Explore Barking
Known for
Barking Abbey (founded 666 AD, one of England's oldest), the Broadway Theatre, the diverse food culture on Ripple Road, and an East London town with 1,400 years of history
A little history
Barking's abbey was founded in 666 AD by Bishop Erkenwald — one of the oldest in England. It was one of the wealthiest Benedictine abbeys before its dissolution by Henry VIII. Captain James Cook lived in Barking for a period.
The Abbey ruins are free and extraordinary — 1,400 years of history in a park. Ripple Road for some of East London's most diverse and authentic food. The Broadway Theatre for arts.
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Browse local businesses, discover events and find hidden gems in Barking — all from one beautifully simple app.
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Food & drink in Barking
Ripple Road has extraordinary diverse food — West African, South Asian, Caribbean and more. The town centre market for produce. One of East London's most authentic multicultural food scenes.
Restaurants & cafes
From neighbourhood classics to hidden gems — Roam surfaces the Barking food spots locals actually love.
Bars & nightlife
Craft pubs, independent bars and evening spots across Barking. Roam tells you what's open and what's worth the visit.
Independent shops
The local butchers, delis, bakeries and food shops that make Barking worth exploring on foot.
For businesses in Barking
Barking's diverse community drives a strong independent food economy. The Broadway Theatre anchors the arts and culture economy. Regeneration is bringing new businesses.
List your Barking business on Roam and connect with local customers and visitors exploring Greater London. It takes about 90 seconds to go live.
Reach local customers
Roam users are actively looking for what's nearby in Barking. Get your business in front of the right people.
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Send real-time offers and events to Roam users in Barking.
Build community
Roam helps Barking businesses build a loyal local following across Greater London.
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Frequently asked questions
Barking is a place in East London known for barking Abbey (founded 666 AD, one of England's oldest), the Broadway Theatre, the diverse food culture on Ripple Road, and an East London town with 1,400 years of history. Barking's abbey was founded in 666 AD by Bishop Erkenwald — one of the oldest in England. The population is around 100,000.
Ripple Road has extraordinary diverse food — West African, South Asian, Caribbean and more. The town centre market for produce. One of East London's most authentic multicultural food scenes.
Yes. Roam is a free local discovery app live in Barking and across East London. It is available on iOS and Android.
Local Barking businesses can list on Roam for free in around 90 seconds. Add your business name, address, opening hours and a few photos via the Roam website, and your listing goes live in Roam's discovery feed for users browsing Barking and the wider East London area. There is no subscription fee.
Roam covers Barking and the surrounding area in East London, including Becontree, Upney, Longbridge, Creekmouth, Thames View, Gascoigne, Eastbury and Whalebone.
