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Places to stay in Bethnal Green
Bethnal Green was heavily bombed during World War II. Since then, it has been redeveloped and, like its East End neighbours, has recently undergone a degree of gentrification. Still, much of its old working-class Cockney culture has survived. Pellici's Italian cafe, popular for more than 100 years, is still serving customers in Bethnal Green Road, as is G Kelly's pie and mash and jellied eels shop, dating from the First World War. Jones Dairy, built in 1902, is one of London's original Welsh dairy shops. Bethnal Green is also famous for its street markets, notably the Columbia Road Flower Market held on Sunday mornings. The area's boxing tradition is still alive and kicking, with fights staged at York Hall, a famous old venue that now also offers contemporary swimming and leisure facilities. Old-time knees-up pubs co-exist with sleek new bars, music venues, cafés and restaurants that suit today's vibrant cultural mix. Contemporary art-lovers enjoy a choice of several galleries: the Chisenhale, the Showroom, AIP Fine Art and the Sweet Tea House, exhibiting Tibetan art. Also in Bethnal Green are the London Buddhist Centre and the V&A Museum of Childhood, housing a huge collection of toys and games.
