Bow, E3, named one of the best places to live in London 2026 – Says The Times in a news article published on March 20th 2026. And we couldn’t agree more!
Living in Bow, “going down the Roman” isn’t just a shopping trip – it’s part of everyday life for us and our neighbours.
Roman Road has long been one of the most characterful high streets in East London. Known for the historic Roman Road Market, it continues to be a hub for independent shops in East London, local traders, and a strong sense of community that’s increasingly rare across the city.
See you Down the Roman – Art print by Dickens ink.
A high street that still feels human
What makes Roman Road stand out isn’t just the market – it’s the ecosystem around it.
From coffee stops to bookshops and niche retailers, this stretch of Bow offers a genuinely local alternative to chain-heavy high streets. Within a short walk, you can browse at Bàrd Books, pick up plant-based treats from E3 Vegan, or find thoughtful gifts (for your furry friend) at Dog Bliss.
It’s this mix that defines Roman Road market Bow — not just a place to shop, but a place to spend time.
Why Urban Makers fits perfectly here
Right in the middle of it all is the Urban Makers Gift Shop — a natural fit for a high street built on independence.
Our shop brings together a curated selection of handmade goods from UK-based creatives, reinforcing what Roman Road does best: supporting small-scale, thoughtful production.
For anyone searching for independent shops in East London, Urban Makers is a must. Jewellery, ceramics, prints, homeware – everything has a story, and everything connects back to a maker.
A neighbourhood anchored by green space
One of the reasons Bow works so well is its balance.
Just a short walk away, Victoria Park offers one of the largest and most loved green spaces in the city. That proximity shapes how people use Roman Road – slower mornings, weekend browsing, coffee in hand after visiting The Pavilion Cafe or The Hub.
This link between high street and green space is part of what makes the area feel liveable, not just busy.
The Pavilion Cafe, Victoria Park – Print by Tomartacus
More than a shopping destination
Roman Road succeeds because it hasn’t lost its identity.
It’s still a place where:
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Independent businesses outnumber chains
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Shop owners are part of the community
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The market and high street work together
That’s what people are really looking for when they search terms like “Roman Road market Bow” or “independent shops East London” – not just locations, but experiences.
Why we love living in Bow
For us, living in Bow means having all of this on our doorstep.
From weekend walks through Victoria Park to discovering new makers at Urban Makers, or dipping into local favourites like Mae and Harvey and Symposium, it’s a neighbourhood that rewards staying local.
And that’s the real strength of Roman Road.
It’s not trying to compete with central London – it’s building something better: a high street rooted in community, creativity, and independence. See you down the Roman!