Being an East London boy at heart I am partial to an occasional fix of café culture. Pellici's has been running since the start of the last century, to which me, my father and my father's fathers have all enjoyed its mix of tasty Italian/London grub and energetic atmosphere. If you're visiting, make sure you drop by, as it will provide a valuable, forever-depleting education into what East London is really all about.
Signature cocktails like "concrete", with actual chalk on it, food is good and the places has a small backyard garden. Recommend to try the food, as they are small tasty plates.
2 Willow Road designed by Ernő Goldfinger and completed in 1939. It has been managed by the National Trust and is open to the public. Goldfinger lived here with his wife and their children until his death in 1987.
Its been my high street for the last 20years. On a sunny day its full of colors, lots of soul and plenty of bargains. Don't go by what you hear, come and check it out for yourself.
Hotter than hell, but always a good night had. It can be whatever you want it to be - restaurant, pub, or club, has good outside space and rentable rooms, and plays an interesting mix of music to an interesting mix of people. The building is actually kinda beautiful too.