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6 Brick Lane

London E1 6RF

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Brick Lane, Shoreditch

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Posted on Published: 18th December 2021  - Last updated: 26th May 2023 Categories Things to do

By: Author Julianna Barnaby

Time to Discover: Brick Lane

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Have you even been to London if you haven’t been to Brick Lane? Brick Lane is one of the most popular destinations for tourists and Londoners alike to visit in London’s East End. Check out our guide to exploring this iconic London spot. 

Brick Lane is one of East London’s best-known spots … for good reason. Winding its way between Whitechapel and Shoreditch, it’s full of cool shops, buzzing markets and, of course, those famous curry houses. 

Whether you’re looking for a bit of fashion, food or funky street art, there’s something for everybody on Brick Lane.

First Up, Where is Brick Lane?

Brick Lane is at the heart of London’s East End, where Whitechapel, Aldgate, and Spitalfields intersect. 

Why is Brick Lane famous?

Brick Lane is a melting pot of curious creations and cultural phenomena, a microcosm of fresh and unique styles, smells and sounds. 

Once associated with the poorest slums of East London, and a favoured spot for Jack the Ripper murders (gulp!), Brick Lane is now a vibrant cultural, ethnic and artistic hub where millions of people come to explore year-round. 

It is also famous for housing some of the best curry houses in London – over the years there have been many challengers popping up in different parts of town, but the ones on Brick Lane are still strong contenders to the title. 

Cool Things to do in Brick Lane 

Visit brick lane’s markets .

There are quite a few little and large marketplaces around Brick Lane. Whether you’re looking for nibbles or new threads, make time to go to the Brick Lane Markets. 

At the Brick Lane Food Hall (open 11am – 5:30pm every Saturday, and 10am – 5pm every Sunday), there are over 30 stalls of flavoursome food from a variety of global cuisines to try, from Canadian Poutine to Chinese bao buns. Mmm. 

There are also the popular Brick Lane Vintage Market, Upmarket and Backyard Markets to choose from.

Brick Lane’s Upmarket (organised by The Truman Brewery) houses an eclectic mix of over 200(!) lifestyle, food and accessories stalls. There’s a great sense of community trade and craftsmanship here, with a lot of local sellers and designers showcasing their work. 

Take the Ely’s Yard entrance and dive into the food hall there too.

Read Next: The Best Sunday Markets in London 

Brick Lane Nomadic Community Garden 

Fancy something a little more peaceful? Find some zen in nature at the Brick Lane Nomadic Community Garden. 

This is a private area found just off of Brick Lane that is open to the public daily. Need directions? 

From Brick Lane, go through to Allen Gardens, take a left through the underpass and you’ll see the gardens. Or, cross the footbridge from Cheshire Street and you’ll see a door opposite the bottom of the steps to the gardens. 

The gardens are part of an endeavour to enable residents to re-establish their communities, learn new skills, discover new interests and new purposes.  

Take a Guided Street Art Tour  

Awash with colourful graffiti, Brick Lane is the epicentre of street art in East London. First on your Brick Lane Bucket List should therefore be a Shoreditch Street Art Tour . 

The works of art adorning Brick Lane are by artists from far and wide. One of the most popular Brick Lane Graffiti pieces is The Crane on Hanbury Street, created by well-known Belgian artist ROA . 

Pedley Street, Grimsby Street and Cheshire Street have also all been used as canvases by street artists, each riddled with creative and meaningful designs.

Any self-respecting street art lover won’t allow themselves to miss out on the Seven Stars either, one of the most recognisable street art scenes in London.

Read Next: Cool Street Art in Shoreditch

Brick Lane Gallery 

For something a bit more contained, The Brick Lane Gallery puts on a variety of exhibitions throughout the year which showcases the works of emerging local and international contemporary and urban artists. 

The programme always promises to provide a good mix of painting, sculpture, photography and video, so you can be sure that something will catch your eye. 

