Things to do in Mile End

Cafés

Whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up before class or a cosy spot to study, here are some of the best coffee shops in Mile End for your daily grind. 

The Coffee Room is a lovely coffee shop and secret garden serving up all sorts of scrumptious croissants, cakes, and cookies, guaranteed to put a smile on your face. It’s also just around the corner from Mile End Park if you want to get your steps in before sinking your teeth into a generous lemon drizzle slice. 

Sazzy and Fran is a favourite for 100% plant-based food and barista coffee served just how you like it - hot or iced, with the milk of your choice at no extra charge. If you have a sweet tooth, you must try their cinnamon swirls and pancakes. 

At Coffee and Fripes, you can sip speciality coffee and shop colourful vintage clothing, while Ground Cafe on Queen Mary University campus is a cosy spot to catch up on work and meet new friends. They serve a great cuppa coffee and a yummy selection of toasted paninis, sandwiches, and sushi. 

There’s also a Costa Coffee and Starbucks within walking distance to Scape if you fancy a quick fix before class. Or if tea is more your tempo, pop into Whatthebubbles for fun and tasty bubble teas. 

Bars and Pubs

From classic British pubs to quirky bars, here are some of the coolest local hangouts students can head to for a fun night out.  

Rusty Bike Pub is perfect for a laidback lunch with friends, bringing you delicious Thai food and big screen sports. There’s also a wide selection of beers on tap and cocktails if you need a break from your textbooks. 

For foodies, The Victoria is a popular seafood gastropub with an epic beer garden where you can soak up some sunshine and let the stress of uni life fade away. The fish and chips are outstanding, and so are the shrimp burgers. Elsewhere, The Camel is famous for its gourmet pies and mash and The Florist Arms does exceptional pizzas and speciality beers.  

If you’re in the mood for a big night out, hop on a short bus ride to Shoreditch. The nightlife scene is exceptional with stylish rooftop bars, street parties and speakeasies attracting loads of trendsetters and uni students for an exciting night out. You can also hop on the Central Line at Mile End tube station and get to the city centre in just 15 mins, filled with loads of impressive clubs and eateries. 

Restaurants

There are a bunch of standout places to eat in Mile End. Mexican Seoul is known for its award-winning Korean tacos and wings. Their gochu gang sauce is all the rave, and their cocktails are fabulous too. 

The Pizza Room serves up delicious, authentic stone-baked pizzas with vegan, gluten-friendly and lighter options to suit every diet. You can’t go wrong with their Butternut Squash and Goats Cheese or All Seasons toppings. 

For a traditional Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings, Palmers Restaurant is a real East London gem. Using only locally sourced, seasonal produce, the menu changes often so there’s something new and tasty to come back for.  

Student faves like Nando’s and Wetherspoons are also just a few mins down the road from Scape serving up food and drinks at a super reasonable price (think student discounts and happy hours). Or if you don’t mind a 15-min train, Spitalfields Market has some of the best street food in London with everything from Indian to Japanese to Jamaican. Make sure you arrive on an empty stomach! 

Outdoor Spaces

Need some fresh air? There are a few nearby parks where you can kick back and relax and enjoy some well-deserved downtime.  

Mile End Park is a lovely spot, with ponds, wildflower meadows and woodland walks. Whether you’re up for a leisurely stroll or you want to work up a sweat – there’s something for everyone. Grab a racket and challenge your friends to a friendly game of tennis or just enjoy the idyllic surroundings, it’s up to you.  

Scape is right next to Regent’s Canal. You can follow the water upstream for a scenic walk or cycle and watch the boats pass by. It’s the ideal escape from exams and deadlines. Keep going and you’ll get to Victoria Park, one of the biggest green spaces in London with picturesque lakes, fountains, and gardens just a 20-min walk away. With football, cricket pitches, and bowling greens, it’s the perfect spot to play some sports or picnic with friends. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the All Points East annual music festival with big-hitting headliners like Stormzy and Dermot Kennedy.   

If you fancy a longer venture, head East at the park and you’ll eventually get to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford where you can enjoy a leafy stroll or take on the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide at the ArcelorMittal Orbit.  

Activities

Here are some fun things to do in Mile End if you’re looking to unwind after lectures.  

The East End is well-known for its street art. Just take a walk around and admire the colourful art and murals adorning the walls and keep an eye out for iconic works from famous artist like Banksy. If you’re a film lover, check out Genesis Cinema. You can watch the latest blockbuster and independent films in a quirky, retro setting and grab a drink at the bar afterwards. There’s usually live music and poetry slam nights too.  

For a full-body workout, Mile End Climbing Wall is great fun. Whether you’re an experienced climber or you still need to learn the ropes, there’s something for everyone. Or, for an adrenaline kick, gather your friends for a few laps around the track at Revolution Karting and let your worries whiz away.  

Mile End is a well-connected area so there’s always lots to do nearby. Just north of Scape, you’ll find yourself in the borough of Hackney filled with trendy shops and bars. Bethnal Green is worth a visit for the famous Columbia Road Flower Market and Bow has many great places to eat. Shoreditch and Whitechapel are also just a short journey away, known for their eclectic fashion and buzzing nightlife.

Shopping

From food to fashion, everything you need is close by. There’s a Sainsbury's just around the corner from Scape where you can get your weekly groceries, along with a big Asda further down the road.  

Westfield Stratford City, the largest shopping centre in Europe is just one stop away on the tube, with over 200 stores including Zara, Apple, and H&M. You also have easy access to more retail shops in the centre of town, with Oxford Street only a short ride away.  

Mile End is a haven for vintage lovers, with lots of vintage clothing stores, antique shops, and quirky boutiques where you can find one-of-a-kind fashion treasures.  

If you’re in the mood for outdoor shopping, check out Victoria Park Market on Sundays for award-winning street food and live music. You can pick up some cakes and biscuits to enjoy after college or head to the Roman Road Market for affordable fashion, delicious eat and quality homeware. You never know what hidden gems you might stumble upon. 

Getting Around

If you’re going to university in London, Scape is a fantastic location to live in as it’s right on Queen Mary campus and close to several major uni’s including City University and UCL. 

There’s lots to do around Mile End, but if you want to venture further out it’s easy to get around. Mile End train station is just a 10 min walk from Scape with access to the Central, District and Hammersmith & City Lines. There are regular trains into London (you can get to Oxford Circus in just 15 mins!) and several bus routes right on your doorstep. If you prefer the exercise, walking to nearby areas is easy, and there’s a cycle lane right outside the building that heads towards the city.  

If you're keen to travel abroad or visit friends and family over the term holidays, you can travel directly into Kings Cross St Pancras station which has great train links across the UK and Europe. It’s also just an hour to London Gatwick and Heathrow Airport. 

Student Accommodation in Mile End

Scape Mile End is a top-rated student accommodation in London with a 4.3-star Google rating and hundreds of rave reviews. There's no need to wake up extra early to get to your classes, we're situated right on Queen Mary University campus and 10 mins from Mile End Station. 

At Scape, your rent includes all utilities and bills so you can relax and have fun without worrying about any costly surprises. You can stay with friends in a shared apartment or have a studio all to yourself, it’s totally up to you. All our rooms come with comfy double beds, ensuite bathrooms, and lots of storage space. Plus, our onsite gym, cinema and study spaces are yours to enjoy anytime you like. From Friday night socials to yoga classes and dinner parties, there’s always something fun to look forward to at Scape Mile End. 

To book a room, call +44 (0)2045718133 or drop us a message via live chat.