A local’s review of the colorful Aberfeldy Street in Poplar, one of East London’s best hidden gems; a wonderful street mirroring the area’s textile background!
Aberfeldy Street in Poplar is one of East London’s most colorful surprises, not far from Canary Wharf I love so much.
The whole street was transformed in 2020 with vibrant murals inspired by Bangladeshi Kantha quilt patterns, thanks to a collaboration between artists and the local community.
Visiting Aberfeldy Street, London’s Colorful Gem in Poplar
Every corner here tells a story, from portraits of Poplar’s own Tommy Flowers to stunning works by street artists like Philth and Captain Kris.
If you’ve been looking for colorful places in London to visit off the beaten path, this is a street you just can’t miss.
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The History of Aberfeldy Street, East London
Aberfeldy Street’s in Poplar, East London, starting as small terraces built in the late 1800s by David McIntosh (who named some streets after Scottish places) and John Abbott, a chemist-turned-developer.
Close to the old Import Dock, which was famous for exotic goods, the area got hit hard in WWII (not unlike St Dunstan in the East).
By the 1970s, it had been rebuilt as the Aberfeldy Estate.
The estate struggled with things like unemployment for years. Poplar HARCA stepped in to manage it in 1998, kicking off regeneration work.
Then in 2007, they took full ownership of the homes after they were transferred from the council, giving them the chance to make bigger improvements.
From 2019, Poplar HARCA worked with EcoWorld London, Jan Kattein Architects, and Meanwhile Space CIC to bring new life to the high street with local businesses and vibrant public art inspired by Bangladeshi kantha textiles — celebrating the community’s roots.
Looking ahead, the Aberfeldy New Village project plans to add around 1,600 new homes and plenty of community spaces over 20 years, focusing on making the area friendly, connected, and great for families.
It’s awesome to see how Aberfeldy Street has grown from a tough past into a lively, welcoming neighborhood.
A Colorful Makeover
In 2020, Aberfeldy Street got an incredible makeover that really makes it stand out, led by the London Mural Company.
A group of artists and designers teamed up to cover the whole street in bold patterns and bright colors, turning it into an open-air gallery you can’t miss.
Poplar Harca and Eco World worked with Jan Kattein Architects to give the high street a fresh new look inspired by the area’s history in garment making.
They teamed up with locals to gather patterns that tell the story of the community and turned them into bold designs across 26 buildings.
The project draws on the Bangladeshi kantha tradition of recycling old textiles into something new.
With help from Accent London, they used over 800 liters of paint and 300 spray cans and brought it all to life in under six weeks.
Aberfeldy Street, Poplar: Community Spirit and Small Businesses
Aberfeldy Street is more than just colorful walls—it’s a buzzing community spot with independent shops, cafes, and businesses that locals and visitors love.
Each place adds its own unique vibe to the street, which, in the end, looks international, but feels very, very local.
The Aberfeldy Big Local Centre hosts events and workshops that bring people together. Social Streets Café is a cozy hangout for coffee and friendly chats.
You won’t find vintage shops here, but there’s a barber, a boxing club, and a furniture upcycling store, all adding to the street’s creative energy.
Why Aberfeldy Street is Worth Visiting
I think what makes Aberfeldy Street special is how it blends art, history, and community in a really authentic way.
Maybe that’s why I enjoy it so much.
It’s not like the usual commercial spots in London.
You get to experience real local culture, meet passionate business owners, and enjoy some amazing public art all in one visit.
If you’re into urban regeneration, Aberfeldy Street is a great example.
Its transformation shows how creativity and community spirit can bring a neighborhood back to life and make people proud to call it home.
The murals on in the middle and on each side of the street are also quite striking views:
- Mural on Aberfeldy Street
- Aberfeldy Street mural on the Dee Street side
- Aberfeldy Street mural on Blair Street side
What to Do After Visiting Aberfeldy Street, Poplar
If you’re visiting Aberfeldy Street, take some time to explore the wider Poplar area. Poplar has a rich history that you can still feel today.
The Poplar Baths for instance, first opened in 1933, have been recently restored and are now a community swimming pool and leisure center where locals gather.
Nearby, Chrisp Street Market has been a hub for shopping and social life since the 1950s and offers a real taste of East London’s local culture.
If you’re the type of person who overthinks like yours truly, the Limehouse Marina is a great place for a peaceful walk along the water.
It’s one of London’s oldest canals and provides a very calm spot away from the busy city life.
Visiting Aberfeldy Street, London’s Colorful Gem in Poplar
Aberfeldy Street is proof of what a community can achieve when people come together.
Thanks to the colorful mural project, the street transformed into a lively outdoor art gallery that brought new energy and businesses to the area.
With friendly shops, cozy cafes, and the Aberfeldy Big Local Centre hosting events for locals, it’s a spot that feels real and welcoming.
If you want to discover a fresh side of London away from the crowds, Aberfeldy Street is definitely worth a visit!
For more secret spots, also read my guides to the best hidden gems in West London, South London and North London.
Those of you who are into history, architecture, and hidden spots overall might enjoy these guides I’ve written:
- Hidden Gems in Soho: 25 Food, Street Art and Shopping Spots
- Quirky Cafes in London: Where to Get a ‘Different’ Breakfast
- Halal Friendly London: 20+ Hidden Gems and Halal Eats
- Homesick in London: 19 Places That Feel Like Somewhere Else
If you’d like to find more specific places, these are some of my favorite hidden gems in London, very local finds I’ve come across while walking around: