From Bangladesh to Banksy – The Story of London’s New East End   (A Virtual Walking Tour)

Our virtual walking tour takes us through one of London’s most colourful and fascinating areas as we explore the amazing transformation from a slum to one of the most vibrant districts in Britain. The tour is led by London Blue Badge Guide, Pepe Martinez who, despite his Spanish-sounding name, is a born and bred Londoner and has lived in the East End all his life. 

The tour takes us on a fascinating journey through the past 50 years of East End history, starting with the arrival of a huge wave of Bengals from Southern Asia in the 1970’s through to the rise of the ‘Flat White Economy’ centred around Old Street ‘Silicon’ Roundabout. 

Along the way we’ll learn why the area is named ‘Whitechapel’ and how the establishment of the Whitechapel Art Gallery in 1901, fundamentally changed perceptions of the area and the people who lived there.

Using a range of media, Pepe will take us through the key moments in this extraordinary story and introduce us to significant figures including a young man by the name of Altab Ali and Banksy – the world’s most famous Street Artist.

The walk will also explore parts of Shoreditch, an area that a century ago contained one of the worst slums in Europe but today is lined with designer stores, luxury hotels and Michelin starred restaurants together with some of the most creative and energetic street art in the world.

Please join myself and Pepe as he leads us on this intriguing tour through 50 years of East End history.

(The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes with time at the end of for questions)

p.s. One guest asked what snacks should be purchased to accompany watching Pepe’s Talk, to which he has replied: “I would suggest:-starter – onion bhaji or some kind of southern Asian snack. Main – Bagels – Smoked salmon and creme cheese, Desert – doughnuts or breakfast cereal. That would perfectly compliment the stops on the tour!” – I asked ‘Why breakfast cereal?” – he said “You’ll have to wait and see!”

Image credits: Public Domain/Banksy – Girl with earring originally on Bristol Harbourside, mask addition by unknown artist