Explore Brick Lane’s Quirky Shops 

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Didn’t find what you want at the Brick Lane vintage market? Head to the unmissable Brick Lane vintage stores to continue your perusal… Some of the best vintage shops on Brick Lane include Beyond Retro , Rokit and Hunky Dory Vintage . 

Alternatively, you can get first dibs on huge collections from top brands like Jimmy Choo, Prada and YSL. If these Brick lane shops are your jam, keep an eye out for pop-up designer outlets.

The Truman Brewery holds a lot of these, as well as major clearance sales too. These are frequented by some of the fanciest fashionistas out there; to witness their style and flair alone is reason enough to head on over.

There is also the Brick Lane Bookshop , a cute little independent bookshop selling every genre you can think of. They hold regular events here too!

The Brick Lane Food Guide: Best Places to Eat

Eat at one of brick lane’s famous curry houses .

What is brick lane famous for? Fun fact: Brick Lane is often referred to as Banglatown by Londoners. Brick Lane has been a major home and community for immigrants from Bangladesh, since the late 20th century, particularly Bengalis from the Sylheti region. 

OK. But what does that mean in practical terms for you and (more importantly), your belly? Well, it means that if you fancy a curry in London, Brick Lane is where you should be. 

This is particularly true if you want something traditional and authentic, not just any old curry dish! 

Some of the best curry houses to try are Aladin , a traditional BYOB balti and grill restaurant, City Spice , serving Indian food to make you drool, and Bengal Village , rated by food critics as one of the best.

Not in the mood for spice? There’s no lack of European restaurants either… 

Pop into a European Restaurant 

One of our favourite things to do in Brick Lane is to grab a bite (or a slice) at Italian favourite La Cucina , well known for it’s warm, familial feel. 

Italian ristorante Franze & Evans is equally esteemed for its locally sourced organic ingredients used to make delicious, reimagined Italian classics.  

For finely crafted regional French specialities, head to the rustic bistro, Chez Elles . Be sure to make a reservation – this one gets busy! If you’re lucky, they also occasionally have live jazz music on too. 

Or Indulge in an American Feast

Dirty Bones is one of our favourite spots for food near Brick Lane. Dirty Bones serves up American-style classics – we’re talking filthy burgers, ribs, and fries. Their cocktails ain’t half bad too.

Visit on the weekend for the ultimate bottomless boozy brunch.

Where to Eat in Brick Lane for Something a Little Different…

Brick Lane has no shortage of weird and wonderful eateries, hence the insane ‘hipster-hype’ associated with the area. 

Beigel Bake 

Eat your heart out in bundles of bagels at Beigel Bakery , famed for its Jewish-style filled bagels such as salt beef and smoked salmon. You can often see queues forming around the block for this bad boy, but we promise you, it’s worth the wait! 

Side note: It’s also open 24 hours a day if you need to pop back for seconds… (believe us, you’ll want to pop in for seconds).

Dark Sugars Cocoa House 

Just want to rest your feet and have a hot drink? There’s plenty of ultra-cosy coffee shops and cafes on Brick Lane. For something a little different though, make sure to try a hot chocolate from Dark Sugars Cocoa House . 

It’s a London chocolate shop like none other. Dark Sugars brings the culture of West African cocoa production to Brick Lane. Inhale the sweet, sweet aroma of roasting cocoa beans while watching the pros do their thing behind the counter. 

You’ll want to keep the chocolate moustache for later too…

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Street food kitchen Caboose serves up heavy American-style dishes from the comfort of an old train carriage. Take it from us and order the 12-hour shredded beef rib topped with sweet maple slaw.

Book the private cabin if you want to go all-out.

Best Places to Eat in Brick Lane for Vegetarians and Vegans 

Don’t eat meat or dairy? Don’t fret. The vegan market is alive, well and thriving in East London.

Mooshies 

For vegan guilty pleasures, Mooshies is always a good shout. Mooshies is a vegan burger joint on Brick Lane. The founders have proudly said it’s the spot for veggies who don’t like vegetables … We recommend the panko fried aubergine patty with ALL the trimmings!

