Charming and accommodating host with a bright, sunny, super-clean room, even nicer than pictured -- spacious, large, mirrored wardrobes and a desk at the bay window overlooking a blooming cherry blossom tree. Great location too, just off the High Road and trendy new watering hole, Leyton Technical. Loved their live jazz band Sunday evening. Minutes to Leyton tube Central line, and buses practically at your doorstep. Great cheap eats from curries to kebabs, to Portuguese bakery -- great because they do not cater to tourists. And also what I call a "LIttle America" strip mall nearby with 24-hour ASDA (Walmart), Subway, KFC, Pizza Hut and TK Maxx (TJ Max to Americans). Leytonstone (with all its cafes and charity shops) and Stratford are just a tube stop away as well.

Chris's flatmates are all working professionals, so quiet and considerate, yet friendly if you happen to meet them downstairs for a chat. Really loved "living like a local" as a base for exploring both the great museums and back-alley book and tea shops of London. Chris was always helpful with advice, and when I asked about the neighboring town, even gave me a lift. And I was able to relax by myself (as it was little used by others) in the living room watching the large flat screen TV.