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Every year, Time Out crowns one London neighbourhood the coolest of the lot. In 2023 the title went to King’s Cross, in 2024 it was passed on to Leyton and right now, thanks to its young-at-heart vibe, independent spirit and vibrant multiculturalism, Camberwell currently holds the crown. But we’re not the only ones seeking out the city’s hottest postcodes.
The Times has just unveiled its list of the 11 coolest UK places to move to in 2026, with one London area making the cut. The newspaper declared that the capital’s coolest place to be to in 2026 is... Poplar.
The Times said that Poplar’s vibe is particularly suited to ‘urban makers’ and added: ‘This low-key stretch of the Docklands has pedigree. It was once known for its roots in activism (the suffragette Sylvia Pankhurst worked with local female councillors), but these days you’re more likely to spot creatives stalking the Poplar streets.’
It pointed out that the neighbourhood is an ‘architectural melting pot’ with a mix of brutalist blocks, Georgian terraces and old warehouses occupied by artists studios, trendy cafes and beloved drinking holes. Some of Poplar’s coolest haunts, according to the Times, include the Poplar Works studios where upcoming fashion brands and makers reside, community garden R-Urban Poplar, which hosts creative workshops throughout the year, Ian McKellen’s pub the Grapes and the second outpost of E5 Bakehouse.
Of course, nearby there’s also 24-hour nightclub FOLD (one of Time Out’s favourite clubs in the city), which is sat between Bow and Canning Town and probably best-loved for its iconic queer-focused Sunday day party UNFOLD. The Times also gave a shoutout to Poplar Union, a community venue that runs Pilates and pottery classes, Marathi eatery Its Thecha and old-school greasy spoon JP’s Cafe in Chrisp Street Market.
See the Times’ full list of the coolest UK postcodes to move to in 2026 here.
📍 The 26 best things to do in London in 2026.
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