From East London to East London

I’m relatively new to the ways of Shoreditch.

Although I’ve lived in East London all my life, Shoreditch has never been on my horizon. I grew up near Stratford which is a ‘typical’ East London place. Lots of small terraced houses, council flats a plenty, and the usual East London brashness to be found by a few of the residents. Most Londoners tend to stick to their ‘manor’ and I’m no exception. My experience of Shoreditch was always just that place you drove through to get from the City back home. There was absolutely no reason to go there – ‘Nothing to see here folks – please be on your way’ Shoreditch today however is a completely different beast, with the beast still transforming on an almost daily basis.

I’ve recently started to frequent the area much more because of work, and it must be said, I feel a bit like an excited schoolboy going up to ‘Laanden Tan’ for the first time. As much as I know I’m a fully grown adult with responsibilities, and posses that usual jaded perspective on life which many of my age group seem to acquire, there’s just that tiny ‘tingle’ of excitement as I stroll down Bethnal Green Road, passing the iconic Brick Lane and onwards towards the new status acquiring Boxpark and down into the belly of Shoreditch.

Part of me sneers at the ‘trendies’ trying to look all cool and nonchalant as they sip coffee outside one of the bars, and another part of me is quietly nodding in approval thinking ‘yeah, this is where it’s at!’. Such a strange mix of emotions which I have to
confess I haven’t quite figured out yet. It’s like adolescence all over again!

So do I go to the trendy bars and the hip parties? No. Maybe I should, but I don’t. I don’t need to. When I see children having fun and being riotous at a wedding, it makes me smile a genuine smile. Do I want to join in and slide all over the floor in my nice suit with them? No. I enjoy their joy. ‘Tis the same way I can enjoy the hipsters being hip without needing to don some skinny jeans.

So, for now I remain unashamedly excited about my newly rediscovered East London neighbour, albeit with the odd sullen smirk thrown in from time to time. Cappucino anyone?

 

Written  by Mervin
Photography : Chris JL