This desirable residential neighbourhood is enclosed between the hustle and bustle of Kingsland Road to the west and the quiet calm of the Regent’s Canal to the south. Its main attraction is Broadway Market – a quintessential spot for East End traders which is increasingly populated by artisan coffee shops, international restaurants, and independent book shops. The streets are predominantly lined with Victorian homes, some large semis with gardens, others smaller flats above the attractive multi coloured shop fronts. There are also a number of newer tower blocks and apartment buildings. Haggerston station provides locals with Overground services to the north and south, with numerous bus routes also helping take the strain off the busy station. Green space is also in no short supply, with London Fields only a short walk to the east. Diverse in its communities, architecture and culture, this spot is highly popular with young creative types, yet still retains a touch of its former East London charm.

Named after the farmstead of the Saxon landowner, Haergod, the locality was rural for most of its life. The area gained its large residential identity during the 19th century, following the introduction of the East London Railway in 1869. Broadway Market emerged around this time as a thriving fruit and vegetable market, with the surrounding area quickly becoming overcrowded as industrial buildings replaced the original pastoral landscape. Sadly, many of its original homes and buildings were destroyed during the Blitz – leaving gaps which would eventually be re-occupied by social housing complexes. Since then Haggerston has welcomed many diverse communities from around the world, with the 2012 Olympic regeneration works meaning this postcode is increasingly sought after.

The jewel in this neighbourhood’s crown has got to be Broadway Market. Rumour has it that this was the inspiration for the one and only Albert Square in the iconic British soap opera, EastEnders. It is also the location of David Cronenberg’s 2007 film, Eastern Promises.

Like the trendy Dalston and Shoreditch to the areas north and South, Haggerston is changing quickly. Whilst new investment and rejuvenation schemes have done a lot to improve livelihoods and turn around the area’s reputation, the influx of affluent young professionals has driven out many families. Rapidly rising house prices are blamed by some for the diminishing sense of community and rising inequality.

One example of the controversy attached to rising prices and changing demographics is the newly completed development on the former Kingsland Fire Station site on 333 Kingsland Road. The new design includes a new primary school for families but provides zero affordable housing accommodation which led many to question which families the scheme was designed to serve. Similarly, plans were recently approved to redevelop the historic Haggerston Baths into a co-working space and private gym. Once a meeting place for the community, the old pool room will become a hub of productivity reflecting a new London. Elsewhere office space is being created on the south bank of regents canal, with a £40 million commercial development on Orsman Road currently underway.