Even the area surrounding Brick Lane in East London, once viewed as being a bit dodgy, has not been spared from gentrification and rising real estate prices. Artists and creatives have expanded their territory further east into Hackney Wick, with its industrial architecture and canals. Street artists and graffiti sprayer have made the neighbourhood into a veritable gallery and more and more unique culinary and cultural events are popping up left and right. The artist community Hackney Wicked regularly hosts performances, open studios, film and music festivals – check out their website for the complete schedule.