I absolutely loved staying with Rich in Bow, and highly recommend you stay with him too! As many of the reviews have already pointed out, he's extremely nice, friendly and helpful, and an excellent host. He's often home during the day, which is great, because he's readily available to help you out if you need anything.

His description of the room is very accurate, so I won't comment too much on the amenities, but I felt it had everything I needed: fast wi-fi, a tv (with dvd player!), a kitchen with a microwave you can use between 7-10am and 5-8 pm (great if you're in London on a budget), a closet and a large set of drawers, and a washing machine (good if you're in town for awhile and packing light). The bedroom is small, but is sufficient for the needs of an out-of-town visitor who is probably only there to sleep.

It really felt like staying in an actual BnB. When I walked in, I saw he had set up the (impeccably clean) room with a tray with a sleeping mask, mugs, spoons, (free) water bottles, coffee, tea, sugar and milk, along with an electric tea kettle! It was like he had thought of every detail, which speaks volumes about the kind of host he is. There were even chocolates on my pillow when I came in! Talk about feeling welcome!

You are about 15-20 min walk away from the Mile End Tube station (see his directions for quickest route), connecting to the Central, District and Hammersmith and City Lines, which is highly convenient. You're probably only a 3 min walk from Victoria Park, where I liked to take walks, go for a run, ride "Boris Bikes," and even attended a music festival! You're also close to Mile End Park and the old victorian Tower Hamlets Cemetery (which I highly recommend) I also enjoyed hopping on the 8 bus (which stops right across the street) to go through the East End towards Shoreditch, where you can find many trendy bars, restaurants, shops, street fairs and markets along the way. If you're into markets and its nice out when you visit, I recommend the Urban Food Fest and The Brick Lane Market on Sat/Sun.

In terms of the immediate neighborhood in Bow, check out: the kitschy Roman Road Festival (Tue/Thu/Sat), Muxima Cafe (delicious food, funky ambience, WiFi), and Vinarius (an "enoteca" - a wine bar/store with light bites). I also liked the Morgan Arms (gastropub) and the Rusty Bike (pub/Thai food). There is a Tesco for grocery shopping (7-10 min walk) next to an Idea Store, a public library where you can take out books, dvds, or do some work. Overall, the neighborhood is very residential, quiet, safe, and highly diverse: everything I was looking for.

I had a great stay, and will absolutely try and stay with Rich again next time I'm in London!