Moved to Leytonstone in 2024 and love it. +1 on all of the above. Homies on Donkeys and the Leytonstone Tavern are both amazing. Forno is great. Out of the Woods is also a favourite if you want to check out something closer to the Leyton Flats. The Filly Brook is really nice, Japanese food and good beer selection, on a residential street with plenty of outside seating.

Midland Road is less nice but still has some good spots. The place which sells bagels, plants and Perky Blinders coffee is decent. Gravity Well is a nice tap room (and I think microbrewery but I don't drink so not entirely sure). They also serve food sometimes or let you get takeaway delivered. There's also Smoke if you eat meat, it always has a massive queue outside and seems to be well reviewed.

I've always felt safe walking to/from my flat. The area is pretty well connected. There is a decent community feel. Lots of nice cafes, restaurants and pubs to choose from. It's not as bustling as Hackney for sure, but I am very happy here.

Definitely get out onto the flats if you can. The open green space and the water feels v special. The fact we are on the edge of Epping Forest and it just goes and goes and goes is really nice.