Those living and working in the Square Mile have increasingly edged their way into Shoreditch.
What was once a messy part of East London has become a haven for creatives the world over, helping transform the area into a vibrant cultural hub.
Soon after Shoreditch became ‘cool’ it caught the eye of the City, and in recent times the suits have arrived to smooth over some of the remaining rough edges.
Many of those who originally loved Shoreditch for its more hipster and artistic character have left, moving out to Dalston, Stoke Newington and Clapton. But this doesn’t mean the area has lost sight of its roots.
Instead, Shoreditch has become even more diverse. Alleys are lined with yoga studios, start-up offices, local fashion stores, food trucks, and even a handful of Michelin-starred restaurants.
The whole area has certainly become more expensive as a whole, but those who can afford to live and breathe the Shoreditch lifestyle are some of the luckiest Londoners around.
What properties are on offer?
According to Edward Robinson, City & East residential development partner at Knight Frank, Shoreditch has seen an increasing trend for high quality new developments offering residents a luxury lifestyle and amenities to satisfy demand.
One such example comes from Long & Waterson, and comprises two refurbished workshop buildings, originally constructed in 1958, plus a new building inspired by the architecture of New York, interconnected by a private residents’ garden and courtyard and featuring a range of amenities.
In addition, there are also some beautifully restored period properties on the market.
Who’s buying?
Luxury developments like that from Long & Waterson are popping up all over Shoreditch as more and more wealthy residents move in.
Mr Robinson notes: “We are seeing an increasing number of buyers from outside the area considering Shoreditch.
“We also often see City and tech workers, international investors and locals wanting to upgrade.”
All are enticed by the huge variety of new shops, restaurants and bars which have opened to service the ever-diversifying population, alongside the draw of five-star hotels and members’ clubs.
In addition to all of this, Mr Robinson believes that continued growth of both commercial and residential development has brought the area new life.
He added: “Global brands from the worlds of tech, fashion, media and design are choosing to base themselves in Shoreditch and their workers are looking for homes close to work.”
Shoreditch itself is changing, bringing new residents in. And those residents, in turn, leave their mark on the area, too.
Transport
Shoreditch’s access to countless bus routes, Tube stations, and the Overground network means you can get all over the City with ease.
Old Street Underground is super close, while Liverpool Street station is the perfect hub for local and long distant commutes – especially once Crossrail is completed.
Shoreditch High Street Overground station will also loop you around to all the best bits in the East, North and South of London.
Dining
Shoreditch has every kind of dining experience covered. High-end restaurants include Brat, Tramshed, Leroy and St Leonards, but it also boasts some of London’s best street food at Dinerama and Urban Food Fest.
Pho Mile is where to find the best cheap Vietnamese cuisine in London, with countless casual dining spots also located up on Kingsland Road.
You’ve then got your humbler eateries like Rochelle Canteen and Leila’s where diners can find great quality seasonal food in a very homey setting. These spots show how the local community is still flourishing.
Art and Leisure
Shoreditch may have lost some of its cred in the art world, but it is still bursting with high-end galleries and exhibition spaces.
The Kate MacGarry, Institute of International Visual Arts, and Calvert 22 are some of the best, but you’ve also got to try one of the many street art tours that operate in the area.
Spots like Rich Mix and Electric Cinema are brilliant for nights out watching mainstream and more alternative films and live shows, but there is always a chance to do something a little different like playing boozy ping pong at Bounce or diving into a ball pit bar at Ballie Ballerson.
Shopping
You always get something a little more special when shopping in Shoreditch. Local traders are mostly made up of independent boutiques and vintage stores.
Fashion is huge in Shoreditch, with some of the best coming out of Modern Society, Goodhood, AIDA and Folk.
BoxPark was one of the first places to bring in the retail crowd, while nearby Spitalfields Market offers up great shopping opportunities for locals and tourists alike.
