Brick Lane

Eye-popping street art, street food markets, vintage finds and cutting edge designers.

You can’t visit London without visiting Brick Lane. Eye-popping street art, street food markets, vintage finds and cutting edge designers, it’s everything that makes East London such a vibrant wonderful place, distilled into a thin cobbled street that’s seen more action over the last 100 years than possibly anywhere else in town.

In the mood for cereal? The Cereal Killer Café caused a ruckus when it opened; whether it’s hipster hype or fills a childhood craving, only you can decide. Pop in for pimped up bowls of cereal. You can’t come to Brick Lane and not have a curry. While there are numerous brightly lit spots to indulge in a tikka masala, The Monsoon keeps things simple and not too kitsch, with South Indian specialties like Azwan chicken on the menu. Just behind Brick Lane on Commercial Road you’ve got the meat masters themselves, Hawksmoor. Recognised as one of the best places in the city to get a steak, the restaurant mixes high quality sourcing with a hip industrial vibe. Middle Eastern meets European small plates are served up at Jago, which also has a cool covered over patio for winter eating outside. The décor’s trendy, the people watching is good and the soup’s a winner – it’s a good bet for a lunch spot.

Famous jeweller Tatty Devine has her flagship store at the north end of Brick Lane. Pop in for over-the-top plastic in primary colours with witty slogans or a sideways take on what’s on trend elsewhere.

Borderline brings together a mix of local designers and up and coming stars in men and women’s clothing. It’s the perfect spot when you’re after something totally unique.

Rokit 101 is one of the most famous and long-standing vintage shops along the cobbled strip. It’s the place to rummage for secondhand finds, plus there’s a good selection of recycled and upcycled clothing.

Apples and Pears do a cheeky take on a cocktail bar with acoustic Folk, Soul & Blues music Tuesdays to Wednesdays and DJ sets at the weekend. There’s plenty of nods to the East End location including a cocktail called Jack the Ripper, and they also have many signature cocktails to choose from.