It was in Haggerston that the Kray twins built their empire. Although the area suffers from what some people would regard as a bad reputation developers are buying into the area and a number of developments have already taken place. The Union Central Building, Glassworks Studios and Advanti developments all offer good warehouse conversion apartments and these have proved popular. The East London Extension line also has a planned stop at Haggerston. And Kylie Minogue is alleged to have stayed in the area while she had a partner who lived here.With one of the highest concentrations of London artists working locally, it is no surprise you find a ready supply of exhibition spaces. Worth mentioning are the long established Lamont Gallery, for contemporary British art, and Camerawork on Roman Road, for photography exhibitions. Nearby, Four Corners provide subsidised film-making facilities for cash-strapped film directors and have educational resources and displays. There is also a Buddhist centre nearby. Lee Hurst\'s Backyard Comedy Club on Cambridge Heath Road has regular appearances by big name chuckle raisers.
Hoxton (or Hochestone as it was then) is mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086. The Square was laid out by Samuel Blewitt and Robert Hackshaw in 1683 and is thought to be one of the oldest squares in London. Hoxton has come to prominence recently as a hip place to live. The Square has a number of chic bars and restaurants and clubs. The prestigious White Cube art gallery is also nearby - this is the headquarters of Damien Hirst and Tracy Emin among other top Brit Artists - it is one of many top galleries based here. Although the nearest tube is at Old Street the planned East London Extension Line will have a Hoxton station. Properties, typically loft-type apartments, sell fast in Hoxton. One notable development, The Timber Yard, was interiorly designed by Sir Terence Conran. Other notable developments include: Lanesborough Court, Fanshaw St - finished in 2003; The Hoffman Building, Chart St; Hemsworth, Hoxton St - currently under construction. Hoxton has a regular market during the week just to the north of Hoxton Square. In addition, there is a notable flower market on Columbia Road every Sunday. Columbia Rd is just off Hackney Road on the border of Hoxton and Shoreditch.

Tower Hamlets (E2)