The Canvas Cafe

Another favourite vegan hotspot is The Canvas Cafe , a vegan cafe and not-for-profit co-working space. Everything on the menu is 100% vegan (including their mahoosive, glowing cake options). You can also offer to buy a homeless person a meal too here. 

Organic Livity Co.

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You’ll find these guys at Brick Lane Market, serving up the best vegan cakes in London. Organic, raw, vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free treats might not sound too appealing, but somehow Organic Livity Co . really makes it work.

The vegan eclair is to die for.

The Best Bars and Pubs in and around Brick Lane 

Thirsty? There are plenty of drinking spots dotted along Brick Lane too. 

The Ten Bells 

While it’s not on Brick Lane itself, if you’re just looking for a bev, there’s the Ten Bells public house near Spitalfields Market for a traditional British pint. Go the whole hog and grab a bag of pork scratchings too. 

Monty’s Bar and Lounge 

In the mood for a boogie? Then definitely try Monty’s Bar and Lounge. They do cocktails, open-mic nights, spoken word events and more. 

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Ever wondered what it would be like to spend a night in prison? Head to Alcotraz , where you’ll don an orange jumpsuit before being locked in your “cell” – that is, if you successfully manage to smuggle alcohol past the guards.

The Cocktail Trading Co.

The Cocktail Trading Co. has some serious cocktail making skills. They’ve even won some awards! 

Among its many accolades though, one of the most appealing things about this bar is the fact that it’s fun; from the cocktail menu to the interior and all the staff, the place is full of character.

What Next? Exploring the Area Surrounding Brick Lane

Visit spitalfields market.

If you haven’t had your fill from all the Brick Lane eateries, you can head to Spitalfields just up the road. 

A tad more commercial than Brick Lane, Spitalfields Market is a recently refurbed shopping district where you’ll find a range of tasty treats and garms to peruse. 

Fancy splashing out? 

You’ll find slightly more ‘upmarket’ stores here such as The Mercantile which sells high-end but affordable designer labels, as well as more high street brands like & Other Stories , Lululemon and The Ordinary . 

Historic Princelet Street 

Tucked away behind the bustle and barter of Spitalfields market, you’ll find an 18th-century enclave brimming with history: Princelet Street. 

Princelet Street is a step back in time. Though just a stone’s throw from one of the liveliest parts of London, this narrow terrace of Georgian-era houses offers a pocket of quiet and calm amidst all the noise. 

Sadly, try not to get too attached. To live in one of these houses, you need a 7 figure budget. Ouch.

For a deep dive into the story behind Princelet Street, you can visit Number 19, one of London’s earliest synagogues and now a museum of immigration and diversity. 

Note: Make sure to check for open days on their website as Number 19 Princelet Street isn’t always open to the public.

Wilton’s Music Hall

We highly recommend visiting London’s oldest music hall in Whitechapel, a 19th-century performing arts theatre that time seems to have forgotten. 

The theatre still stands with its original cast iron pillars, balcony and decor from when it was originally built in 1859 . 

Wilton’s Music Hall hosts an eclectic mix of arts and culture events, so make sure to check out what’s on . You can also book onto a guided tour of the building. 

Whitechapel Gallery 

If you can squeeze any more arts and culture into your day, Whitechapel Gallery is also a short walk, or rather a step, from the south entrance to Brick Lane. This one’s for contemporary art fans. 

Be sure to stop for a coffee in the gallery cafe after too, where you’ll also find a selection of tasty, homemade cakes and treats on offer. 

Practical Tips for Visiting Brick Lane London  

Brick Lane is just as safe as anywhere else in London, but make sure to keep your belongings close to you, especially on busy market days.

Where to Stay Near Brick Lane

There’s loads of ultra-cool urban apartments up for grabs in and around Brick Lane. Be sure to see what’s available on Airbnb before you book your trip. 

The Dictionary Hostel 

For short stays on a budget, The Dictionary Hostel is a great shout for funky, alternative style rooms that don’t cost a fortune. Breakfast is also included in your stay. 

Or check out this guide to the best hostels in London .

