At the crossroads of the City, Canary Wharf and the Olympic Park you'll find Mile End and Bow — the bustling residential heartland of the East End. Once gritty and rough around the edges — OK, still gritty and rough around the edges — the area has picked up in recent years with new places to eat, drink and shop joining the existing arts venues, charming parks and squares. While the likes of Nandos, Tesco and Starbucks have all started to muscle-in on the area, there's plenty of other places to head to if you're after genuine local experiences.
Since 1937, pies have been served at this shop on Roman Road, each one hand-made in their in-house bakery using a recipe passed down through three generations.
Hidden away down a narrow passageway linking Grove Hall Park to Bow Road, Carmelite Cafe serves up brunches, lunches and great Nude Espresso coffee.
St. Sugar of London is the perfect way to start the weekend. The Brioche Man may not be smiling but he certainly sells delicious pastries and bread at this pop-up stall that can be found at the top Roman Road market every Saturday. Try the Rumzipan if you’re feeling particularly indulgent — it’s a butter croissant soaked in rum syrup, filled with marzipan and frangipane, topped with almond flakes. Our favourite weekend sugar hit.
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