London's best balconies: theatrical 'royal box', jungle oasis and Miami poolside retreat among city’s top balconies

London's most Instagrammable balconies have been revealed — and they include a theatre box style, a jungle-themed space and a poolside retreat.

Residents of East Village in Stratford were inspired to make the most of their outside spaces during lockdown after their landlord launched a competition to find the UK’s best balcony.

Tenants at the former 2012 Olympics Athletes’ Village in east London — with homes now run by the Get Living residential owner and rental management company — shared some fun photos to inspire homeowners to try out their own balcony transformation.

One resident turned their balcony into a theatrical space, similar to a royal box.

Complete with red seating, a popcorn stand and velvet draped curtains, this particular balcony was inspired by classical singer Phoebe Haines, an East Village resident who took to her balcony to sing opera songs in April.

A neighbour turned an outside space into a Miami-themed poolside area, with parasol, chaise longue and paddling ball pool. There’s even a decorative flamingo to further add to the theme.

Meanwhile, a third balcony has a jungle theme. With plenty of greenery, rustic coffee table, a bird box and a pair of binoculars, it’s decked out in camouflage and shaded by palm trees and foliage.

Across the UK we’ve spent a total of £2.6 billion sprucing up our gardens, terraces and balconies during lockdown, with a third of Brits polled admitting that the enforced extra time at home had finally given them the time to get on with it.