Riverside glamour and peaceful, cobbled streets lined with stylish warehouse conversions, lofts and contemporary glass and steel apartments make ancient Wapping a chic inner London quarter. Following the sweep of the Thames from Tower Bridge down to Limehouse, Wapping links effortlessly via Overground and bus to the City, Canary Wharf and the West End and to the hipster nightlife of urban regeneration areas Shoreditch and Hoxton. It’s easy to get to know people in this part of town as the community of young professionals and entrepreneurs have the freedom of Wapping’s network of quiet streets for cycling, walking and jogging.

If you’re avoiding the crowds at the weekend, there’s the gentle hustle and bustle of the local bars and restaurants, including three of London’s most famous maritime pubs: the Prospect of Whitby, The Town of Ramsgate, and The Captain Kidd. Head to Smith’s Brasserie for fresh seafood, Bravas Tapas for dockside modern Spanish, Asian Fusion at Dokke or Italian at Il Bacino. Not far away, at the legendary George Tavern, you’ll be drinking with rock stars and artists who love this edgy venue for its gritty feel and live music and events.