Batty Langley’s

Fancy something a bit more… fancy? There’s the swanky Batty Langley’s 18th Century Hotel (recently listed by Conde Nast as the 6th best hotel to stay in London).

Looking for more London hotel recommendations? Check out our Where to Stay in London guide. 

Underground 

The closest tube stops to Brick Lane are: 

Southside: Aldgate East, Whitechapel Station

Northside: Liverpool Street Station, Shoreditch High Street Station 

If you’re driving, for Brick Lane parking head to Spitalfields Car Park (around 6 minutes walk away).

By Flight 

The closest airport to Brick Lane is London City Airport (around 5.4 miles away). 

Brick Lane, London Map 

Looking for More Shoreditch, London Guides – Read Next

• Cool Things to do in Shoreditch: An Insider’s Guide 
• The Best Bars in Shoreditch 
• Cool Pubs in Shoreditch that you Shouldn’t Miss 
• The Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in Shoreditch 

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18 Things to See When Visiting Brick Lane – Free London Walking Tour With a Map

There are countless ways to experience London’s East End and its most famous street, Brick Lane .

Today, Brick Lane is known mainly for its:

• curry houses

• vintage shops

• and great nightlife.

But in the past it was also a land of Shakespeare , Suffragettes , Jack the Ripper and Kray Twins !

The Kray Twins were notorious London gangsters who operated in the mid-20th century.

My exploration of the East End is ongoing but in this post, you will find 18 worth exploring spots at (& near) Brick Lane that I have discovered so far.

I hope you will enjoy this walk as much as I did preparing it!

All the locations described below you can visit for free .

Links to the MAP of this walking tour: part 1 & part 2

Distance to cover: 4 miles ( 6.5 km)

Before you go… the best times to experience the true spirit of Brick Lane are on Saturdays & Sundays . However, this walk will be interesting on any day of the week.

Where to start?

You might be surprised when I ask you to begin this Brick Lane walking tour by arriving at Old Street * tube station, which is not the nearest transport link to this iconic London street.

But I promise that extending this trail a bit will be worth the effort.

* How old is Old Street …? The origins of Old Street (the street, not a tube station) can be traced back to about 1200 . However, there are suggestions that the history of this road dates back even further, to Roman times .

In need of a private tour guide…?

[email protected]

THINGS TO SEE NEAR BRICK LANE

1. Daniel Defoe’s grave

I recommend starting this walking tour by visiting the grave of the author of Robinson Crusoe , Daniel Defoe.

His grave is located just a couple of minutes’ walk away from Old Street station, within the charming Bunhill Fields Burial Ground .

Click here to see precise location

Sadly, Defoe did not live to see the popularity of his writing.

At the time of his death, he was hiding from his creditors.

He struggled financially for most of his life.

When he died in 1731 , he was buried in this cemetery in a poorly marked grave.

The monument in his name, that you can see today, was erected 140 years after his death and was funded by generous donations from young literary enthusiasts .

2. Where Romeo and Juliet was performed for the first time

The second place to see during this walking tour is the location where, in 2008, archaeologists discovered the foundations of The Theater – a 16th -century open-air amphitheater .

Many of Shakespeare’s plays were performed there for the first time, including Romeo and Juliet .

After the lease for The Theatre expired, the structure was dismantled and rebuilt in 1599 on the south bank of the River Thames as The Globe Theatre , where Shakespeare’s career flourished.

The historic spot on New Inn Street has been beautifully marked with a mural depicting iconic scenes…

… and quotes from Shakespeare’s plays.

You can also find there a bench with a statue of Shakespeare sitting on it.

3. Street Art

The whole area of Shoreditch is known to be one of the best places in London to see street art.

The ever-changing walls of the buildings neighboring Shakespeare’s statue serve as open-air street galleries and will entertain you as you walk towards the Arnold Circus , the next point on this Brick Lane walking tour.

4. Arnold Circus (and the Boundary Estate)

Boundary Estate is a beautiful Victorian-era housing development and garden located only a 2-minute walk from Brick Lane.

