Leytonstone

Ask anyone who has lived in Leytonstone for more than a few years and you’ll likely be told that the town ain’t what it used to be.

The High Street which once offered an eclectic mix of shopping opportunities including Bearman’s department store and Russell and Bromley is now a shadow of it’s former self, largely consisting of kebab houses, pubs, charity shops and the odd hairdresser. Much of the commercial property is gradually being converted into residential areas (usually cheap flats).

However, all is not doom and gloom, Leytonstone does have a certain indefinable something, an atmosphere of optimism pervades. There is a definite sense that the town should, could and (one day) will achieve it’s potential.

There are some great things about Leytonstone. Big (relatively cheap!) Victorian houses, lots of greenery close by, good transport links and some genuinely attractive areas like Bushwood, Browning Road and Upper Leytonstone.

The new(ish) Tesco store near the Green Man roundabout is the main focus for shoppers in E11. Though it is probably squeezing the last dying breaths from the local shops on Leytonstone High Road, it has actually been done very well, utilising and enhancing the existing Victorian buildings on the site of the old hospital. The development also contains some attractive housing and the impressive (though slightly foreboding) Leytonstone House.

Other points of interest are St John’s church on the High Road, probably the most impressive church in E11, although somewhat spoiled by the box-like Matalan store sitting next door to it. St Andrew’s church in Upper Leytonstone
is also an attractive building, especially as it’s situated next to the  original, charming, Leytonstone School building.

Leytonstone is a key station on the Central Line, partly because it’s where the line splits into the Hainault and Epping branches, but also because it’s where the drivers stop off for a cup of tea!

Snaresbrook

With what remains of Epping Forest on it’s doorstep, Snaresbrook has a lot going for it. Populated by E11′s well-to-do, this area contains some impressive looking houses, sitting in peaceful and beautiful surroundings.

Snaresbrook Crown Court is a fantastic looking building. Designed by Sir Gilbert Scott as an asylum for orphaned babies, the building was opened by Leopold, King of the Belgians in 1843 and then became The Royal Wanstead School in 1938. After falling on hard times, the school was closed in 1971 and subsequently acquired by the Crown Commissioners for judicial purposes.

The Eagle pub at the end of Snaresbrook Road dates back to the 18th Century when it was a staging inn for travellers on their way to and from London.

Wanstead

Walking up Wanstead High Street sometimes seems a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of London. Wanstead has a distinctive “villagey” feel to it, with a good selection of (refreshingly unaffected) stores, cafes and restaurants.

Wanstead’s atmosphere is further enhanced by a relative abundance of green space, especially the park right in the centre of town next to the High Street. Here you’ll also find the quaint Christ Church, built in 1861.

Other buildings of note are St Mary’s Church in Overton Drive (completed in 1790 and the only Grade I listed building in Redbridge), ‘The Temple’ and ‘The Grotto’ in Wanstead Park (remains of the former Wanstead Estate), and ‘The George’ public house next to Wanstead tube station.

Wanstead Park itself, although much diminished compared to the days when it played host to Wanstead House, is still great for a ramble or picnic on a summer’s day.