LFA 2021 > David and Goliath? East London Arch Life

About LFA 2021 > David and Goliath? East London Arch Life

Now includes a free pint or soft drink, courtesy of Mother Kelly's E2!

Please note the meeting point may change to a close by station (15mins walk) to make the route even better, please when you have purchased, email hackneytours@gmail.com to check in. Thank you!

Hear the property story of the decade, with international implications!. Learn how a small group of East Londoners are changing the balance of power in the world of property.

Discover a hidden world of unusual spaces struggling to survive huge rent hikes and a pandemic. All right here under our noses on the Hackney and Tower Hamlets border. Then see the solution!

Underneath our distinctive Victorian railway arches, a diverse range of small businesses form a vital part of an independent commercial ecosystem. In unusual spaces they employ large numbers while boosting the indie business scene, keeping our city interesting. Contributing to both local and national economies, many have been in their locations for years. They are symbols of continuity in a fast changing environment, often offering services not available on the high street.

After this national asset was sold off, they're under threat. Huge rate hikes have have sent some small businesses to the wall. But a quiet revolution aims to level-up this all too common landlord-tenant power dynamic.

An arch business helps Hackney Tours (Simon Cole) survive; the quirky side of East London is the reason why he started walking tours. In conjunction with the innovative community organising group Guardians of the Arches, he presents a walk revealing the fascinating hidden world under our railway lines – and the human story behind the statistics.

As you'll hear, the fall-out has some surprising implications for both the London we love and the people who make it work.