Move over Hackney, as Forest Gate becomes cool new hotspot, as shown by local celebrity Laura Jackson on social media app Playsee
Hackney has long established its reputation as the ‘up and coming’ neighbourhood just outside of central London. Much like Shoreditch, creatives and artistic types flocked to the East London borough – as did everyone else. Now, young professionals and families find themselves pushed further out of London as they look for more affordable and better value homes with more space. And Forest Gate is where they’ve landed. Only 15 minutes on the Elizabeth Line from Liverpool Street, this East London hotspot is the cool new home for these young professionals. Although some locations along the ‘Lizzie Line’ have dropped in value, Forest Gate’s average house price has increased by 9%, according to research by Benham and Reeves.
The new popularity has meant that independent and trendy small businesses have also been moving to the area, bringing some of the best of London to the outskirts of central London. Some of the delights in the area include wine bar and shop, Joyau, claiming title of one of the best wine bars in the world by the Financial Times, and a float for Dusty Knuckle, labelled as one of the best 20 bakeries in the UK earlier this year, at 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.
