Welcome Back Bethnal Green

Back in the 16th century, Bethnal Green was one of the main country retreats on the outskirts of London. Houses began to line Dog Row (now Cambridge Heath Road) and soon it became one of the first manufacturing districts in the East End.

Famed for chair-making and silk-weaving and one of the first open-air markets, it has evolved into London’s most thriving neighbourhoods. Perfectly situated on the central line, Bethnal Green has everything from supermarkets, market stalls, excellent breakfast places and several great pubs.

Some of the best things to do in the area including browsing the vintage clothes shops, sampling the food stalls of Brick Lane, exploring Spitalfields and buying fresh flowers on a Sunday from Colombia Road Flower Market.

One of Bethnal Green’s famed café’s, Pellicci’s, was established in 1900 and remains one of the must visit attractions of the area. A family business, Maria, remains the matriarch of the family and has been cooking since 1966 to this day. With daughter Anna and cousin Tony, this classic East London café has been serving the local community for over a century!

Speaking to Anna Serano of Pellicci’s on the best parts of Bethnal Green, she said: “The community! No matter where you’re from, what you do or don’t have…it’s a real melting pot of everyone and 99% of the time, thank god everyone gets on, people actually talk to each other!”

She continued: “This is missing in so many parts of London and although I can see things changing around us, I hope we can always keep that welcoming sense of community alive in Bethnal Green for a long time to come.”

Throughout the pandemic, the council has been supporting local businesses. In June we launched the Thriving High Streets 3 fund, which provides advice and guidance to help businesses plan their recovery and a series of events to bring more visitors to key high streets and markets.

Having received the grant, Anna said: “The council have been great. We got the grants we were entitled to quickly and this allowed us to purchase a pitch license outside the cafe for extra tables. We are a tiny space so it allows us to place a few tables there and allows more space between people inside.”

If you own a local business and want to find out what support is available to you, email towncentres@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Show your support for a local business near you by posting a photo on social media, mentioning @TowerHamletsNow and #welcomebackTH