Surrounded by three of East London’s major waterways and served by its own DLR station, Poplar is a vibrant neighbourhood in the borough of Tower Hamlets. One of the area’s oldest communities, it has gradually evolved into a modern, welcoming place to live, drawing new residents to its well-connected, waterside setting. Our guide covers everything you need to know about living in Poplar, from where it’s located to what there is to do locally, including the best places to shop and eat.
Our new homes in Poplar offer well-connected Zone 2 living, with easy links to destinations across the capital. If you’re considering the Poplar neighbourhood for your next move, read on to discover what living here has to offer.
Where is Poplar in London and Is it a Real Place?
To those who didn’t grow up in East London, Poplar can sound like a made-up name, and plenty of people find themselves Googling whether it’s even real. It is, of course, very real, sitting just above Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs, with waterside streets bordered by the River Lea, Limehouse Cut and the Thames. With quick connections to Whitechapel and the Tower of London by train, road or even boat, it has become a well-connected part of East London for commuters heading into Liverpool Street.
What Life in Poplar Looks Like: Things to Do
Our modern homes in Kantha Quarter are just over a kilometre away from Canary Wharf and around a 20 to 25-minute walk or a short DLR journey. The Wharf is one of East London’s leading shopping and dining destinations, known for its striking skyline, busy atmosphere and regular live performances. Here are a few ways to spend your time in and around Poplar:
1. Stroll Around Eden Wharf
This is the place to go to see street musicians and DJs by the water, and you can also sit down to watch live shows at Amazing Grace and Boisdale of Canary Wharf. The Everyman Cinema in Crossrail Place is ideal for both top-rated and up-and-coming films, while the Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre serves as East London’s ‘West End’ destination for live performances.
2. Check Out the Sights from the Rooftop Garden at Crossrail Place
The rooftop garden at Crossrail Place offers a local “escape to the country”, a tropical space tucked under a glass roof to shelter you from the rain. Open to everyone, it features a bandstand and over 80 seats, creating a peaceful setting with plants and occasional live music. Nearby, Jubilee Park is Canary Wharf’s largest green space, with trees, waterways, walking paths and nearby shops.
3. Explore Nearby Canary Wharf and Trinity Buoy Wharf
Just south of Chrisp Street, across the North Dock, two major shopping destinations are open seven days a week: Canary Wharf and Jubilee Place. Canary Wharf is home to well-known London brands such as Crockett & Jones, Wax London, Lakrids by Bülow and Hackett London. Jubilee Place offers a mix of high-street and lifestyle brands, including Swarovski, M&S and Holland & Barrett.
A 16-minute walk in the opposite direction brings you to Trinity Buoy Wharf, where Bow Creek meets the Thames. Here, you’ll find art studios, galleries, workshops and independent vendors, alongside a selection of cafés and restaurants.
For something more active, K1 Speed indoor go-karting in Canary Wharf offers a fast-paced experience, while Zip World London gives you the chance to take on the helix slide after enjoying views from the tower.
4. Try Out New Flavours at Chrisp Street Market
Kantha Quarter in Aberfeldy Village is just a short walk from the mix of cuisines at Chrisp Street Market. Here, you’ll find everything from Joy’s Curry and Hello Bubbles to traditional favourites like Captain’s Table for classic fish and chips. Along East India Dock Road, you’ll also come across well-loved local spots such as Poplar Wing Spot and Madina Grill. Discover more things to do near Aberfeldy Village on our blog.
Is Poplar a Nice Place to Live?
By now, you’ll have a good sense of what life in Poplar looks like, from where locals shop and eat to the area’s overall feel. The real question is whether it’s somewhere you can see yourself calling home.
If a slower pace of life is what you’re after, Poplar might not quite tick the box. While it’s less busy than other Zone 2 areas such as Camden and Shoreditch, it’s still a well-connected part of East London, with a growing housing landscape, strong transport links and plenty of shops, parks and schools close by.
At Oxbow, we offer a range of bespoke apartments in Poplar, conveniently located just a five-minute walk from East India DLR station, with direct links to Canary Wharf and Bank. From Canary Wharf, you also have easy access to the Jubilee and Elizabeth lines, making travel across London simple. As the area continues to evolve, our thoughtfully designed homes sit within a well-connected and developing part of the city.