Completed in 1900, this groundbreaking public housing project replaced the worst (at the time) slum in London , known as the Old Nichol .

One of nearby streets is still called Old Nichol Street .

Boundary Estate became one of the first social housing schemes in the world, aiming to provide decent and affordable housing for the working class.

The elevated garden you see today (located in the middle of the estate) was created on the rubble of the deteriorating slum houses that were demolished to pave the way for the new development.

I recommend climbing the stairs to view the the estate’s perspective from the top of the hill.

The circular design of “Arnold Circus” was intended to create a sense of community and encourage social interaction among residents.

With its picturesque settings, the Boundary Estate is definitely worth exploring.

5. Café E Pellicci ( established 1900! )

After visiting Arnold Circus and before you turn into Brick Lane street, I invite you to see (and taste!) café E.Pellicci .

E.Pellicci is a classic East London café that was established one year before the passing of Queen Victoria (1900) and has managed to stay relevant to the tastes of Londoners for over 120 years .

The Kray Twins used to enjoy the full English breakfast here!

If there is one constant thing about London’s high streets, it is change.

Every day, new restaurants are being established, and every day, others are closing.

Some shut down after only a couple of months of operating, while a few manage to stick around for a few years.

E.Pellicci is the champion of them all.

This family business managed to overcome not only personal tragedies *…

* The founder of this place, Priamo , died prematurely leaving his wife, Elide with not only a business to run but also with the task of raising 7 children in a world that wasn’t women-friendly, to say the least.

… but also survived two economic depressions , two world wars , six recessions , and two pandemics .

Inside the café, you can see a family portrait of the founders.

Few tips before visiting E.Pellicci:

• The queue of people (happy to wait up to an hour, often in the rain!) is a common occurrence on the narrow pavements outside the number 332 of Bethnal Green, especially on Saturdays and Mondays (the place is closed on Sundays ) so be prepare for that.

• Even if you have to wait a bit longer, it’s worth waiting for a seat inside . That’s the best way to experience first-hand the magic of this place. This way, you will not only get the delicious food, but you will also be exposed to the entertaining personalities of the members of this remarkable family.
• Please note that the place accepts cash only , but there is a convenient cash machine located on the opposite side of the road.
• The family that runs this business likes to take a month-long break during the summer, so please visit Pellicci’s website for current opening times to avoid disappointment.

Now, it is time to enter Brick Lane – one of the most iconic streets in London.

6. Brick Lane

Brick Lane was built on top of a Roman burial ground , and before the 15th century, it was known under the name Whitechapel Lane as it led to St Mary’s Whitechapel (the church that gave the area its name).

The church was seriously damaged by bombing in the Blitz in 1941 and was demolished in 1952. Its remains are still visible today in Altab Ali Park .

The current name has been in use since the 15th century when manufacture of brick and tile dominated the place.

Today Brick Lane is often called Banglatown , as it is a home for the UK’s biggest Bangladeshi community – hence the road signs in two languages – English and Bengali .

7. Beigel Shop (s)

During the 19th century, Brick Lane experienced an influx of Jewish immigrants , primarily from Eastern Europe, especially from countries like Russia and Poland .

Naturally, the area became home to various Jewish-owned businesses, including bakeries, butchers, and textile shops.

Although most Jewish businesses moved out after the Second World War*…

*London’s East End was heavily bombed during the Second World War.

… you can still find a few remaining signs of their presence in the area today.

Two beigel shops serve as good examples:

• Beigel Shop (the yellow one at no. 155, established in 1855!)

• Beigel Bake Brick Lane Bakery (at no. 159, open 24 hours a day).

I recommend you to try them both.

During the weekends, queuing might be necessary.

8. Brick Lane Bookshop

Brick Lane Bookshop is an independent bookstore located at 166 Brick Lane.

It is known for its diverse collection of books, catering to a wide range of readers’ tastes.

The store features works from both well-known authors and emerging talents .

On some days, you can even spot outside the bookstore poets for hire , offering their instant writing to the crowds of Brick Lane.

