Grand Regent Tower, Bethnal Green, London

Intro

A creatively composed flat with views across east London’s varied architectural fabric

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History of Grand Regent Tower

The building forms part of Sutton Wharf North, a contemporary development nestled between the Regent’s Canal and Meath Gardens. Despite its proximity to the bustle of the City, the area is exceptionally green: Mile End Park is a short stroll east, while Victoria Park, London’s oldest public park, lies to the north.

Bethnal Green was initially recorded as Blithenhale, a derivative of an Anglo-Saxon phrase meaning ‘pleasant nook’. The area was still largely countryside by the 16th century; it was not until the 17th century that its development took hold, accelerated by the influx of Huguenot silk weavers who settled in Bethnal Green and neighbouring Spitalfields. The Weaver line, which Bethnal Green Overground station sits on, is named after this industrial past.
Today, Bethnal Green is a thriving, diverse hub with a strong community feel and an arresting architectural character, from the handsome 19th-century Young V&A to the dynamic forms of Berthold Lubetkin’s modernist social housing.

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How it Feels Inside

Carefully apportioned, the flat makes rational use of space. Its sixth-storey position and floor-to-ceiling windows capture long views and draw in plenty of natural light. An expression of its current owner’s artistic approach, this is a design-led home that confidently articulates itself through a decisive use of colour, pattern and texture.

At its core is an open-plan living space, where colour has been used to create subtle delineation: ochre paint frames white kitchen units, its warm hue complementing the solid wood floorboards underfoot. The living room room opens out to a private balcony, a peaceful spot with room for outdoor dining and winding down.

Both of the home’s two bedrooms are finished with the same meticulous eye for detail. In the principal bedroom, soft botanical wallpaper lines two walls. A door leads through to en suite bathroom, while a second bedroom is accessed from the powder-pink and khaki hallway. Storage has also been well conceived: cupboards and fitted units provide space to tidy away the everyday.

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The Local Area of Bethnal Green

There’s always something to do, or somewhere to go, in Bethnal Green. It’s known for its buoyant local pubs, including The Approach, which has a gallery on its first floor. Family-run stalwart E. Pellicci has been serving delicious food behind its Art Deco façade since 1900. For dinner, head to Columbia Road, home of a resplendent weekly flower market, for Brawn, where the drinks are almost as good as its very excellent food. Quarantacinque on Roman Road is a beloved coffee spot, while Pavilion in Victoria Park sells coffee and freshly baked goods with a view across the lake.

There is an exciting, often experimental art scene in this part of London. Chisenhale Gallery is a short walk away, as are Maureen Paley and Auto Italia. The Young V&A presents a year-round roster of exhibitions for museum fans of all ages. Genesis, an independent cinema, sits to the south of the flat and is known for its carefully curated seasons as well as blockbuster releases. Even closer to home is Bard Books, which, alongside its literary offerings, holds events and operates as a local coffee haunt.

Mile End Park is moments from Grand Regent Tower. Built on land reshaped following World War II, it is now known for its biodiversity. The Regent’s Canal is a popular stretch for weekend saunters towards Victoria Park and Broadway Market, with its popular weekend food stalls. Victoria Park is held as one of London’s best-loved parks, and for good reason: from its market and cafés to its summertime festivals, it is not only one of the capital’s most picturesque parks, but also one of its most eventful.

The immediate area has a private, sequestered feel that belies its proximity to central London. With a variety of institutions and amenities nearby, there is little need to stray too far afield, but when needed, transport links are excellent. Bethnal Green Underground, on the Central line, Bethnal Green Overground, on the Weaver line, and Stepney Green station, on the Hammersmith & City and District lines, provide access to the east and west, with easily reached connections across London.