My list of the ten best things to do in Wanstead, London E11, provides a comprehensive overview of what you can enjoy in this leafy part of East London, situated within the Borough of Redbridge. It’s the kind of place where life moves at a gentler pace, yet everything you need is close by. The High Street is lined with independent shops, cafés, and places to eat, from the Michelin Bib Gourmand Provender Bistro to the artisan loaves at The Barrel Boulangerie and your coffee fix at Fika. Add in brunch at Bobo & Wild, traditional pie and mash from Robins, and sustainable hair and home inspiration at Buller & Rice, and you start to see why Wanstead has such local charm. With green parks, peaceful ponds, and a relaxed community feel, it’s a neighbourhood made for wandering, enjoying good food, and taking it easy.
Let’s take a look at what’s made it on my top ten list of things to do in Wanstead (in a logical rather than priority order):
1. Explore Wanstead’s green spaces
2. Watch the swans at Eagle Pond
3. Treat yourself at Buller & Rice
4. Dine on French favourites at Provender
5. Brunch in Style at Bobo & Wild
6. Treat yourself to delicious cakes
7. Pause for coffee at Fika
8. Enjoy comfort food at Robins Pie & Mash
9. Tuck into pub grub at one of the locals
10. Wander along Wanstead High Street
My favourite Ten Things To Do In Wanstead
1. Explore Wanstead’s green spaces. Wanstead is renowned for its stunning green spaces, providing a serene escape from the city. Wanstead Park features ornamental lakes and woodland walks, while Wanstead Flats and Leyton Flats are ideal for long walks. These are part of Epping Forest, which extends from East London into Essex. Christ Church Green serves as a lush hub in the High Street, where people enjoy picnics and meet friends. Together, they give Wanstead its relaxed, village-like atmosphere.
2. Watch the swans at Eagle Pond. Located beside Snaresbrook Crown Court, Eagle Pond offers a peaceful place to pause and watch the swans glide across the water. It’s a popular spot for quiet moments, morning coffees, and gentle strolls along the edge. The pond is right next to the pavement with no barrier, so that you can feel close to the swans. Snaresbrook Road, London E11 1PW.
3. Treat yourself at Buller & Rice. Their hair salon is a tranquil, design-focused space that also hosts the Life & Wine lifestyle shop. The concept blends sustainable haircare with carefully chosen homeware, skincare, and gifts. The clay-red exterior is eye-catching, and the serene interior makes it Wanstead’s most stylish and inspiring spot. 6 Station Parade, London E11 1QF.
4. Dine on French favourites at Provender. A neighbourhood bistro that adds a touch of Parisian charm to the High Street. Awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its quality and value, the restaurant serves French classics such as soupe à l’oignon, steak frites, and coq au vin in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. The staff are friendly, the cooking is consistently excellent, and the prix fixe menu makes it perfect for weekday lunches or casual dinners. 17 High Street, Wanstead, London E11 2AA.
5. Brunch in Style at Bobo & Wild. Wanstead’s favourite weekend destination is celebrated for its inventive dishes and bright, airy decor. The ricotta pancakes are tender and perfectly sweet, the Turkish eggs are bursting with flavour, and the coffee is always of excellent quality. There’s a lively weekend atmosphere, but it’s worth waiting for a table. 39–41 Wanstead High Street, London E11 2AA.
6. Treat yourself to delicious cakes. The Barrel Boulangerie and La Bakerie fill Wanstead High Street with the aromas of warm bread and freshly baked pastries. For croissants, charming cakes, and tempting tarts, take a look and you’ll surely be tempted. These patisseries add a touch of French luxury to everyday life in Wanstead.
7. Pause for coffee at Fika. It’s one of those neighbourhood cafés that feels instantly welcoming. Named after the Swedish tradition of taking a break with coffee, it serves speciality coffee, homemade cakes, and light lunches. It’s bright, calm, and perfect for catching up with friends or sitting quietly with a book. 5 Wanstead High Street, London E11 1QF.
8. Enjoy comfort food at Robins Pie & Mash. This eatery upholds Britain’s oldest culinary tradition. The pies are substantial, the mash smooth, and the parsley liquor full of flavour. It’s the kind of comforting meal that never loses its charm and is especially welcome on a chilly day. They also serve eels, and there’s apple pie for dessert. 14 Wanstead High Street, London E11 2AJ.
9. Tuck into pub grub at one of the locals. The George & Dragon offers Sunday roasts, such as Hereford beef, free-range pork, or a beetroot Wellington, served with all the trimmings. The Bull is an excellent option for an evening meal of stone-baked pizzas, burgers or fish and chips, followed by a show at the Fringe Theatre. Both pubs are on Wanstead High Street.
Wander along Wanstead High Street. With independent shops, bakeries, cafés, and restaurants, there’s a family-friendly buzz of locals going about their daily routines and stopping for coffee or a bite to eat at the weekend. Start at Wanstead Station and finish at Snaresbrook Station.
Helpful Information About Wanstead
Wanstead sits between Leytonstone, Snaresbrook, and South Woodford, forming part of East London’s leafy fringe on the edge of Epping Forest. It belongs to the Borough of Redbridge but borders Waltham Forest, giving it a blend of suburban calm and city accessibility. The Central Line stops at both Wanstead and Snaresbrook stations, linking the area directly to Stratford and central London. Several bus routes connect it to Ilford, Walthamstow, and Leytonstone, while drivers can reach it easily via the A12 and North Circular. Locally, the High Street, green spaces, and cafés are all within walking distance, making Wanstead a relaxed and well-connected neighbourhood.
If you want to explore the area, you may find this article of interest:
Life and Wine At Buller & Rice Wanstead
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. To avoid disappointment, please verify that the places I referenced in this article are still operational before visiting.