New local magazine launches in Tower Hamlets

The Slice Front Cover. Pic: The Slice / Nick Page

A new independent magazine launched this week in Tower Hamlets, covering news and culture for the borough’s 340,000 residents.

The Slice will be free to read and is to be distributed across 100 different local venues and shops, making it accessible for residents.

The first issue recommends shops and restaurants in the borough, recounts a British Warriors Boxing event at York Hall, explores how the Poplar community inspired BBC drama Call The Midwife and features a piece on the death of Altab Ali and recounts how his murder marked a turning point against racism and fascism in Tower Hamlets.

The Slice was designed by Katie Wilde and Jessica Lockett, of Cosmopolitan magazine, with a “playful and accessible” look intending to “inspire people about their neighbourhood.”

The biannually printed magazine, released twice a year, is published by Social Streets C.I.C, a “community interest company” that seeks to increase participation in the local community.

Tabitha Stapely, founder of Social Streets, said in a statement: “We believe local journalism can strengthen communities by informing, connecting and uniting people.”

“We believe it is important that we tell the stories of the communities within our neighbourhoods. No other publications are doing this to the extent that we are.”

She added that The Slice has been funded by a collaborative range of local advertisers who have “benefitted” from the “affordable marketing opportunity” to reach local audiences.

Hopes are that the magazine will bring Tower Hamlets residents together by increasing their sense of identity and belonging.

Content around “heritage, history and culture”, along with “thoughtful and sensitive articles” that tell untold stories from community members will aim to provide a sense of unity.

As well as having a local community outreach, the magazine is also aimed at “new residents of Tower Hamlets”, and “young professionals” aged between 25-40.

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