Ezra Street in East London offers a glimpse into the past while facing modern changes
London: This city is always changing, right? It’s got a history that goes back over a thousand years, and some spots really feel like stepping back in time. One of those places is Ezra Street, tucked away near Columbia Road.
It’s like a little time capsule that’s somehow avoided the big changes happening all around. Ezra Street has even caught the eye of filmmakers. Recently, Kate Winslet was spotted filming a movie there, and the locals were buzzing about it.
Grace Mpofu, who works at The Royal Oak pub, met Kate during the shoot. She said Kate was super nice, even coming over to apologize for a little hiccup with the crew. How cool is that? Grace has been at the pub for four years and was thrilled to see a star like Kate in her neighborhood.
They filmed a scene right outside, and Grace mentioned they even brought in soil to make it look like a war zone. It’s wild how they can transform a place for a movie!
Ezra Street has this charming cobbled look and beautiful Georgian houses. It’s been featured in shows like Call the Midwife and even had some photoshoots for GQ Magazine. Olive, who works at a nearby Italian restaurant, remembers when they brought in fake snow for filming. It’s like a little Hollywood right here!
Valerie and Ted Digby, who grew up in the area, recently visited and were amazed at how much it has changed. Ted used to live on Ezra Street, but his old building is gone now, replaced by a courtyard. They shared stories of their childhood, like how they had to deal with mice from the wood factory next door. Can you imagine?
Tom Bloom, who runs a shop selling Latin American goods, has seen the area gentrify since he moved there in the late ’90s. He mentioned how the neighborhood has become a foodie paradise, with lots of new restaurants popping up. He’s part of that change, bringing fresh ideas and products from his travels.
Tom has had his share of celebrity encounters too, with stars like Russell Brand stopping by his shop. It’s not just the famous faces, though; there’s a real sense of community here. Olive pointed out that many local kids end up working at Campania, the Italian restaurant, creating a nice cycle of community support.
Newer faces like Anisur Choudhury are also joining the mix. He opened a deli just a few months ago and is loving the community vibe. He’s optimistic about his business and enjoys the busy Sundays thanks to the flower market nearby.
Despite all the changes, Anisur feels a strong sense of unity among the traders. He’s met most of them and says they’re all friendly. It’s nice to see that even as things evolve, the heart of the community remains strong.
