Forest Gate: An artistic and diverse area that sits in the heart of London

East London does not have the best of reputations. It is an area of London that very quickly became associated with crime, gangs and poverty since the 19th century and still retains that stigma today.

However, like any location in the UK, there are always exceptions. Forest Gate, for instance, is an area that might not look like much but it is enriched with a cultural heritage that very few other places in the city can boast.

In addition, property prices in the suburb are affordable and cheap compared to other areas in the capital, and it has a number of good primary and secondary schools.

There are in fact, many things to love about Forest Gate, but below, we have named just a few.

Arts and Entertainment

It is a suburb which has produced some of the most famous musicians in the country and is home to a number of arts and entertainment venues that you won't find anywhere else.

Did you know that Forest Gate has in the past been host to some of the biggest music stars the world has ever known?

Were you also aware that to this day, the area has a number of arts workshops and venues, that really help to serve as a focal point for creativity in East London?

The Upper Cut club is perhaps one of the most well-known aspects of its history and helped to put the area on the map.

A number of big name stars including, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Stevie Wonder and the Spencer Davis Group, all played there.

As a matter of fact, that one little outlet hosted every well known British pop music band in the 1960s, with the exception of the Beatles.

The club was originally opened by The Who and quickly became known as one of the biggest entertainment venues in the city for some of the world's biggest stars.

Rap groups such as Kano, Tempa T and Plan B also came from Forest Gate, while big-name celebrities such as Idris Elba and Chiwetel Ejiofor grew up there.

Famous faces

Forest Gate is also associated with many other celebrities including, British athlete Mark Hunter, MBE and heavyweight boxing champion Lennox Lewis.

A number of footballers have also resided in Forest Gate, including Alan Curbishley and Ted Fenton.

Even American stars such as Arnold Schwarzenegger once lived in the area, as he weight trained at Wag Bennett's gymnasium in Romford Road before he became famous.

Other artists such as Barry Windsor-Smith, John Bowstead and Betsy Schneider, who also lived there at one time.

It may come as a surprise to many that Forest Gate has been associated with so many famous faces, because at first glance it may seem like just another ordinary urban centre in the capital.

The truth is underneath its gritty veneer, it is a hotbed of talent and creativity, and stands as testament to the drive and ambition that many of its residents possess.

Diversity

London is known for its multiculturalism and diversity and Forest Gate is no exception. People from all over the world have come to live in the area because of its inexpensive living accommodation and proximity to other areas of London.

In this part of London, you will find a number of Asian and African shops, curry houses and artistic ventures, which serve to highlight the contribution made by people who come from all over the globe.

Properties

Property in this area is very cheap to rent, and you can pick up a one-bed flat for around £650-£1,000 per month.

On the other hand, a three-bed house would usually set you back around £1,300-£1,700 per month.

If you wanted to buy a house in the area, you are likely to pay around £250,000-£600,000 for terraced housing, or £125,000-£180,000 for a one-bed apartment.

Forest Gate is a predominantly residential area of London and properties consist of terraced housing, with some semi-detached homes and apartments.

Published 11th April, 2014

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