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Limehouse Area Guide

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Introduction to Renting in Limehouse

Limehouse is a middle-class, quiet suburb in East London. Here, daily life revolves around the water, with the Thames and two canals within a stone’s throw away. 

Limehouse is a residential neighbourhood in East London that includes a mix of working-class and middle-class people. Due to the closeness of the town to the Thames and its position on two canals, this water-rich town revolves on the water. As a result of the Regents Canal Company establishing Limehouse Basin in the early 1800s, the basin is completely populated with pleasure boats, as well as a few houseboats. 

Despite how small and tiny the neighbourhood looks, it has its own rail station, which allows you to easily go to London’s other areas. Many finance workers who commute to Canary Wharf or the City prefer Limehouse over areas like Whitechapel. 

A large number of modern, factory-like luxury condominiums and residences flank the canals, basins, and river. While they are not in the vicinity of the lake, the terraced buildings look drearier. From cheap to high, the price range is large. 

A wide array of casual eateries offering a variety of cuisines is available in Limehouse. While there are several bars here, including one owned by Gordon Ramsay, the area tends to be quiet and empty once the late-night crowd departs. 

History of Limehouse

Limehouse was an important seaport in mediaeval times. The port town was considered inseparable from these three areas of expertise: rope-making, ship supplies, and shipbuilding. As well as new immigrants from other countries as well as seamen from other countries, people moved to Limehouse. The early foreign community of Limehouse consisted of Europeans, Africans, and Chinese. 

A Chinatown area was built in London, which was the city’s first. While the port has become a thriving residential and commercial neighbourhood, Limehouse is no longer a harbour, but rather a bustling residential and business area. 

Limehouse is a picturesque London waterfront suburb situated between Wapping and Canary Wharf on the north bank of the Thames, which is bounded by a tiny riverside footpath. The primary draw at Limehouse Marina is the watery scenery. The Limehouse Basin has served as a link in the canal system for canal boats transiting from the Regent’s Canal to the country’s canal system since it opened in 1820. 

Many of those who reside in Limehouse’s elegant waterfront and canal-side apartments do so since the working hours for people in the financial world require them to remain in the city all day. Limehouse is located just four miles from the City and Canary Wharf and has excellent transport links between them. 

Getting Around Limehouse

The public transportation system is well connected to Limehouse in London. The station is located within the Docklands Light Railway system, therefore getting to Canary Wharf is a simple task. The journey to London’s Central is approximately a quarter of an hour long. 

Poplar, Aldgate, and Wapping are within a short distance away, as well as a tube station (Canary Wharf). 

  • The City is 2.6 miles away. It takes 15-35 minutes to get there whether it be by car, public transportation, or bike.  
  • Canary Wharf is 1.6 miles away. It takes 5-15 minutes to get there whether it be by car, public transportation, or bike.  
  • Southwark is 3.1 miles away. It takes 15-30 minutes to get there whether it be by car, public transportation, or bike.  
  • Westminster is 5.1 miles away. It takes 10-30 minutes to get there whether it be by car, public transportation, or bike.  
  • Shoreditch is 3.3 miles away. It takes 20-35 minutes to get there whether it be by car, public transportation, or bike.  

There are numerous historic properties located in Limehouse, which can be viewed by looking into the history of the area. The city is fully embraced by modern architecture, with a number of contemporary residential structures with views of the Thames that don’t impede anything. 

The neighbourhood has witnessed tremendous reconstruction in recent decades, which has had a big impact on the market. Many redevelopment projects are planned for the future, and it is anticipated that this property’s value will continue to rise. 

There are a large number of Georgian and Victorian mansions in Limehouse. Some of the streets where these houses can be found include Narrow Street, Bromley Street, and Barnes Street. Families especially enjoy its huge size, distinctive features, and spacious outside area. To a great extent, they are refurbished to a top-notch degree. There are a great many of them that need minimal or no repair. 

Apartments that have been converted into warehouse dwellings are likewise very popular, but they are frequently divided into even cheaper units. With open-plan living areas and multiple historic characteristics such as exposed brickwork, beams, and original windows, they regularly provide huge rooms with enormous glass walls. A home in this condition does not appear on the market often, and when it does, it is purchased quickly. 

Limehouse has lower average rental costs than the rest of London, making it an affordable alternative for renters who are searching for inexpensive living accommodations. Until quite recently, the neighbourhood was regarded to be in poor condition, but now it is much improved and the residents have more access to local amenities. Renting a home has its own costs, which are subject to change. You would pay around £300 a week for a one-bedroom unit, while an amply sized one would cost over £1,000 per week. In the UK, you should expect to pay around £400 on average. 

  • Average price of a studio / one bedroom in Limehouse is £1,192. 
  • Average price of 2 Bedrooms in Limehouse is £1,831. 
  • Average price of 3 Bedrooms in Limehouse is £2,219  
  • Average price of 4 Bedrooms in Limehouse is £2,492. 

Local Authority/ Council Tax Bands

Limehouse falls under the local council of Tower Hamlets.  

Valuation band range of values  Year 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022 
Up to and including £40,000  £984.61 
£ 40,001 – £ 52,000  £1,148.72 
£ 52,001 – £ 68,000  £1,312.82 
£ 68,001 – £ 88,000  £1,476.92 
£ 88,001 – £120,000  £1,805.12 
£120,001 – £160,000  £2,133.33 
£160,001 – £320,000  £2,461.53 
More than £320,000  £2,953.84 

Broadband Internet

Limehouse has broadband speeds of up to 100Mbps in most areas and up to 120Mbps in upgraded regions. 

