Tube map of rent prices on the London Overground
(Click on the map for a larger version!)
You’re probably already aware that house prices in London are astronomical. Thankfully the London Overground has made areas of the city more accessible, which means we have more potential living areas without a horrible commute. When it comes to what you get for your money, though, it varies massively depending on location, from a bargain £196 a week (for a two-bed flat) in Barking to a balance-burning £590 a week in West Brompton.
Not sure where to start? London’s rental matchmaker Rentonomy has created this Overground map to make it all nice and simple. And to help you decide if you want to live on the gingerline, we’ve come up with our top six places we love on the London Overground.
CAFE OTO
Ever since it opened in 2008, Cafe Oto has championed creative ideas outside the musical mainstream. By day it’s a wonderful café, by night it’s a great performance space for live music from all over the world. Expect sounds from the fringes of jazz, rock and indie. (Fact: Yoko Ono, Thurston Moore and Steve Shelley played here in March.) 18-22 Ashwin St, E8 3DL. Dalston Junction Overground.
ARCOLA THEATRE
Situated off Kingsland High Street, the Arcola has an impressive programme of new writing and classic drama, and occasionally also hosts music and comedy events. Rising talent is regularly worth catching here first. The current production of ‘Waiting for Godot’, with comedy duo Totally Tom, is typically brilliant. 24 Ashwin St, E8 3DL. Dalston Kingsland Overground.
BRICK LANE
Still London’s hippest street. Music fans still flock to Rough Trade East (Dray Walk, 91 Brick Lane, E1 6QL) and there’s a wealth of boutiques to suit teenage budgets and vintage lovers’ tastes. Dimly lit bars beckon every few doors, but there’s also room for cute new shops like Dark Sugars (141 Brick Lane, E1 6SB), which sells handmade chocolates. Shoreditch High St or Whitechapel Overground.
WHITECHAPEL GALLERY
This gallery reopened in 2009 following a major redesign and expansion that saw the Grade II listed building almost double its exhibition space for modern and contemporary art, with new galleries, studios and a café-bar. 77-82 Whitechapel High St, E1 7QX. Whitechapel Overground.
HORNIMAN MUSEUM
An anthropological museum set in 16 acres of landscaped gardens, the Horniman has a 1901 natural history gallery (famous for its overstuffed walrus), an aquarium, a gallery dedicated to African, Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian art, and a collection of musical instruments, some of which you can try yourself. Extensive facilities for families include a nature trail, weekend workshops and an interactive area. 100 London Rd, SE23 3PQ. Forest Hill Overground.
CRYSTAL PALACE PARK
Come see the world’s original dino theme park! Installed in 1854, 33 plaster prehistoric monsters (lovingly restored and maintained) still stand proud among the trees – a reminder of the park’s Victorian heyday. There are more contemporary charms too, mind: an athletics stadium, farm, maze, playground, café, and plenty of space to roam around. SE19. Crystal Palace Overground.