9. Spitalfields City Farm

Spitalfields City Farm is an urban farm located a couple of minutes’ walk from Brick Lane.

It is a delightful oasis offering peace and quiet not too far from the busy streets of London.

Upon entering the farm, you will be greeted by a diverse range of farm animals, including donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, pigs, and rabbits – many of which are rescue animals .

An ideal spot for a break if you’re sightseeing with kids.

Entry to the farm is free , but this lovely spot operates on donations , so be generous if you decide to visit this place.

10. Truman Brewery

For over 300 years , Brick Lane smelled like a beer .

The reason for this was a brewery established here around 1666 under the name Black Eagle Brewery .

The Black Eagle Brewery supplied beer to Londoners during the Great Fire of London !

Later, the brewery was renamed to Truman Brewery after Joseph Truman , who took control of the business in the late 17th century .

By the 19th century, Truman Brewery had become one of the largest brewers in the world !

In Victorian London, consuming beer was considered safer than drinking water . You can learn more about this on the last stop of this walking tour – The Death Pump .

Nevertheless, the 20th century gave a devastating blow to the business.

In 1989, The Truman Brewery, once a major employer in East London, succumbed to intense competition and closed its doors.

However, in the 21st century, the former brewery premises were reborn as offices, independent boutiques, bars, and music venues, once again becoming the center of business life in Brick Lane.

11. Rough Trade East

Rough Trade East is a record shop with a massive inventory of vinyl (& some interesting books).

It is located in one of the shops just off Brick Lane, in what used to be a loading bay for Truman Brewery.

12. Princelet Street & Fournier Street

Princelet Street and Fournier Street are picturesque historic lanes that intersect with Brick Lane.

Both streets are renowned for their charming, well-preserved Georgian townhouses .

The rich history of this area is beautifully captured in the character of these streets.

Interestingly, the houses on these streets have withstood the test of time due to the poverty of the immigrants who once inhabited them; they couldn’t afford extensive modifications. Today, properties on Princelet Street and Fournier Street are not only highly desirable but also come with a steep price tag !

13. Jack The Ripper pub

Many people visit the East End for one and only reason: to walk in the footsteps of Jack the Ripper and his victims.

In that case, The Ten Bells pub is a necessary stop to include in the stroll around Brick Lane.

During the Autumn of Terror in 1888 (the year when Jack the Ripper was on his killing spree), this pub was frequented by some of his victims.

It is not unreasonable to assume that he could have been a customer here himself as well.

The pub building itself has stood since at least the mid-18th century.

Today, the Ten Bells offers a cozy atmosphere and vintage décor .

14. Brick Lane Mosque

The building that currently houses Brick Lane Mosque might appear, at first glance, to be an average brick structure.

However, it is, in fact, one of the most remarkable places in London.

Located at the heart of Brick Lane (where Brick Lane and Fournier Street intersect), it has served the religious needs of changing communities over the centuries.

Built in 1742 as a Protestant Church for Huguenots, the building has undergone several transformations:

• In 1809, it was sold to the London Society for Promoting Christianity Among the Jews.
• Ten years later, the building was taken over by Methodists .
• Around 1898, it became the Spitalfields Great Synagogue , catering to newly settled Jewish immigrants.
• In 1976, it was transformed into a mosque .

“This simple structure really has been all things to all people; a place where each successive Spitalfields community has worshipped their version of God” – Rachel Lichtenstein “On Brick Lane”

15. The Gilbert & George Centre

Gilbert & George are an artistic duo renowned for their distinctive and provocative art.

They are also most famous residents of the area.

They reside on Fournier Street.

Gilbert and George first crossed paths in the late 1960s while studying at St. Martin’s School of Art in London.

Since then, they have maintained a creative partnership that spans over five decades .

A must-visit on this walking tour is the Gilbert & George Centre , where some of their creations are displayed.

Admission is free , and no prior booking is required. The center is open from Thursday to Sunday .