Local Life

Limehouse is a good option for people looking for a more colourful environment than Canary Wharf. On the other hand, Wapping is more pricey, but has an abundance of lovely riverside pleasures as well. Canary Wharf and the City are the main places for employees working for international banks, such as Citibank and Barclays, who live in Limehouse. People in this area don’t commonly rent out their properties. 

Open Spaces

There are surprising amounts of open spaces around, even though Limehouse appears to be a residential neighbourhood. There are plenty of public open places for pet owners and joggers, such as Regent’s Canal, Limehouse Cut, and Mile End Park. 

For people who wish to relax, going to the river or walking along the Thames Path are typical choices. 

Arts & Recreation

Limehouse has the widest array of entertainment and culture in London. The two outstanding pubs in the area are the Grapes and Bootys on Narrow Street. Many of the restaurants and bars have also received a lot of positive reviews. 

London’s famed Museum of London Docklands is nearby, as is the O2 Arena, which frequently hosts world-class performances by musicians and athletes. The shops located in and around Limehouse include both well-known chains as well as modest individual stores. 

White Horse Road is a well-known theatre for children and teenagers. Troxy, a beautiful Art Deco jewel, hosts a number of weddings, concerts, and plays, among other events, starring Russian pop singers. 

Wapping’s St George’s Leisure Centre includes diving boards, and Burdett Road’s Mile End Leisure Centre, the last such pool left in the city, is somewhat unique. 

Library

Limehouse Public Library is a historic building. The idea of a library was first put forward in 1888, but funds weren’t raised until 1900, when John Passmore Edwards agreed to donate money for the construction of the library. 

Gyms

  1. Equinox Van Mission – In Presale 
  2. SteadFast.Fit 
  3. Hardeeville Recreation Complex 
  4. TrueFit Pilates & Training Centre 

Shopping in Limehouse

Limehouse has a shopping district with a wide range of stores and shops. Limehouse offers a dose of retail therapy for those who desire it. Many well-known apparel stores can be found in the East End Thrift Store, such as Silverman’s Government Surplus, Austin Reed, Wallis, Next, Fat Face, French Connection, and Cecil Gee. Limehouse’s shoe boutiques include Church’s Shop, Dune, and Faith. 

An absolute must-see in Limehouse is the Jubilee Place Mall. There is an underground shopping centre on the south side of Canary Wharf. There are numerous clothing stores, cafes, and restaurants in the mall. Banana Republic for apparel, and The White Company for homewares. 

There is a great market located near Limehouse called Billingsgate Market. As the only venue in London dedicated to fish, Billingsgate Market is the most significant market for fish products. Fish were sold in London’s Billingsgate market from the sixteenth century through the mid-nineteenth century. 

The market is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 5:00 AM until 8:30 AM. The market is interesting to both wholesalers and the general public, even though it is targeted towards wholesalers. Even the market itself is rather beautiful. 

Eating & Drinking

1. The Narrow – Gordon Ramsay 

2. La Figa Restaurant 

3. Stepney City Farm 

4. Limehouse Basin 

5. Husk Coffee & Creative Space 

6. Jamboree 

7. The Craft Beer Co. Limehouse 

8. Yurt Cafe 

9. Indiana 

10. Limehouse 

11. Moo Canoes 

12. The Queens Head 

13. La Verde 

14. Kirvem Restaurant and Bar 

15. Limehouse Basin Marina 

Nightlife

  1. Ca’s Bar 
  1. The Railway Tavern 
  1. Majingo’s 
  1. Craft Beer Co. 
  1. Majingos Gentlemen’s Club 
  1. Cas Bar 
  1. The White Swan 
  1. The White Horse 
  1. Queens Head 
  1. Queens Heads 
  1. The Old Ship 
  1. The Crown 
  1. The Whipping House  
  1. Unit 7    
  1. Troxy 

Schools in Limehouse

Limehouse offers good schools, which is one of the reasons why it’s such a popular neighbourhood. The school, which is overseen by the St Paul’s Way Trust, recently received an “outstanding” grade from Ofsted, and frequently outperforms the national average. The reputation of other prominent schools like Sir John Cass Foundation and Redcoat Church of England Secondary School is equally outstanding. 

Primary Schools

“Exceptional” Ofsted rating assigned to Sir William Burrough School in Salmon Lane is the “go-to ” state primary school for a lot of families. Cyril Jackson in Three Colt Street has been declared a “outstanding” primary. These are accepted as “quality”: Senrab Street’s Cayley in Aston Street; Norbiton Road’s Stepney Greencoat in Norbitton; Senrab Street’s Marion Richardson in Senrab; and Halley Street’s Halley in Halley. 

Comprehensive Schools

In my opinion, these two schools are among the “most outstanding” comprehensives in the area: Bishop Challoner RC (girls, ages 11 to 16, with a sixth form shared with the boys’ school) in Commercial Road, and Sir John Cass (co-ed, ages 11 to 18) in Stepney Way. Both Bishop Challoner RC school (years 11 to 16, with co-ed sixth form, as before) and Stepney Green school (ages 11 to 18, with co-ed final year, as before) are rated “good” by Ofsted. 

Private Schools

This private Montessori nursery and primary school, which is called the Pier Head Preparatory School, is located in Shadwell Pierhead. 

Queen Victoria Street and the Barbican School, in the City of London, are the best private schools in the City. 

Crime & Security

Limehouse has a violent crime rate that is below London’s average and a property crime rate that is below the city’s average as well. 

Fun Fact About Limehouse

Tea and opium was the usual trading good for Chinese seafarers, and Limehouse earned its rep as an opium town. The region was also well-known for the laundry, known as the Chinese Laundry, which began operations in Limehouse in the late 1800s, creating an English Chinatown district for the first time in London, and Limehouse even had its own Confucian temple.