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[title]Essential information
Average property price: Flats £350k, houses £600k
Average rent: £650pcm per person
Nearest transport: Wanstead, Central Line
Bus routes: Lots of buses to Walthamstow, Stratford, Forest Gate and Manor Park
Local MP: John Cryer (Labour)
Tell me about the local tribe
Young families, middle-aged creatives, kindness activists and guerrilla gardeners make up Wanstead Village.
What’s new in the area?
There’s a new Nando’s in South Woodford but the Spreading Kindness in E11 Movement has left an even sweeter taste in the mouths of locals. A week of random acts of kindness established by a school girl, this year included workshops for scribing pledges into clay, which are now strung up on the high street.
Are there any community spaces?
Facebook’s Wanstead Community Hub is a vibrant place to share tips and look out for each other (and each other’s cats). There’s a Female Voices Community Choir at Wanstead House and the Social Knitworks group, who meet in The Cuckfield to craft blankets for the Celia Hammond Animal Trust’s cat sanctuary.
Where can I grab a morning latte?
The Square Mile coffee served in Bare Brew is hard to beat: there’s a laidback LGBTQ+ vibe and free biscuits for dogs on the counter. If pastries are your thing, the freshly baked, French offerings from La Bakerie reach the next level.
Is the area family-friendly?
Yes. There are regular arts, crafts and Rhyme Time drop-ins at the library, Buggy Fit on the green and more baby yoga, massage, sling swing and JingleBop in Christchurch Hall than you can poke a Sophie the Giraffe at.
What’s the nearest green space?
The village green opposite the high street is perfect for picnicking, or try Wanstead Flats. Definitely head to Wanstead Park for long walks through the famous bluebell woods.
Is there a market at the weekend?
Wanstead Farmers’ Market on the first Sunday of the month sells organic food and crafts. If that’s your vibe, Wanstead Fringe in September is a week of art, trails and parties culminating in Wanstead Festival.
What are the supermarket options?
Find Harvey’s greengrocers, The Ginger Pig butcher, Wanstead Fish and Bombetta’s Deli peppered in between a substantial Co-op, Tesco Metro and M&S Food.
Any takeaway hotspots?
Try Sumo Fresh for Japanese, Yard Sale for pizza and Singburi for some of the best Thai outside Thailand. The latter doesn’t offer delivery but for many, it’s worth the journey.
How about keeping fit?
Dig a deadlift? Target Fit does group training with ripped musclemen. Eton Manor RFC has a new women’s rugby team and running classes for nippers. Air Yoga Studio is less HIIT, more holisitic.
Where’s the nearest cinema?
Take a wander into the Nightingale Estate to Frank Lampard Senior’s traditional watering hole, The Nightingale. Or check out neighbouring pub The Duke, where the crowd is cooler and the Sunday roast is revered.