London Squirrel map sparks debate over best places to live

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A new map claiming to show London's most desirable places to live has sparked debate a year after the viral 'London banana'.

Dubbed the 'London squirrel', the latest map focuses on east and south-east London, including areas like Greenwich, Lewisham, Deptford and Stratford, which were largely excluded from last year’s conversation.

The original 'London banana' map, which went viral, highlighted a curved section of north-west, south-west and central London as the most liveable, while dismissing much of the city as "horrible."

The 'London squirrel' map posted by X user @EwanBen (Image: X)

The new 'London squirrel' map, shared by X user @EwanBen, has reignited the debate over where the capital’s best neighbourhoods really are.

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He said: "My contribution to London Banana Discourse: London Squirrel. best place in the world bar none."

Unlike its predecessor, the 'London squirrel' leaves out traditional hotspots like Mayfair, Marylebone and Maida Vale, instead spotlighting areas south and east of the river that some feel have been long overlooked.

Residents in the newly included neighbourhoods have welcomed the attention.

Honey, 26, who works at a pie and mash shop in Greenwich, said: “I did see the London banana. It completely misses south-east." (Image: William Lailey / SWNS)

Honey, 26, who works at a pie and mash shop in Greenwich, said: "I did see the London banana. It completely misses south-east.

"Why you would ever want to live in north London I do not know.

"Everyone is different and where you belong in London definitely depends on the type of person you are.

"South is for me.

"The reason that I love Greenwich so much is that there is everything in one place.

"The whole area is just gorgeous.

"It has got so much life and the people from here have got so much character.

"I love the culture and the history.

"Everyone here is just so friendly.

"I have just become so at home here and I would never leave.

"I feel I can really express myself here."

Niall Rowan, 60, who has worked in Greenwich Market for 14 years running an antique stall, said: “It’s a beautiful area. It is definitely the nicest in south-east London" (Image: William Lailey / SWNS)

Niall Rowan, 60, who has run an antique stall at Greenwich Market for 14 years, said: "It’s a beautiful area.

"It is definitely the nicest in south-east London.

"There is just so much to see.

"We have got a lot of history.

"Parts of it feel like the 17th century and other parts feel like the 22nd century.

"It is London but low power London.

"It is much calmer and nicer than other parts.

"I think it has matured a bit recently rather than changed.

"There is something here for everyone."

In east London, Stratford is another area that features prominently on the new map.

Peter Addiall, 32, said: “Stratford absolutely deserves to be in the squirrel" (Image: William Lailey / SWNS)

Peter Addiall, 32, said: "Stratford absolutely deserves to be in the squirrel.

"A lot of people have been priced out of Hackney and Clapton, and they are coming out this way.

"There is more nature and it is a lot more affordable to live.

"I am very passionate about the area.

"I think there has been a lot of investment since the 2012 Olympics which has meant this area has improved from an infrastructure perspective and the vibe.

"I feel it is a real celebration of multiculturalism.

"We have got people from all different communities living in harmony together."

Reon Tyndale, 38, a police officer who has lived in Stratford for three years, agreed that the area deserves its place on the map.

He said: "I would definitely put it up there as one of the best areas in London to come visit.

"Certain parts of Newham seem to be forgotten about when it comes to the council spending money.

"Parts like Stratford look great.

"It makes sense because this is the part where tourists come.

"Everywhere in London has its problems but Stratford is looked after.

"There is always security everywhere.

"All the lower working-class people have been pushed out to other parts of London."

Joan Greenbury, 70, who has lived in the area of Clapham for 43 years added: “It is a lovely area. It is the common that attracts people" (Image: William Lailey / SWNS)

Meanwhile, Clapham Common in south-west London, which featured on the 'London banana' map, continues to be a firm favourite among residents.

Robyn Moffat, 27, a nanny who recently moved to the area from Scotland, said: "I would agree, it is definitely one of the best suburban places to live in London.

"I think it is a lovely place.

"It is definitely great for kids.

"There are good local amenities and really nice restaurants.

"Clapham Common is gorgeous.

"It is really safe out here.

"It gets bad press but I have never had any problems."

Long-term resident Jean Cristoph, 61, who has lived in Clapham for 20 years, said: "It is really lovely.

"I really enjoy living here and when I go to other places in London, I realise just how great this is.

"I would prefer to live here than in Chelsea.

"There is a real community feel in Clapham and lots of shops, bars and restaurants.

"It is a very young area.

"Despite a few stabbings recently it still feels relatively safe."

A view of cars moving along Clapham Common Southside highstreet (Image: William Lailey / SWNS)

Joan Greenbury, 70, who has called Clapham home for 43 years, said the area’s appeal is obvious.

She said: "It is a lovely area.

"It is the common that attracts people.

"There are lots of young people.

"You can see why people want to come here.

"It has got everything going for it really.

"I feel very safe, I have never had any trouble.

"I am very lucky to live here."

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