Neatly nestled between the financial hubs of Canary Wharf and The City is where you will find Limehouse. This East London postcode has a rag to riches story to tell, transforming from remote wastelands to a sought-after neighbourhood. Today, living in Limehouse is a world away from what stood before.

From elegant homes with river views to canal side flats, Limehouse has become a hotspot for those working in Canary Wharf. But you don’t need to be a big-time banker to enjoy the delights of Limehouse. There’s plenty of shops, restaurants and open spaces to discover, no matter your profession.
 

Shanshuijian

Living in Limehouse

Limehouse has a long history with Chinese restaurants and was the home of London’s original Chinatown. Shanshuijian pays homage to the area’s Chinese roots with a range of traditional cuisine from the East.

Enjoy dishes that include lamb hotpot, mixed chicken gizzards and more. The restaurant is a hit with the critics too. It’s garnered rave reviews in the Evening Standard and has become a favourite with Limehouse locals.

Find at 562 Commercial Rd, Limehouse, London E14 7JD
Phone no: 020 7790 3427
Email: [email protected]
Follow @ShanshuijianRestaurant
 

The Grapes

Living in Limehouse

The Grapes has been going strong since 1583 and is a historic London pub that’s been serving Limehouse locals for almost 500 years. Set in a Grade II listed public house, The Grapes enjoys a riverside location on the north bank of the River Thames.

Settle down in this cosy boozer and enjoy classic pub grub before washing it down with a selection of ales and ciders. Then sit back and listen to tales from the pub, including how Charles Dickens used to dance on the tables.

Find at 76 Narrow St, Poplar, London E14 8BP
Phone no: 020 7987 4396
Follow @TheGrapesLondon
 

Ropemakers Field

Living in Limehouse

If you’re living in Limehouse and looking for a local open space, Ropemakers Fields is well worth investigating. The landscaped park sits between Limehouse Basin and Narrow Street and offers peaceful settings that are perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Walk around the lush greens as you admire the sky scrappers of Canary Wharf in the distance. And if you’re a sports enthusiast, there are two tennis courts – both of which are free to use.

Find at Ropemakers Field, Poplar, London
Follow #ropemakersfield
 

Troxy

Living in Limehouse

Another Grade II listed building steeped in history, the Troxy is an Art Deco events venue in the heart of Limehouse. The building has featured as a range of entertainment spaces; in 1933, it was constructed as a cinema. Then, in the sixties it was a training school for the London Opera Centre.

By the 1980s, the Troxy became a bingo hall, before finally settling as an events space in 2006. In its latest iteration, The Troxy has played host to all sorts of events including weddings and music concerts. No matter its form, the Troxy has been helping East Londoners have a good time since 1933.

Find at 490 Commercial Rd, London E1 0HX
Phone no: 020 7790 9000
Email: [email protected]
Follow @troxylondon
 

Stepney City Farm

Living in Limehouse

Living in Limehouse doesn’t just give you access to the best of the city; it lets you sample the rural life too. Stepney City Farm is a three-acre working farm just one mile away in Stepney. Take a break from the hectic life and meet some new furry friends in the form of goats, donkeys, geese and more.

There’s more to this farm than a few cutesy animals, though. You can learn how to grow food, such as beetroot and broad beans. There’s also a Farmers’ Market that takes place every Saturday between 10am and 3pm.

Find at Stepney Way, Stepney Green, London E1 3DG
Phone no: 020 7790 8204
Email: [email protected]
Follow @StepneyCityFarm
 

Canary Wharf Shopping Centre

Living in Limehouse

You’ll find Canary Wharf Shopping Centre a little under two miles from Limehouse, amidst the skyscrapers of one of London’s primary financial districts. It’s the perfect spot to scratch your retail itch if you’re living in Limehouse, thanks to its range of designer stores and boutique shops.

There are more than 300 different shops to visit, including Bang & Olufsen, Hugo Boss, and Cycle Republic. It’s located on Cabot Place, where there is a range of places to grab a bite after a long day of shopping.

Find at 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London E14 5NY
Phone no: 020 7418 2000
Follow @canarywharflondon
 

East End Thrift Store

Living in Limehouse

If you’re looking for an alternative to the high-end designer shops at Canary Wharf Shopping Centre, the East End Thrift Store should do the trick. The warehouse has a range of gems for you to discover, including bargain vintage and secondhand clothes.

People from all pockets of London visit the legendary shop. But if you’re living in Limehouse, the East End Thrift Store is right on your doorstep. Become a fashion icon by donning styles you won’t typically find on the high street.

Find at 4 Assembly Passage, Stepney Green, London E1 4UT
Phone no: 020 7423 9700
Follow @eastendthriftstore
 

Living in Limehouse

Limehouse is a great option for those who are looking for somewhere with a little more soul than Canary Wharf. It’s also more affordable than nearby Wapping, yet still offers a range of fantastic riverside delights. Living in Limehouse means being a part of East End history and enjoying a vibrant neighbourhood with a strong sense of community.

Mark Flint

Author

Mark is a regular contributor to the Essential Living blog and shares all the latest news and sourcing the very best content for our customers.