Property

Don’t believe everything you read about E numbers. This one is healthy and wealthy, though the reality of life in E18 at the moment is somewhat confused. Its appeal, particularly for young City workers, is obvious: a vibrant bar and restaurant scene, a large branch of Waitrose and easy access into town for work and to the M11 for weekend escapes. But as the latest block of flats nears completion – this one squeezed into a tiny space between Sainsbury’s and the cinema – it’s hard to avoid the feeling that an excess of glass and chrome is damaging South Woodford’s understated appeal. As a result, the area is now a magnet for singles rather than the families who have long been attracted by the excellent schools.

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George Lane is divided in two by the Central Line. Up the hill towards the High Road are most of the shops and radiating streets of late Victorian terraces, plus the handsome and pricey Firs Estate. On the other side, houses are smaller and streets narrower towards Chigwell Road, but locals can easily access ace fish restaurant, Ark.

(click to enlarge) A Churchfields Primary School, B Waitrose, C Viva, D Switch Bar & Lounge, E Ark Restaurant

Although six lanes of the A406 North Circular cut through South Woodford in an open culvert, this has not deterred the developers. This is most apparent at Queen Mary’s Gate, a huge assemblage of concierged apartments, penthouses and townhouses, which, it is planned, will soon be served by the Champagne bar replacing traditional boozer the White Hart opposite. While most locals accept that Queen Mary’s Gate is more attractive than the student tower blocks it replaced, they’re less impressed by The Roof Terrace, a collection of 23 high-spec apartments on the High Road towards Woodford Green. Not only have they replaced a popular garage, but one of the retail spaces is rumoured to be let to Tesco, angering the small retailers.

It may take a decade for South Woodford to settle down after such rapid expansion. The key to its future will be whether the singletons stay and trade up from flat to house or move out into Essex’s much-mocked ‘golden triangle’ of Chigwell, Loughton and Buckhurst Hill. For now, though, they’ve got the best of all worlds.

Going out
Faces in Gants Hill is a taxi ride away if you want to hobnob with footballers and wannabe Wags. Alternatively, the local bar scene is based around Switch Bar & Lounge (77-81 George Lane; 07974 654 063). Ark (142 Hermon Hill; 020 8989 5345) offers fine fish dishes; Nuovo (88-90 High Rd; 020 8532 2828) and Prezzo (Elmhurst, 98-106 High Rd; 020 8559 0192) serve modern Italian fare.

Local shops
Source (227 High Rd; 020 8505 6697) has fashion by Noa Noa and handbags by Tabitha. Viva (17 George Lane; 020 8989 7582) is great for stylish womenswear. For men, there’s Jun Qi (172 High Rd; 020 8559 2122).

Schools
Churchfields (020 8504 4650), Nightingale (020 8989 9987) and Snaresbrook (020 8989 9975) are the state primaries, all solid performers. Also Ilford County High for boys (www.ichs.org.uk), or, for girls, Woodford County High (www.woodford.redbridge.sch.uk). Beal High (www.bealhighschool.org.uk) and Trinity Catholic (www.trinity.redbridge.sch.uk) are excellent state secondaries.

Transport
South Woodford tube station, on the Central Line, is in Zone 4. Buses to Walthamstow (W12) and Leytonstone (W13/W14) run frequently. The 123 goes from Wood Green to Ilford.

Estate agents
Churchill Estates (020 8530 3333/www.churchill-estates.co.uk).
Haart (0845 338 6804/www.haart.co.uk).
Peter Andrews (020 8530 4646/www.peterandrews.net).