I'm under the care of Homerton, after transferring my care at 22 weeks from the Princess Alexandria in Harlow, for my first. The midwives at Homerton have been brilliant (can only compare to the community midwives in Epping, who weren't), I can't compare to ante-natal care, but I've been under care for other things at Whipps where it seems to be in a permanent state of chaos. Homerton always seems a lot calmer (for a hospital).
The birth suite at Homerton allows for partners to stay overnight (not sure about the delivery suite, but I would just give them a call, I've always found them very helpful on the phone). I've heard equally bad things about the post-natal wards at both Whipps and Homerton, so I think you probably have to take your chances on that with either. Overall, the facilities and the set up at Homerton seem better, more private rooms, more birth pools, regular opportunities to have a tour without having to book, that sort of thing.
Through my NCT class, I have heard that the home birth provision at Whipps Cross is having some problems and the service is not great at the moment, whereas at Homerton they are practically begging me to have a home birth as I am low risk. I would look into that if you're considering a home birth (with all the caveats that other PPs have noted re your previous birth).
If you are in Waltham Forest (as oppose to Redbridge where I am, although still v close to Whipps) you do have the option to register with the neighbourhood midwives, but that's not an option for Redbridge residents.
Based on my experience at Homerton, I don't think you'd have the experience you talk about in your second comment and I feel very comfortable with my birth options there, but obviously have not actually had a baby there yet :)