Welcome to Bromley-by-Bow, a district steeped in history, but one that is now London’s newest up-and-coming neighbourhood. Located in the borough of Tower Hamlets, Bromley-by-Bow has been at the heart of extensive financial investment and development. Situated on the banks of the River Lea, Bromley-by-Bow has something to offer everyone. With no shortage of riverside walks, beautiful outdoor parks, cosy pubs and quaint cafes, this neighbourhood has never been more desirable.

New to the area? Find out what makes Bromley-by-Bow so charming.

Food and Drink

The Galvanisers Union

Looking for a new local? The Galvanisers Union boasts a spacious, open seating plan, charming Victorian-inspired décor and contemporary furnishings. The pub serves craft beers and ales provided by regional breweries and has a broad selection of your favourite pub meals. If you’re partial to a pub quiz, head down to The Galvanisers Union every Wednesday.

Address: 2 Devas Street, Bromley by Bow, London, E3 3LL

The Palm Tree

If you’re looking for more of a traditional cockney experience, The Palm Tree is for you. Despite being just beyond Bow borders, you won’t be disappointed by a visit to The Palm Tree. It’s a no fuss, no frills kind of pub and is still divided in two by the bar like many pubs used to be. The Palm Tree is decorated gloriously in reds and golds, has old celebrity memorabilia lining the walls and a canalside lawn for pints on warm days. The Palm Tree is treasured by locals and all those who venture inside.

Address: 127 Grove Rd, Bow, London E3 5BH

Desserts

Happy Endings

Founded in 2014, Happy Endings is an ice cream parlour and wholesaler that turned London’s dessert scene on its head. Their headquarters are located at the tip of Bromley-by-Bow and you can visit to try their famous ice cream sandwiches – perfect for those with a sweet tooth!

Happy Endings also offer ice cream, chocolate and dessert workshop days which would be perfect to try with friends or complete with colleagues as a team-bonding activity.

Address: Arch 437 Burdett Rd, London E3 4AT

Zealand Café

Fancy a change from working at home? Zealand Café is a daytime café with a primary focus on speciality coffee, cakes and simple food. If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a morning coffee or a lunchtime sweet treat, Zealand Café is the place to go.

Address: 391 Roman Rd, Old Ford, London E3 5QS

@zealandroadcoffee

Art and Culture

The Beehive

If you’re a lover of live arts, The Beehive is the place for you. It’s a recently revamped, intimate live music, comedy and spoken word venue just four minutes from Bromley-by-Bow tube station. The venue has a raised stage and showcases new talent during its busy schedule of weekly events.

Address: 104 Empson Street, Bromley by Bow, London, E3 3LT

Muxima

Muxima is an independent arts and music space in the heart of Bow. It originally launched as a community arts hub. During the day it served as a café, but by night was an afro-tapas restaurant.

In 2021, Muxima reopened its doors; this time with a primary focus on visual art and music. If you’re looking for an immersive art experience, look no further than Muxima.

Address: 618 Roman Rd, Bow, London E3 2RW

Bow Arts – Nunnery Gallery

Bow Arts is an educational charity that provides creative workspaces for artists, makers and creatives. The Nunnery Gallery is a free gallery with a local focus; it champions work of emerging artists. If you like discovering new artists and want to support your community, head down to Bow Arts. If you’re feeling peckish why not pop next door to the Nunnery Café and enjoy some of the local’s favourite coffee and pastries.

Address: 181 Bow Rd, Bow, London E3 2SJ

London Centre for Book Arts

Based in what used to be the heart of London’s print industry, the London Centre for Book Arts (LCBA) is an artist-run, open-access studio. Wander through the centre’s shop checking out the books or take a workshop in bookbinding, marbling or letterpress. There’s something that captivates all you book lovers out there – who said print was dead?

Address: Britannia Works, 56 Dace Rd, Bow, London E3 2NQ

Other areas of interest:

• Three Mills and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, perfect for a relaxing family day.
• Bromley Hall, for those who love history.
• Bromley by Bow Park, for peaceful dog walks.
• G Kelly, for next level pie ’n’ mash.
• Bow Bells pub, for quiet drinks with friends.
• Mile End Climbing Wall, great for those seeking to reach new heights.
• Walks along Hertford Union Canal, ideal for an after dinner walk.
• Snap, for graphic design gifts.
• Revolution Karting, the best for adrenaline seekers.