Generally, the shops do not extend into the side streets, which are densely populated with terraced houses.

Forty-one per cent of residents (in the ward as a whole) are classified as black or minority ethnic, mostly Pakistani and African-Caribbean.

The market has kept a traditional cockney feel whilst absorbing influences from the diverse cultures of the area.

On that side the complex presents a blank facade except for one pedestrian entrance, and the car park ramps.

There are many independent small shops specialising in ethnic foods (Polish, Russian, Indian, Chinese, Caribbean, South Asian etc.