Travel

 

East London

 

Last visited:-     I live here!

Last updated:-  11 December 2005

 

I actually used to live in East London, but surprisingly don’t get back as much as I’d like. The scene in the East End can be pretty static, although recently it’s exploded like a Jaguar in an EastEnders car chase. In other words, a lot more spectacularly than it has any right to. Once again, I’ll try and stick to the Bear scene but it hardly exists in the East End, although most bars are a lot less “attitudey” than in other areas.

 

Bars

I’ll start in Stratford and work my way out, seeing as the hub of East End activity seems to be there these days. The Angel wants to be a cabaret bar again but I’m not sure it’s doing it. Where once great names in drag drew in the crowds, you can now wonder at the delights of H-list Eurovision wannabes and “that bird off that song that DJ had a hit with last summer”™. And Sandra. The cheap nights are popular with student-types… so be warned! Incidentally, I’ve also pulled more often in the Angel than in the Kings Arms. Food for thought?

 

Just down the road is the Kings Head, feeder (and sister) bar to the Angel. Only recently opened, it’s still trying to find an identity (a problem with most “gay-friendly” bars, in my opinion), but still worth popping in as it’s a lot cheaper and just shows how much mark up there is in other specifically “gay” bars just because they’re after your pink pound. Wednesdays are fabulous with Miss Ross's Camp Bingo - the prizes have to be seen to be believed. Sundays are good and give the feeling of a decent local, complete with abusive bar staff. (I hasten to add, it's all tongue in cheek!)

 

Moving towards Stepney, The Black Horse is also losing it, apparently, and there are even rumours of it turning straight. The Ship is always very friendly and well worth popping in, though it is rather quiet midweek. And they also have occasional cabaret. What is it with the East End and drag?!? Finally on the list is the White Swan, which is usually busy, generally good for a laugh, and always bizarre. Want proof? Try the Sunday Tea Dance!

 

Clubs

However, the East End is remarkably lacking in clubs, even if it does make up for it with its surfeit of late-night bars. Every so often, you do hear rumours that one of them may be starting a “bears’ night” but I’ve given up hope frankly.

 

Sleaze-wise, you’re only really left with Backstreet since the demise of the Block, but I’ve never actually been. Central Station Walthamstow has changed hands and I believe it may even be just a regular bar now. You shouldn't necessarily avoid the imaginatively named ugly sister to the Angel, the Fallen Angel, but it can be very quiet and doesn't really seem to have an idea of what a real sleaze bar should be like. If you enjoy cruising to Faithless and the like, you may be surprised to find yourself sucking someone off to Kylie, S Club or, I kid you not, Crazy Frog...

 

Eating Out

Not really renowned for it’s contribution to world cuisine, the East End is best at post-intoxication food – although the closing times of some will leave you flabbergasted. When I finally actually taste jellied eels and pie and liquor, I’ll let you know.

 

Points of note (although names, once again, escape me)…

 

Chinese
  • The Grove, Stratford
  • Opposite Stepney Tube

Pizza
  • The Grove, Stratford
  • West Ham Lane (cheap and nasty)

Chip Suppers
  • The Brothers (Tramway Avenue & Water Lane, both Stratford)

Kebabs
  • Anatolia (Stratford High Street)

Chicken
  • Church Street (very cheap and nasty), Stratford

Indian
  • Hemalaya, (The Grove, Stratford)

Breakfast
  • Any caff you care to mention!

 

The 24 hour bagel shop on Brick Lane is as much a part of a trip to London as the Millennium Eye – just do it! And finally, London’s best kept secret… just outside the nursing college behind the Royal London Hospital is a bagel van, so if you’re in Whitechapel and need a quick, on-the-move snack it can’t be beaten.

 

Taxi Firms

Meter-run black cabs are far more expensive than minicabs, but always make sure you negotiate a price with a minicab driver before you set off., otherwise you will end up being done.

 

Night Buses

Pretty much cover most of London, but often take ages. Best to use them for shorter trips, one or two zones at the most (e.g. Stepney to Stratford is fine). Further example, a night bus to Stratford from Oxford Street is timetabled at 35 minutes, but in actuality takes nearly an hour, though it’s quicker going in towards the centre. And just ‘cause a route exists don’t make it a viable option. A bus to somewhere in Zone 6 will take the best part of two hours. So, assuming you don’t want to pay a £40-plus taxi fare, you may be better waiting for the Tube to open.

 

And of course, night buses are never very much fun. Overcrowded, especially on trips outward from the centre, with lairy students and straights (and straight students) and you can guarantee someone will puke.

 

The Tube

The East End is very well covered by the Tube and Docklands Light Railway, and all the pubs mentioned are within easy walking distance of at least one station. Again watch out for those last train times though, especially if you need to make other connections.

 

Getting There

See the section for Central London, although Stratford is a major transport hub in its own right – Rail and National Express both have routes stopping there.

 

 

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