If you’re looking for a trendy spot to make your base in the UK’s capital, you’ll discover a wealth of fashionable neighbourhoods to choose from when renting in London. Narrowing down your choice can be difficult, however, so read on to find out more about six of the best locations in the city.
Shoreditch
Among the most fashionable places to live in London is Shoreditch – part of the borough of Hackney. Home to well-known names such as T4′s Miquita Oliver, Peaches Geldof and Tracey Emin, the area is known for its thriving arts scene, which was reinvigorated in the 1990s by artists like Damien Hirst.
Since its regeneration, the settlement has grown in popularity among those working for dotcom companies, many of which base themselves around the Old Street roundabout. To cater for the up and coming talent working at these firms, you’ll find numerous modern apartment blocks in converted industrial buildings finished to a high standard with contemporary decor.
Both Old Street and Curtain Road are renowned as the area’s nightlife capital, with plenty of bars and clubs along here.
Stoke Newington
Also in Hackney is Stoke Newington – a diverse district not far from Charing Cross and often likened to a village due to its intimate atmosphere and charming architecture.
There are numerous Grade II-listed buildings to be found here, along with a generous amount of open space in the form of pretty parks.
Home to a lively music scene, the area was popularised by Brit-pop band Blur in the 1990s and is now associated with the likes of Paloma Faith, DJ Dextrous and Marc Bolan.
Despite its status as a city district, the area holds a bustling weekly farmers’ market in a school playground and has some affordable high-quality accommodation if you’re considering renting here.
New Cross
If you’re looking for somewhere young and trendy, you can’t really go wrong if you decide to set up home in New Cross. Part of the borough of Lewisham, the area is home to Goldsmiths, University of London and is associated with a number of modern bands as well as the old Brit-pop and indie rock movements of the 1990s.
Popular nightclub the Venue has previously held gigs by well-known bands like Radiohead, Oasis, Pulp and Ocean Colour Scene and has been noted as the birthplace of New Rave, spawning groups like the Klaxons.
If this sounds like your kind of scene, you can browse the market to find the ideal apartment, many of which are situated in converted period properties. There are plenty of house-share options too if you’re planning to attend the university, as well as ultra-modern studio flats to choose from.
Peckham Rye
A little ward of Southwark, Peckham Rye is characterised by its green open spaces. Consisting of little more than several main roads and off-shooting streets, the settlement is bordered by larger places like Nunhead and Bellenden and is the ideal base if you enjoy being away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
The area is well-known for its art scene and there are plenty of galleries to be discovered. There’s also a thriving rice, spice, fruit and vegetable market here.
A diverse and friendly community resides in Peckham Rye and if you’d like to join them you’ll find well-finished flats and even penthouse apartments to choose from.
Dalston
The Hackney district of Dalston is contemporary and lively, famous for its Ridley Road street market and bohemian shopping street Broadway Market, where you can find all sorts of boutiques, cafes and pubs.
Having increased in popularity following the construction of a railway station that forms part of the East London Line, the area is thought to be the basis of a number of spots in the television show Eastenders, with Fasset Square supposedly the inspiration for Albert Square.
Dalston is full of airy apartments and new blocks crop up quite regularly as a result of the area’s fashionable status so you’d have no trouble finding the ideal flat here.
Hampstead
Part of the borough of Camden, Hampstead is renowned for its intellectual, artistic and musical associations and is home to traditional pubs and interesting museums. The chic spot is the location of choice for millionaires, artists, writers and actors, who have contributed to its bohemian ambience over the years.
If you decide to rent here, you could find yourself brushing shoulders with the likes of Sting, Ozzy Osborne and Marianne Faithfull as you head back to your sophisticated apartment or make your way to the ancient woodland of Hampstead Heath to spend some time among the greenery.
These are just some of London’s coolest locations, why not take a look at urbanpad.co.uk to discover the rest for yourself?
