London Boat Show

[Yofy]

Didn't know where to post this, so hope this is the right place.

We are liveaboards on the Red Sea and will be treating ourselves to a few days at the boat show">London Boat Show this year. We haven't been in England or London in many years and wonder where the best place to stay would be. We plan to find something on airbnb or a cheap guesthouse.

The show is at the Excel London Center on Royal Victoria Dock. I can see that Barking seems nearby but don't know what would be the better choice: stay in London and take the train to the show or stay somewhere nearby and take a train into London if we want to visit.

We would like to stay somewhere where we can walk to some pubs, restaurants and shops. Nothing upscale - we have a moderate budget.

Anybody familiar with the area who can advise us?
Robyn