Traditionally, many Londoners fancy the West end as it is home to more “branded” businesses and neighborhoods.
It’s not a secret that when one thinks of London they think of Piccadilly and all the familiar names that make London’s West End so central and prosperous. But as real estate becomes more scarce and ever more expensive, the East End of London is becoming an attractive alternative. Trapped somewhere between New York (specifically Tribeca, NoLita, Lower East Side, The Bowery, NoHo & Williamsburg), Los Angeles (Venice Beach-Abbot Kinny & recent revival of downtown Los Angeles) and London’s posh (and touristic) West End, it is still growing up. The question is, “will it make it?” A difficult task in a country where people focus on the boarding school attended and which postal code is “acceptable”. But for those looking for spaces with a sense of freedom and creativity, this could be for them. There is a definite movement happening as a refurbishment doesn’t mean throwing up a high rise and a Starbuck’s and saying “wow, this place has really come up lately.” It’s more tied in to the culture of the community. So the transition is coming from the visionaire of its inhabitants (although there may be a Starbuck’s now somewhere in Shoreditch or on Brick Lane, not sure). For those in New York and Los Angeles seeking to diversify their vacation experience, real estate portfolio or exposure away from Mayfair (aren’t we all sick of Nobu & Cipriani? It’s like traveling to India and trying to locate the nearest McDonald’s), then this could be it.
