Welcome to Forest Gate

Forest Gate was once a bastion of the Sixties music scene and still drips with cultural cool. Blessed with a plethora of superb pubs and bars, there’s also plenty of quality Victorian period property available in the area. Transport links were already respectable, but with Crossrail, it now takes just 17 minutes to get to Tottenham Court Road.

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If you’ve already heard Chiwetel Ejiofor or Idris Elba proudly discussing their hometown, you probably don’t need us to convince you of Forest Gate’s merits, but for those who haven’t, let us catch you up…

With a heritage rooted in culture, it’s not surprising that Forest Gate has a strong creative community today. During just one week in the 60s, the Upper Cut Club music venue there hosted – deep breath – The Who, the Animals, the Spencer Davis Group, Geno Washington and Jimi Hendrix. These days you’re more likely to find the area’s artistic-types supping drinks in the cool cafes and bars. Along with the period property and proximity to green space, this independent scene has been the main draw for new arrivals to the area, although the fact that Forest Gate is now on the Crossrail’s Elizabeth line has definitely helped nudge people in the right direction.

A word from our Forest Gate area expert…

“Forest Gate is one of London’s best-kept secrets. With its great housing stock, the wide-open green spaces of Wanstead Flats, and a friendly, up-and-coming vibe shaped by independent boutiques, eateries, and bars, it has all the ingredients of a truly special neighbourhood.

Weekends here are easily filled with morning coffee and pastries at The Wild Goose Bakery, fresh pasta from Fiore Truck, or a cosy dinner at Giovanna’s (or a fantastic curry from The Wanstead Kitchen). Pair that with a walk across Wanstead Flats or through Wanstead Park, and you have the perfect local day out.

Thanks to the Elizabeth line, Forest Gate is brilliantly connected. Liverpool Street is just 12 minutes away, Canary Wharf around 15, and Heathrow can be reached directly in under an hour. It is this mix of character, community and convenience that makes the area so appealing.

Above all, Forest Gate has an arty, independent feel and a strong sense of community that the locals actively nurture and support, giving the area its unique charm.”

Forest Gate ’s
Places + Wonders

Forest Gate has a brilliant arty, bohemian vibe. And you know where creative types like to hang out … the pub, of course. Fortunately, the area has plenty — here’s our pick…

Forest Gate ’s
Features + Perks

Transport links

With trains running every ten minutes, the Overground can get you to Liverpool Street in 13 minutes. In the south, Plaistow is on the District and Hammersmith & City tube lines, and the Crossrail will get you to Tottenham Court Road in just 17 minutes.

Great Pubs

Wine bars, gastro pubs, microbrews, traditional boozers… With so many drinking establishments in Forest Gate, taking ‘a trip to the local’ can be a tricky decision. The CiderHouse, The Holly Tree and Forest Gate Tavern are just a few of the places to choose between.

Plenty of period property

Forest Gate has an abundance of Victorian housing, ranging from terraces in the area dubbed ‘Forest Gate Village’ to semis and detached in the Woodgrange Estate conservation area. Whether you’re after a doer-upper or recently renovated period property, there should be something for your budget.