IN CONVERSATION WITH LYLAA, A LONG-TERM ISLAND RESIDENT

In honour of Sugar House Island marking a number of key five year-milestones this year, we’re hosting a series to spotlight the people who shape its character and community. This time, we speak with long-time resident Lylaa Ali Shaikh, who has watched the neighbourhood evolve while building her own network of friends and a flourishing creative career here. From everyday rituals to local favourites, she reflects on what makes life on the Island so uniquely special.

1. When did you move to Sugar House Island and what first drew you to the neighbourhood?
   
   I moved to Sugar House Island at the same time I made my big move to London from Birmingham. Before that, I’d spent years living in student accommodation in Bath and then in some very modest graduate-scheme housing in Birmingham – the nicer spots just weren’t in budget at the time.
   
   So when I decided to move to London, it felt like a fresh start both career-wise and personally. I really wanted a spacious place with a genuine community feel. I was actually one of the first people to move into my building, and what drew me in was the vision of community we were promised which has genuinely come to life over time.
   
   The area is also incredibly well connected. Bromley-by-Bow is about a 10-minute walk, and the DLR links straight into Stratford, so it instantly made London feel more manageable and accessible.
    
2. How has your experience living here changed over time – especially as your profile as a content creator has grown?
   
   When I first moved in, there was a cycle shop on the island that hosted weekly community rides. My husband and I joined one and ended up making our first friend in London (big up Kevin!!). Through him, we met his housemates – who are now some of our closest friends. And then came our next-door neighbour… and suddenly we had this amazing group of around 10 friends who feel like family.
   
   It genuinely feels like living in a real-life episode of Friends.
   
   As my content creator journey has grown, this community has become such a blessing. I often shoot at home, and everyone gets involved – helping behind the scenes or joining in on the fun for certain campaigns. The flat itself has beautiful lighting, so it’s basically an Instagram dream.
   
   Being close to central London and well connected has also been incredibly helpful, since I’m constantly travelling across the city for shoots, restaurant visits, and events.
    
3. Can you share a moment, memory, or story that captures what life at Sugar House Island feels like?
   
   I don’t have just one moment – it’s a collection of memories that truly capture life here. For me, Sugar House Island feels like a blend of community, spontaneity, and comfort. I love hosting, and this space really lends itself to that. I’ve celebrated birthdays, milestones, and so many special moments with our core friendship group who all live in the building.
   
   In the summers, we walk to the park (five minutes away) to play sports. We use our balcony constantly. And on random nights at 10pm, if we’re bored, we’ll wander into each other’s flats to play FIFA or Trackmania. It’s the kind of everyday joy that makes living here feel special.
    
4. What are your favourite things to do (or eat!) on the Island or in the wider Stratford area?
   
   I’ll be honest – I don’t eat on the island much, although my husband does love grabbing pizza from Jim & Tonic.
   
   We’re incredibly lucky with the takeaway options around us though, and some of my absolute favourites are: 
   – Bronson Burgers
    – Odd Smash
    – Morley’s (we’re obsessed — we often do big communal orders!)
    – Rusty Bike
    – Roti King
    – Tao Tao Ju (their dim sum is honestly phenomenal)
    – Kome Express
   
   We’re spoiled for choice, and it’s become a bit of a ritual to try new spots with our friends. 
   
5. Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the next five years – for the Island’s growth, the community, and your own life here?
   
   Looking ahead, I hope Sugar House Island continues to grow while keeping the community feel that makes it so special. I’d love to see even more local businesses, cafés, and creative spaces pop up – places that bring residents together and give the neighbourhood even more character.
   
   For the community, my hope is that the warmth and connectedness we’ve built only strengthens as more people move in. There’s something really unique about how neighbourly this place feels, and I’d love to see that spirit continue.
   
   For myself, I hope the next five years bring more growth both personally and creatively. I’d love to keep building my career as a content creator while continuing to enjoy this area as home. Sugar House Island has been such a grounding, joyful part of my London life, and I hope it remains that place where friendships, creativity, and everyday memories continue to flourish.