Welcome home.
Your guide to settling into East Village — one step at a time.
East Village has a lot going for it, but the practical stuff isn't always obvious on day one. This guide walks you through what most people need — from your first 24 hours to feeling properly settled.
Moving Day
Day 1The essentials for your first 24 hours. Bookmark this section — you'll probably come back to it.
If something goes wrong
Building access & key fobs
Your building access and key fob setup depends on your housing provider. If you're not sure who manages your building, start here.
Housing and LandlordsGet online
Internet and Broadband
Providers available and fixing outages
Internet and Broadband
Providers available and fixing outages
Which broadband providers are available in East Village? Hyperoptic is the most popular and widely available - they have fibre infrastructure throughout the estate. Virgin Media and Sky are also options in some blocks. Check your building's availability on each provider's website before signing up.
Hyperoptic is down - is it just me? Check the Hyperoptic status page or their Twitter/X account for outages. If it's just your flat, restart your router and check all cable connections before calling support.
Where to eat tonight
You've just moved in and cooking isn't happening. Here are some local spots within walking distance.
Browse all local businessesBins & recycling
Newham Council handles waste collection. The basics: general waste (black bin), recycling (green bin), food waste (small brown caddy). Collection is usually weekly.
See the full FAQFirst Week
Days 2–7Time to get the admin done. Register with a GP, sort your utilities, and figure out how the heating works.
Set up your utilities
Heating in East Village works differently to most of London. The area uses a district heating network run by East London Energy — there's no individual gas boiler. Electricity, water, and drainage each have their own setup.
Utilities guideKnow your landlord
East Village has several housing providers — GetLiving, Triathlon Homes, Notting Hill Genesis, and others. Knowing who manages your building matters for repairs, communal areas, and building access.
Getting around
Stratford is a 10–15 minute walk and gives you the Central, Jubilee, and Elizabeth lines, plus Overground, DLR, and National Rail. Stratford International is closer — 7 minutes to St Pancras.
Full transport guideSafety essentials
East Village is generally safe, but it's worth knowing the basics — fire safety, how to report issues, and what to watch for with parcel and phone theft.
Nearest shops
Getting Settled
Weeks 2–3The admin's done. Now explore what's actually here — the cafes, parks, and fitness spots that make E20 worth living in.
Cafes & restaurants
There's more here than you might first think. Here are some of the spots within E20.
Green spaces
One of the best things about East Village is the amount of green space. The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is on your doorstep, and there are several smaller parks and gardens within the village itself.
Explore green spacesFitness
Gyms, studios, coached training, and outdoor spaces that are genuinely usable year-round.
Pets
Moved in with a dog, cat, or anything else? Here are local vets, walkers, and groomers.
Full pets guideLocal developments
East Village is still growing. There are several major construction projects underway that will change the landscape of E20 over the next few years.
See what's plannedMaking It Home
Month 1+You know the area now. Time to meet people, get involved, and make East Village feel like yours.
Community groups
There are clubs and groups worth knowing about — even if you're not the "joining" type.
Have your say
There are ways to have a say in how the neighbourhood is managed — from litter picking to local campaigns.
Community actionRecommended by Residents
Tried and tested local services — from cleaners and electricians to childcare and fitness. All recommended by people who live here.
See recommendations