16. Where the Big Ben was made…

Whitechapel Bell Foundry was a historic bell foundry located couple minutes walk from Brick Lane.

It was once one of the most famous bell foundries in the world ( est. 1570 ).

Over the centuries, the foundry has passed through several generations of the same family and has been the birthplace of many historic and melodious bells that resonate across the world.

The most famous of them is the great “Big Ben” bell at the Palace of Westminster in London .

Unfortunately, the future of this historic building seems to be uncertain.

Nevertheless, I continue to visit this charming spot whenever I’m in the vicinity.

17. The lucky pub

Between Aldgate and Aldgate East tube stations, you can find the oldest licensed house in the City, the wonky (16th-century) pub called The Hoop & Grapes .

It is one of a few pubs in the heart of London that survived the Great Fire of London in 1666.

Lasting almost five days fire stopped 50 yards (around 46 meters ) from this pub!

The Hoop and Grapes is one of those places you might casually walk past without noticing, but stepping inside is a must!

After entering this premises, you will be welcomed by dark beams, wood paneling…

… and plenty of on-wall-graphics celebrating the interesting history of this place.

18. The (deadly) Aldgate Pump

The last stop on this walking tour is the Aldgate Pump .

Aldgate Pump is a historic water pump located at the junction of Aldgate High Street and Fenchurch Street in the City of London.

A well for fresh drinking water has been on this site since the 13th century.

For centuries, access to clean water was limited, and pumps like this were essential for public health.

In the mid-19th century, the area surrounding Aldgate Pump was hit by a devastating epidemic .

The old pump installed in this spot was found to be the source of the infection.

The pump was drawing water from a contaminated well , tainted by the bodies of the deceased from the nearby cemetery!

You will be pleased to know that the pump you can see today is a modern reincarnation of the “deadly” pump and is connected to the mains water supply.

However, it wasn’t working last time I checked…

Well, that’s all I have for you for now about Brick Lane.

I hope you enjoy this post.

If you are looking for more inspiration on what to see in London, check out my other London walks.

And below, you will find a couple more photos taken in London’s East End. Enjoy!

And to the next one!

A Lady in London

And Traveling the World

Lady’s 11 Exciting Things to Do on Brick Lane in London

London has its share of famous streets. From Piccadilly to Oxford Street, the King’s Road to Electric Avenue, the city’s thoroughfares are as famous as its sightseeing attractions. And if there’s one street that stands out in east London, it’s Brick Lane. If you want to discover this road and the surrounding area, read on for A Lady in London’s guide to things to do in Brick Lane.

Brick Lane, London

Brick Lane has changed more than any other street since I moved to London. A decade ago it was known for its Southeast Asian restaurants, many of which promised a lot and delivered a lot less.

But over the last ten years, the street has transformed. While there are still a few of the old restaurants dotted around, Brick Lane has become an area better known for street art, food markets, and vintage clothing shops than chicken tikka masala.

Today, walking down Brick Lane is taking a stroll through the best of east London. From pop-up bars to food trucks and independent bookshops, this area has a lot to explore.

I’ve been teaching blogging and social media classes just off Brick Lane for years, so I’m in the area all the time. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the street changes.

Every week there’s new street art. Every month a new restaurant opens. And every year the area feels more vibrant and exciting. It’s a good time to explore.

How to Get to Brick Lane

If you want to explore, there are a lot of ways you can get to Brick Lane. From the Underground to the Overground, the street is well served by public transport.

The nearest tube to Brick Lane is Aldgate East. It’s a few minutes’ walk away. The Overground stops at Shoreditch High Street , which is also a short distance.

There are plenty of buses that serve the surrounding area, and Liverpool Street station is close by if you’re coming from outside London.

Brick Lane is also an easy walk from London neighborhoods like Whitechapel , Wapping , Shoreditch , Tower Hill, and other parts of Spitalfields .

Things to Do in Brick Lane

Once here, there are a lot of things to do in Brick Lane. From browsing vintage records to singing karaoke, this street packs a lot of excitement in.

