Over the past two decades, East London has emerged as a desirable destination for many seeking a vibrant urban lifestyle close to the city. Neighborhoods such as Hackney, Walthamstow, and Stratford have attracted a significant influx of residents. However, Bow, a lesser-known area in East London, has recently gained recognition, making it onto The Times‘ list of the „Best Places to Live.“ The publication highlights Bow’s rich history and describes it as a neighborhood with a „palpable sense of history,“ centered around the serene Tredegar Square, which is surrounded by elegant Regency homes and a classic communal garden. The area is characterized as a relaxed community where gentrification has occurred gradually and harmoniously.
Bow benefits from excellent transportation options, including access to the Central and District lines, as well as frequent bus services to Canary Wharf and the city. Residents can enjoy the scenic Victoria Park and Mile End Park, both within walking distance, while the Hertford Union Canal offers a peaceful escape from the urban hustle during leisurely strolls. Historically, Bow was significant as the home of the East London Federation of Suffragettes, led by Sylvia Pankhurst.
Changing Landscape and Community Sentiments
Despite its recent accolades, Bow has undergone considerable transformation over the years. The Roman Road market, once bustling with traders on both sides, now features numerous empty stalls. One long-time vendor lamented, „I’ve worked here for 43 years, but unfortunately, the area isn’t what it used to be. It used to be full of people who liked to dress up, look smart, and spend their money at the market. Now the indigenous population of the area hasn’t done that in the last 10 – 15 years. The people who have moved into the nicer parts of Victoria Park don’t come down here. They don’t spend money here, and then in a few years’ time, they will ask what happened to the market. [You have to] use it or lose it.“
Marcy Banks, 45, who was enjoying time at a café with friends, expressed her concerns about the changes in Bow. She noted, „The last of the original people around here have died out or eventually moved out. When it comes to the shops around the area, it’s always a nail shop, a beauty salon, hardware shops – where’s the butcher’s? Our bakers? If you’re old-school, I wouldn’t say it’s the best place to live. Years ago, I couldn’t fault it. It’s nice to have a place. You would have families and generations going to the pie-and-mash shop. Now, it feels like we’ve lost everything. A lot of pubs have shut down because some people don’t drink or go into them. It feels like there’s no community anymore. Back in the day, I could come home from school and go to the woman next door, and she’d feed me and help me out. Nowadays, you try to knock on a door, and you’d get the door shut on you.“
Mixed Reactions to Gentrification
Kay, 60, shared her thoughts while seated in Fiesta Cafe, chuckling at the notion of Bow being named one of the best places to live. She remarked, „I can see why people come here due to the type of properties here; the sizes are great. On a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday, you’d be squeezing to walk through this market. It’s sad to see. There are so many changes with the shops, and you have some posh cafes moving in. You still find a lot of people who grew up here living here. There are certain pockets that are nice, and maybe that’s why it’s considered a good place. I’d say the crime rate is high here, and homelessness is high, so it is surprising to see it labelled one of the best places to live. Once you look beyond Victoria Park, what do you have? I’d say it’s more about the properties than the surroundings.“
Claudia Lewis, 40, acknowledged the urban character of Bow while appreciating its green spaces. She stated, „It’s an urban area, but it still has lots of green here; it works for our family. It’s pretty surprising to be named one of the best places to live, but it does have a great combination of things. The parks, nice cafes, and the market. Things are gentrifying, but I’d say it’s slow and the area keeps its character.“
Community Spirit Amidst Change
One establishment that embodies Bow’s character is G Kelly, a pie-and-mash shop that has been in operation since 1939. Samantha, a 23-year-old employee, believes the community aspect of Bow is one of its strongest attributes. She commented, „For what Bow has to offer, it’s good. You have a lot in Bow and many different cultures. It’s very community-based, and I get to know everyone working here. I do think you find the older generation is a bit less accepting of the changes in the area. With the shop, you do find a lot more younger people coming in. You still get your older lot who bring their kids, grandchildren, and then you get the new middle-class who have moved in, trying us out. I think that’s good because then you know we’re not a dying trade. Even for people from other cultures who may not eat our food, they will still come in and ask questions, and that’s nice.“
Regular customer Tony, 67, has been visiting G Kelly since he was six years old, and he fondly recalls his mother’s picture displayed on the wall. He expressed, „I think Bow is a great place. The people make it great. They are friendly; the East London character is still here. I will always keep coming back to here whenever I’m back in the area.“
Perceptions of Safety and Community
Imogen and Emily, both teachers in the area, shared their positive experiences of living in Bow. They appreciate the parks, the café culture, and the overall sense of community. Imogen remarked, „There’s a sense of people actually living here. When you’re in Hackney, it feels different and a bit of a show. This feels like a place where normal people live. There are so many nice things around here and a lot of history around here. It would be interesting to see if the older community that said it used to be better would complain about us being the people that they didn’t like moving in?“
Emily added, „When I tell people I live on Roman Road, they are like ‘wow, that’s scary.’ I don’t get that vibe at all. I actually feel safe here. I think this place has a lot of good vibes. It’s cool to be in an area with so many green spaces. What do you want out of a place you live? Connectivity, community, and good coffee shops, and Bow has that. I definitely see a lot more young people moving here now than a few years ago.“
Ultimately, the designation of Bow as one of the best places to live is subjective, and the area continues to evoke a range of opinions among its residents.
Bildquelle: Bildquelle: Julia Roach auf Unsplash
