A life-long Londoner and Equinox trainer on her favorite spots in and around the east side of the city
In partnership with American Express, Furthermore asked influential Equinox talent and friends in London to curate their favorite fitness spots, healthy restaurants, as well as culture, art, and style destinations. If you’re headed to the U.K. capital for London Fashion Week, consider this your complete travel guide—just one more way American Express has your back no matter where you go.
Hannah Frankson
Shoreditch is full of small, independent shops and cafes and has an air of coolness, says Hannah Frankson, a Tier 3 trainer at Equinox Kensington. “It's changed a lot over the last 10 years, but I still love it and the people who make it as unique as it is,” she says.
Here, Frankson's picks for where to work out, eat, and explore in East London.
THE WALK/RUN
Distance: 2.38 miles
From Liverpool Street station, walk toward and through Old Spitalfields Market. Turn right onto Commercial Road, continue to the end. Turn left and then left again to walk down Brick Lane. Walk the length of Brick Lane and turn left onto Bethnal Green Road passing Boxpark. Turn right toward Kingsland Road. Walk up Kingsland Road. Turn left onto Old Street and left again onto Curtain Road. Take a slight left when you reach Worship Street. Walk down Worship Street and take a right to head onto Shoreditch High Street onto Bishopsgate to come back to Liverpool Street Station.
THE FITNESS
“I love that Precision Running was created using thresholds and precise numbers. Nothing is a mistake. There is a reason for every element of the class. It’s guaranteed to push any person within their own capabilities. You leave feeling like a hero.”
“I enjoy how every Pilates class helps to create a connection between the mind and the body. Every instructor pushes the class in new and creative ways to help keep the core engaged and to lengthen the body.”
Weight Training
“Equinox’s gym floor has some of the best equipment, so I make use of it. There is always a trainer on hand, so if you want to try something new but are unsure of how to go about it, they are willing to help.”
THE FOOD
“Favorited by some of London's top artists like Skepta and JME, Boxpark’s Cook Daily serves up some great flavorsome vegan food and hearty vegan bowls with flavors influenced by the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia.”
“Kingsland Road is home to some of the best Vietnamese restaurants in East London but Tay Do is one of the originals and best.”
“This is one of the most colorful plates of food you'll find in Shoreditch. The Peruvian restaurant offers a great atmosphere. It’s calm in the day and buzzing at night.”
“They have the most customizable menu. You can choose your own specific quantities and ingredients to ensure you are hitting your personal needs.”
THE CULTURE
“Roam around Spitalfields and you will be sure to find some of the greatest handmade gems from jewelry and clothes to artwork and bags.”
“The streets off Brick Lane are home to some of the most creative graffiti in town. You can book a tour to learn more.”
“East London is full of small vintage stalls with some amazing finds but none compare to the monstrous Beyond Retro. Pick up a fancy dress costume or anything with sequins.”
“Boxpark is made up of converted sea containers and is not only home to some of the best food spots but also some great small independent fashion brands. You can find anything from fine jewelry to custom-made trainers.”
“Take a stroll around Stratford’s Olympic Stadium which has been turned into a nature hub. It’s also close to East London’s canal where you can hire a canal boat or canoe and sail away.”