A creative corner of east London has just been named one of the UK’s coolest places to move to – and it’s home to a pub which is owned by Sir Ian McKellen

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We all know that it’s cool to be kind. What some of us might not have been quite so clued up on, however, is just how cool it is to live in one very specific spot in London. Yes, that’s right, folks – this year’s roll call of the coolest postcodes to move to has recently been revealed by The Times. And – just like the popular kids at the back of the school bus – a creative little corner of east London has earnt itself a comfy seat at the cool table.

Having scoured the length and breadth of the country, The Times compiled a handy list of the eleven postcodes that they believe to be the trendiest of all. And whilst I’m not at all surprised that a London location made the cut (the capital city is, after all, as cool as a cucumber), I must admit that my brows were marginally raised by the exact London postcode that was picked. But then again, what would I know? I just used the phrase ‘cool as a cucumber’, so I’m sure you can tell that ‘cool’ isn’t a word that I’m particularly aligned with.

So, rather than continuing to put my two cents in on the matter; I’ll instead point you in the direction of the coolest postcode in town. And that, my friends, is E14 (otherwise known as Poplar).

The coolest postcode in London

Just a hop, skip, and a jump on the DLR from Canary Wharf, Poplar has been named one of the UK’s coolest postcodes. E14 bagged itself a sought-after spot on the list (which is now in its 5th year), having been hailed the perfect place for ‘urban makers‘. Poplar is known for its roots in activism but now attracts a more artsy and creative crowd, with Poplar Works being home to a host of creative companies.

From brutalist buildings to Georgian townhouses; Poplar boasts an eclectic mixture of architectural offerings, making it rather interesting to wander around. Where once sat the largest dog biscuit factory in the world (yes, really), now perches a series of living and working spaces. Poplar is also the lucky location that’s home to The Grapes (the pub part-owned by none other than Sir Ian McKellen).

With a delicious array of street food spots and classic east end eateries; you can expect to be well fed and watered if you were to make the (very cool) move to E14. Oh, and just across the nearby Bow Creek is where you’ll find Fold, the best 24 hour club in London, apparently. I mean, I wouldn’t know because I’m certainly not cool enough.

The UK’s coolest places to move to (according to The Times):

1. Manningtree, Essex
2. Keswick, Cumbria
3. Eastside, Belfast
4. Flushing, Cornwall
5. West End, Dundee
6. Poplar, London
7. Fishguard, Pembrokeshire
8. Rothley, Leicestershire
9. Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
10. Liverpool City Centre
11. Redland, Bristol