WHY WE LOVE EAST VILLAGE

Since opening our East Village salon in 2015, it’s fast become one of our favourite hangouts. From the constant arrival of new places to eat and drink, to the dreamy (and rare) green spaces and the fact it’s now extra accessible (thanks, night tube), it’s the place to be right now. Not convinced? We caught up with Andy from the salon to discover how to explore East Village like a local. Plus, the East Village openings you need on your radar.

What do you like about working in East Village?
It’s a beautiful bright salon on the cusp of the Olympic park, surrounded by a whole host of independently run businesses – what’s not to like?!

Where’s your favourite post-work hangout?  
You can’t beat the incredible fish and chips at the Fish House, then coffee shop Tina We Salute You is hard to beat thanks to its kitsch interiors and cool park views

What makes East Village cool?
The whole area has a boutique, family feel thanks to things like the weekly markets. The legacy of the London Olympics is still very present, too, with events in the aquatics centre and velo-park, which are right on our salon doorstep.

What’s the trademark East Village hairstyle?
A lot of clients are going for rose gold, balyaged or highlighted hair in a ‘Lob’ (long bob) cut as it’s super versatile and can be worn up or down with ease.

THE EAST VILLAGE OPENINGS TO KNOW

EAT

It feels like there’s new eating spots opening every week, but our current obsession is Milkmade. Designed to look like an old-school general store or ‘milk bar’, they’re known for their (incredible) fried chicken and decadent milkshakes. The best bit? Milkmade is open round the clock, for brunch, lunch, dinner and late-night drinks. Ideal.

DRINK

Like rooftop bars? You’ll love Roof East. Situated slap bang on top of the Stratford shopping centre, it’s fast become our favourite summer drinking spot. There’s cocktails, deckchairs, DJs, Hawksmoor hot dogs and regular film screenings from the Rooftop Film Club. We’re sold.

DO

Head here to book an appointment at Blue Tit East Village.