A day out in Walthamstow named London’s best place to live

Last month, the Sunday Times named Walthamstow as the ‘regional winner’ of the best places to live in London highlighting its greenery, independent businesses and excellent transport links as some of the reasons behind this.

Getting into Walthamstow from central London was very simple – less than 30 minutes on the train and I was transported from the chaos of Vauxhall to the dim hum of Walthamstow Central.

The first thing that I really noticed was the level of greenery in the surrounding streets – each road, whether it be residential or commercial, was complemented by trees or small green spaces.

The residential roads are modern, clean and stylish (Image: Gianni Cirillo) The residential roads in particular were very attractive with modern paving and decorative shrubbery as well as being lined with some very stylish houses.

I began my day with a tour around the brand new Soho Theatre Walthamstow – a 960-seater entertainment space that has been redeveloped after closing in 2003.

The theatre itself was beautifully designed and, once fully opened, I think will be a priceless asset to the community.

I then decided to make the most of the sunshine, checking Google Maps for the closest park – I had a choice but decided on Lloyd Park where the William Morris Gallery sits.

The William Morris Gallery is an amazing piece of architecture (Image: Gianni Cirillo) This beautiful building was described as a “Bridgerton-esque former home” by blogger Muddy Stilettos as they named the town amongst the best 300 places to live in the UK last year.

Lloyd Park was simply gorgeous and buzzing with life – both human and wild.

It seemed a hotspot for mums with young children as many young women were strolling around with pushchairs, pointing out the ducks swimming in the water and the bees floating about the numerous flower beds.

The park is also equipped with modern tennis courts which some people were utilising – a great way to capitalise on the sun.

Lloyd Park was a gorgeous place to relax and watch the world go by (Image: Gianni Cirillo) I chose a bench and stopped to watch the world go by for a while, taking in the impressive architecture of the gallery and the intricately detailed flower patches.

I had worked up quite the appetite by now and although my first choice for lunch was closed – Andy’s Burgers, nominated for the National Burger Awards earlier this year, I found a delicious alternative.

I stopped at Le Delice, a Mediterranean cafe, and enjoyed a superb pizza, served with a smile and an ice-cold can of Coke on a bench in the shade – what more could you ask for on a sunny day?

I enjoyed a delicious pizza and a refreshing can of Coke at Le Delice (Image: Gianni Cirillo) The Sunday Times noted the quality as well as quantity of food spots around Walthamstow and I can confirm that along Hoe Street in particular, you are spoiled for choice.

As my day was drawing to a close, I took a stroll down High Street where Walthamstow Market operates.

The street was lined with market traders as far as the eye could see – it was far busier here than anywhere else I had explored in the day.

Clothes, fresh fruit, jewellery, multi-cultural snacks, leather products – you name it, you could buy it here.

I finished my day by looking around the bustling market (Image: Gianni Cirillo) Although bustling with sellers and buyers, the atmosphere was friendly and jovial – typical of an east London market.

Only a five minute walk away was Walthamstow Central, where I hopped back on the Victoria line and found myself back in central London – as easy as that.

Now I’ve experienced this gorgeous town for myself, the Sunday Times crowning Walthamstow as the ‘best place to live in London’ makes perfect sense.