Young professionals love living in Mile End for its vibrant atmosphere and buzzy neighbourhood settings. The E9 postcode is a more affordable alternative to Shoreditch and Hoxton and offers an abundance of East London charm. Transport links are good too, with direct lines to Canary Wharf, the City and the West End taking just 15 minutes.
It's also not too far from Bethnal Green, where Dressage Court is.
From top-notch hangouts to tranquil open spaces, Mile End is a London postcode with plenty going for it. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best places to go and things to do if you’re living in Mile End.
Mile End Park
Mile End Park is a 32-hectare park that's divided into several zones. The Art Pavilion is perhaps the most scenic of those zones with its farmers' market, lake and landscaped gardens. There's also an earth-sheltered building known as the Ecology Pavilion, which offers a volunteering programme aimed at improving biodiversity.
Wildlife is everywhere you look in Mile End Park, with a range of birds and butterflies adopting it as their home. It's ideal for a scenic stroll, no matter the time of year, thanks to the meadows and woodland located throughout the park.
Find at Clinton Rd, London E3 4QY | Follow @towerhamletsnow
Muxima
A creative hub and cafe, Muxima is a place where budding artists, musicians, comedians and DJs can perform. Enjoy regular live music, local events and a workspace all rolled into one. It also happens to serve up pretty good coffee and cake, no matter your creative background.
There’s a daytime and night-time menu, homemade breads, craft beers and cocktails to enjoy. Muxima is a fun place to hang out, whether it’s for a cosy afternoon or lively evening. It’s no surprise that the café has become a favourite with locals living in Mile End.
Find at 618 Roman Rd, Bow, London, E3 2RW | Follow @muximamuxima
The Morgan Arms
The Morgan Arms is an upmarket gastropub in the heart of Mile End and serves pub grub and a vast selection of ales. Stop by and enjoy the bright, cosy interiors as you enjoy a Sunday lunch or have a few drinks after work.
Favourites on the menu range from fish and chips in IPA battered beer to traditional Sunday roasts with all the trimmings. And if you're feeling clever, test your knowledge with Morgan's Quiz Night, which takes place every Tuesday.
Find at 43 Morgan Street, Bow, London, E3 5AA | @themorganarms
Mile End Climbing Wall
Going strong for more than thirty years, Mile End Climbing Wall is the de-facto place in London for indoor climbing. It's housed inside an old pipe engineering works located in Mile End Park and sports 16,000 sq ft of climbing surface.
Try a one-hour taster session with a nationally qualified instructor. Or go all out with a leading group class that lasts for six hours. Whether you're a novice or expert climber, there is a range of courses to fit your skill level.
Find at Haverfield Rd, London E3 5BE | Follow at @mileendclimbing
Tredegar Square
You only need a quick glance around Mile End to appreciate its architecture. Nowhere is this more prevalent than Tredegar Square, which is the largest preserved square in East London. It’s dotted with charming Georgian townhouses that are situated in Grade II-listed buildings. There’s also a public landscaped garden in the square.
The square was heavily bombed during World War II, causing lots of damage in the process. However, it has since undergone a restoration project and is now one of the most eye-catching parts of Mile End. The square is certainly worth a snap for your Instagram account!
Find at London E3 5AB | Follow @tredegarsquare
Pavilion Café
Inside a small domed space is where you will find Pavilion Café. The E9 haunt is a favourite with those living in Mile End, to the point where queues are so long that they extend outside of the building. Sample an eclectic menu that features everything from homemade bread to unique takes on salad dishes.
Visitors grab their meals and head outside to enjoy their food while sitting in front of the boating lake. It won’t come as a surprise to learn that Pavilion Café is particularly popular during the spring and summer. These seasons provide the best opportunity to enjoy a brunch and breakfast dish while overlooking the lake.
Find at Victoria Park, London, E9 7DE | Follow @pavilionbakery
Roman Road Market
Living in Mile End means you’ll have access to a traditional East End street market. Roman Road is a popular shopping street that doubles up as the 150-year-old Roman Road Market every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Browse stalls from street traders, who sell clothes, shoes, plants, food and household items. You might even find a gem or two from the household section for your brand-new Mile End flat. Or you could just grab a donut from Andy the Donut Man’s stall.
Find at Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 5ES | Follow @romanroadldn
Chisenhale Gallery
There's a creative vibe that runs through Mile End, which is strongly reflected within the community. The Chisenhale Gallery is a fine example of this and is set in a 1930s veneer factory and brewery building. Artists founded it to give under-represented and emerging talent a chance to showcase their work.
The Chisenhale Gallery neighbours Chisenhale Dance Space and Chisenhale Studios and brings a creative buzz to Mile End. Its history spans over 37 years and, in that time, the gallery has won plenty of awards.
Find at 64 Chisenhale Road, London E3 5QZ | Follow @chisenhalegallery
Living in Mile End
If you’re thinking about — or already find yourself — living in Mile End, you certainly won’t be short of things to do and see. From artistic cafés to vast open spaces (and even wall climbing!), there really is something for everyone in this little slice of East London.
Have we missed any exciting spots in Mile End? Tell us where you like to hang out @EssLiving.
