Isle of Dogs

Surrounded by water, the Isle of Dogs has undergone a large amount of change in the past century, it has been developed from a working-class area with maritime history, to one of London’s “nerve centres”. The urbanisation first stated to happen when the West India Docks was constructed in 1802. Following the success of this, the East India Docks and the Millwall Docks followed shortly afterwards. Located in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, the Isle of Dogs offers a stunning view of the city. Although this borough is known for its business district, Canary Wharf, the neighbourhood has more to offer than just glass corporate buildings. Under the tall towers, there is cosy homes, intimate spaces and the occasional boat! Detached houses make up only one per cent of the housing in the area so it’s not very popular with families but for the professionals, you’ll be spoilt for choice, from converted flats in warehouses to new build penthouses. If you’re looking for something to do, make sure to check out The London Arena, a major sporting and concert venue but, if shopping is more your thing, Cabot Place is just next to the Canary Wharf complex. Great DLR connections into the city centre.

Millwall

On the South West side of the Isle of Dogs, Millwall is largely dominated by waterfront apartment blocks. Windmills once lined the western embankment, hence the name. The dock here at Millwall opened in 1868, bringing in imported timber, grain and flour. Times have changed and the old flour mill has been replaced by the Mill Quay housing developed with The Clippers Quay is now on the old site of the dry dock. Also housed on the north side of the Outer dock sits the West Ferry Printing Works, the largest newspaper print works in Western Europe. Of course, you can’t mention Millwall without speaking about the football club of the same name. Interestingly though, Millwall Football Club grounds (called The Den) aren’t strictly speaking in Millwall, but rather in New Cross, South London!

Poplar

Poplar is a historical and predominantly residential area in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets with Chrisp Street Market at its heart. You’ll find a mixture of 18th and 19th Century terraced houses and 20th Century council estates due to extensive bombing during the Blitz in World War II. Only a few buildings (churches, pubs and public buildings) survived the war. The Elizabeth Line (or the Crossrail as it was called formerly) will be arriving soon so that will add to the3 DLR Stations that Poplar already has. As mentioned earlier, Chrisp Street Market is at its centre, along with the Billingsgate Fish Market attracting locals and tourists alike. The Chrisp Street Market is open 24 hours and the Fish Market is open Tuesday – Saturday mornings from 4 am. Monthly Street Food Market ‘Bite’ takes place at Christ St on the last Friday of every month. Narrow Street offers plenty of food delights and has a lovely view looking out to the Thames, it is there that you will find the gastropub ‘The Gun’ with a modern feel and stunning views of the river and the O2 which you can enjoy on their terrace.