Area Guide to Poplar

The area

Poplar is located in the Docklands (East London) and is one of the oldest areas of the city. It is a very short distance away from Canary Wharf and a bit more accessible, so perfect for commuters to the financial district. Poplar has its charm and is constantly being improved with the recent new developments. There aren’t only professionals there, but also a large population of students as the Tower Hamlets College has its largest campus here.

Transport

Poplar is very well positioned in terms of transport. It has Poplar DLR station but is also near Westferry, Blackwall, East India, All Saints and Canary Wharf DLR stations.

Canary Wharf Crossrail station opens at West India Quay in December next year, with a more direct link to Poplar and 39-minute services to Heathrow from December 2019.

The City: 5.3 miles / 25-45 minutes by car / 30 minutes by transit / 30 minutes by bike

Canary Wharf: 2 miles / 5-15 minutes by car / 15 minutes by transit / 30 minutes by foot / 10 minutes by bike

Southwark: 5.4 miles / 20-40 minutes by car / 35 minutes by transit / 30 minutes by bike

Westminster: 7.5 miles / 30-60 minutes by car / 45 minutes by transit

Shoreditch: 5.8 miles / 20-40 minutes by car / 45 minutes by transit / 30 minutes by bike

Renting in Poplar

Poplar is quite modern and in demand resulting in the rise of rental prices in the area. For a one bedroom apartment, you’re looking at around £1400 pm and for two bedrooms around £1880. It’s a good time to start renting now especially for people who work in Canary Wharf as the value will only increase over time.

Where to go

Chrisp Street market

Chrisp Street Market is a proper East End market, with lots of cheap-and-cheerful goods for sale and outdoor cafes. It’s not the most glamorous of markets, but it has a soul. It gives you a sense not much changed here, but like most of London, this area might be soon the target of gentrification. It consists of different shops selling everything you can think of, you can find everything from tanning shop to a pie and mash shop.

Mudchute Park and Farm

Mudchute farm is minutes away from Canary Wharf and creates a brilliant contrast between farm animals and skyscrapers in the back! Definitely, a must see in London.

It’s free, which is always a bonus and it’s very kid friendly, you can feed the animals and also book horse riding classes. There’s a cafe on site and the breakfast and cakes are delicious!

The Gun – For Drinks

This hidden gem away from the London chaos is a fantastic find. Hidden amongst a street of houses, the Gun is easily missed. The Sunday Roast is arguably one of the best in London – tender beef with all the trimmings including a large Yorkshire pudding and a creamy horseradish sauce. And by the way for the gravy lovers, an additional jug is provided… Live music is playing from a small yet cosy Gin garden, perfect for London’s lazy summer evenings. Watch the world go by with views of the Thames and O2 arena at this great local pub.

Kafe 1788 – For Good Coffee

Kafe 1788 is the perfect mix of coffee and art. They promote Haitian coffee and local artists, they often have events and live music. This place just has so much soul and the coffee is, of course, delicious, they offer a  large variety of cakes and the staff are just so lovely.

Noodle Street – For Dinner

Noodle Street is our top pick for satisfying an Asian food craving! They have all our favourites – a mix of Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese food. An absolute must try if you’re in the area! Salt and Pepper squid, chicken wings and the noodle, of course, are delicious. Set in a comfortable and friendly environment.

We’ve given you the scoop and the lowdown – think the area could be for you? Check out our selection of rooms for rent in Poplar to find your next home in the neighbourhood.