual you would come to expect from a British pub, plus a few twists, such as an English charcuterie board. This is one gastropub not to be missed.
Find at 8 Coborn Road, E3 2DA
Phone no: 0208 980 3793
Email: [email protected]
Follow @coborn_e3
East London Liquor Company
East London’s first whiskey, gin and vodka distillery has been in the business of distilling for more than 100 years. So it’s safe to say the East London Liquor Company knows a thing or two about liquor. Visitors can even put that knowledge to the test on a local distillery tour.
The tours teach you how gin, whiskey and vodka are made, and last between 30 minutes and one-and-a-half hours. And, of course, they provide the chance to taste some top-notch spirits. There's also a bar and restaurant to enjoy.
Find at Unit GF1, Bow Wharf, 221 Grove Road, London, E3 5SN
Phone no: 020 3011 0980
Email: [email protected]
Follow @eastlondonliquorcompany
Living in Bow
Living in Bow puts you at the centre of the “Golden Triangle”, with Canary Wharf, the City and Stratford all easily accessible. Yet, there isn’t much reason to leave the bustling E3 postcode, which has a bit of everything. It’s quickly becoming one of London's coolest neighbourhoods.
Tell us about your favourite Bow spots by tweeting us @essliving.
