Local celebrity Laura Jackson shares her favourite independent businesses in East London hotspot on social media app Playsee
Since the Elizabeth Line opened, commuters have been moving further out of London – coupled with rising house prices. Edgy areas such as Hackney, which used to be the affordable place for creatives to make their home, have outpriced their residents as techies and bankers snap up properties. Instead, artistic young professionals have been moving further out to places such as Forest Gate, to get more space at better value, while still being less than 15 minutes from Liverpool Street. So much so, that like other areas on the Elizabeth Line, Forest Gate’s average house price has increased by 9%, according to research by Benham and Reeves.
The new East London hotspot as a result has welcomed the independent London businesses that have also started reaching beyond the Zone 1 and 2 boroughs. Instead of forking out for the central London rents, businesses such as wine bar and shop, Joyau, and Dusty Knuckle, labelled as one the the 20 best bakeries in the UK earlier this year, have made their homes in Forest Gate and nearby Leytonstone’s farmers’ market.
TV presenter, business owner, Forest Gate local (and ex-Hackney resident) Laura Jackson is an influential tastemaker known for having her finger on the pulse of the next best thing in food, travel and culture. For those looking to emulate Laura’s weekend plans, as well as her style and home decor, lucky for you she has shared a few of her favourite local gems on community-driven social app Playsee.
On the app which encourages authentic video content of local’s neighbourhoods, Laura has already been divulging her Forest Gate secrets and showing followers the local businesses she’s a regular at. Her day-in-the-life content highlights favourites including fresh fruit and veg from Safiya, Laura’s local green grocer, sweet treats from Giovanna’s Italian Deli, Wine Bar and Pizzeria, before heading to Wild Beauty for her facial and nails, then Wild Goose for the best baked goods.
For those who think the best green space East London has to offer is Victoria Park, Laura unveils her hidden gem to escape the noise and buzz of the city centre. A quiet and scenic walk by the lake in Wanstead Park, just outside of Epping Forest, is where she heads for dog-walking and fresh air.
To find more East London hidden gems follow Laura Jackson on Playsee – the app to support and celebrate local communities by discovering new local spots through recommendations from within your local network.