Moving to Shoreditch: Area Guide
Once a bohemian mecca, today Shoreditch is one of the most in-demand postcodes in London — though you can still find your inner hipster if you look hard enough.
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New homes and tech startups never stop appearing in the area, taking the neighbourhood into the mainstream that little bit more day by day.
Even with the increased attention, Shoreditch is still distinctly East London, with a charm that effortlessly combines local and international vibes. From street art to pop-up experiences, Shoreditch will always be known as the place where creatives dwell. The artistic vibes are even reflected in places like Old Street station, where pop-up bars and fashion spaces replace your typical tube newsstand.
But what is it like to really live in Shoreditch, and should you think about making the move East? Read on and find out everything you need to know about London’s coolest neighbourhood with our Moving to Shoreditch area guide?
Where is Shoreditch?
Shoreditch is located in the East End of London and incorporates Old Street, Shoreditch High Street, Brick Lane and Hoxton Square. It’s divided between the London boroughs of Hackney and Tower Hamlets. The City of London and Spitalfields are Shoreditch’s neighbouring areas.
A brief history of Shoreditch
There is plenty of debate about where the name Shoreditch originates from, with Eilert Ekwall, professor of English, suggesting that the “ditch” might have been one leading to the “shore” of the River Thames. Yet, other scholars believe the name may have originally referred to a drain or watercourse.
Perhaps the most interesting theory, however, relates to the name “Shore’s Ditch”, after Jane Shore, the mistress of Edward IV, who is thought to have died or been buried in a ditch in the East London area. A painting even hangs in Haggerston Branch Library that commemorates the legend — though there are very few facts to back the theory up.
During Victorian times, Shoreditch was a hub of entertainment with theatres that rivalled the West End. None of the venues survive today, and the neighbourhood has taken on a different type of entertainment status as a place for nightlife with many popular bars and clubs.
An in-depth look at Shoreditch
Who lives there?
Contrary to popular belief, not everyone who lives in Shoreditch has an overgrown beard and a pair of skinny jeans. However, the neighbourhood does attract a younger demographic, many of which work on Silicon Roundabout in Old Street and know the ins and outs of startup life.
Types of property in Shoreditch
Other than its status as a hub of creativity, Shoreditch is a popular area because of the available space. Converted warehouses provide more square feet than your typical prime postcode apartment, with many people desiring the extra space available.
There are a plethora of new developments if you’re moving to Shoreditch, with places like Principal Tower adding to the London skyline with its 50-storey block. Any new development is sure to come complete with all the trimming, including 24-concierge services, on-site fitness centres and five-star spas.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that rental prices in Shoreditch come at a premium. One-bedroom apartments average £2,400 per month, two-bedroom homes achieve in the region of £3,300, and three-bed flats can let for as much as £4,000.
Shoreditch transport
Old Street provides the nearest tube station to Shoreditch and features a stop on the Northern Line. Liverpool Street is also nearby and offers one of London’s best transport stations with tube and train options in and out of the capital.
Shoreditch High Street Overground station offers even more transport options with regular trains to Highbury and Islington and Canary Wharf, while plenty of buses run up and down the high street. Shoreditch falls in Zone 1.
Restaurants and shops in Shoreditch
Whether you love international cuisines or local flavours, there are many options if you’re moving to Shoreditch — including street food and well-known eateries. Shoppers will also delight at the quirky fashion boutiques and artsy shops in and around the neighbourhood.
Boxpark
Enjoy some of the best street food in London at Boxpark Shoreditch, which is the perfect place for capturing hipster vibes. Vendors serving everything from vegan eats to mouthwatering burgers operate a stall at Boxpark, and there’s plenty of places to enjoy a drink with friends too.
Dirty Bones Shoreditch
An original New York City concept, Dirty Bones has made its way to Shoreditch with great comfort food and creative cocktails. And if you love old-school hip-hop, funk and soul, you’ve got even more reason to enjoy a great night at Dirty Bones Shoreditch.
Luna and Curious
An independent store, Luna and Curious is owned by Polly George, Kaoru Parry and Rheanna Lingham. The three creatives have put together a miniature department store where you can find everything from clothing to homeware, with each piece unique in its own right.
Monologue
Find that perfect furniture piece for your new Shoreditch home at Monologue. With funky and contemporary designs, all the furniture at Monologue blends in perfectly with the creative and vibrant style found in Shoreditch.
Socialising in Shoreditch
Whether it’s having a few drinks in Boxpark, partying until the early hours or mixing with creatives at Shoreditch House, you’ll never be short of ideas for a fun time out. There’s even the odd museum and cultural experience to soak up.
- Sample the world-class Indian cuisine on Brick Lane
- Admire the many works of street art, including pieces from Banksy
- Indulge in some retail therapy on Redchurch Street
- Visit the Museum of Methodism
- Wander around Silicon Roundabout
- Pop by the Ace Hotel for a drink or two
- Join Shoreditch House, or find someone who is already a member
- Get fancy at The Clove Club, a Michelin-star restaurant
- Take in the smells at Columbia Road Flower Market
- Catch a flick at the Electric Cinema
Moving to Shoreditch
Whether you want to work, rest or play, Shoreditch has you covered with its snazzy new apartments, state-of-the-art co-working places and a social scene that is the envy of the rest of the capital. Moving to Shoreditch puts you right in the heart of one of London’s most creative and vibrant neighbourhoods,