Read on for my list of the best of the area…

1. Take in the Street Art on Brick Lane

One of my favorite things to do here is take in the street art on Brick Lane and the side streets that come off it. The road itself has a lot of small art, and it’s fun to notice the details while walking down it.

Side streets like Hanbury Street and Pedley Street are full of walls covered in street art. There’s also more in the alley that comes after Fournier Street and before Fashion Street if you’re walking south down the road.

And that’s to say nothing of 150 Brick Lane and Ely’s Yard, where monumental sculptures take over outdoor bars and courtyards.

2. Go Vintage Shopping on Brick Lane

Another of the best things to do in Brick Lane is go vintage shopping. This street has an endless parade of vintage stores selling everything from clothing to records and shoes.

Side streets like Cheshire Street have shop after shop of vintage goods, too. They’re worth a detour.

The weekend markets also have a lot of vintage offerings, so it’s worth coming down to Spitalfields on a Sunday to browse for lost treasures.

3. Shop for Everything Else

Vintage shopping isn’t the only kind of shopping on Brick Lane, though. There are a lot of other great stores along the road, from bookshops to chocolate shops.

I like popping into Brick Lane Bookshop to see what’s new, and the facade itself is a treat to walk by.

Dark Sugars lures me in with the scent of fresh chocolate, too. I love the wooden accents inside, not to mention the sinfully rich flavors of their chocolate pearls and truffles.

4. Try the Restaurants on Brick Lane

Another of my favorite things to do in Brick Lane is go for lunch or dinner. So many restaurants have opened over the last five years I can barely keep track of them all.

I love the atmosphere and food at Chez Elles Bistroquet, a French place that manages to be stylish and rustic at the same time.

There are also quirky restaurants like Cereal Killer Cafe, where you can order your favorite childhood breakfast foods with all kinds of flavored milk.

As far as coffee goes, there are excellent places for it. My top pick is Nude Espresso on Hanbury Street. It’s one of my go-to coffee shops in London .

5. Do Something Different on Brick Lane

There’s a lot to do beyond the traditional here, too. Some of the best things to do in Brick Lane are some of the most unique.

I’ve bowled and sang karaoke at All Star Lanes, and I love going to annual events like the London Coffee Festival in the Old Truman Brewery.

There are always gigs, shows, and events going on in various venues on Brick Lane, too. Places like 93 Feet East are bars, clubs, and live music spaces in one.

Just north of the street, London Shuffle is a shuffleboard bar in Shoreditch. I’ve played on their outdoor courts, and it’s a fun way to spend an evening in east London.

6. Eat Street Food on Brick Lane

But back to food. One of the most exciting ways to discover Brick Lane is through its street food. Ely’s Yard, a former service yard behind the Old Truman Brewery, is a great place for it.

The resident food trucks in Ely’s Yard offer a range of things to eat and drink, and there are picnic tables laid out between them. From Orange Buffalo with its wings to Mother Clucker with its fried chicken, this place is packed with deliciousness.

7. Have a Drink at a Bar or Pub

But it’s not just about food here. Brick Lane has has great drinks, too. I like going to Casa Blue, where they serve fresh popcorn with their cocktails. The bartenders are friendly, and the place has good ambiance.

On the more traditional end of the spectrum, The Pride of Spitalfields on Heneage Street is a classic spot. Every time I set foot inside I feel like I’m stepping back in time. When it’s sunny, people spill out onto the sidewalk with their pints.

8. Go to the Brick Lane Markets

There’s more food and drink to be found at the markets, too. One of my favorite things to do in Brick Lane is explore all the different ones along the street.

Sundays are great days for it, as the whole road fills with the weekly Brick Lane Market. Food, crafts, vintage goods, bric-a-brac, and second-hand furniture take over the street, and the area buzzes with energy and music.

The indoor markets on Brick Lane cluster around the Old Truman Brewery. This set of historic buildings houses a variety of markets each week.

One of the biggest is the Sunday Upmarket. It has over 200 stalls selling all kinds of fashion, art, and lifestyle goods. It also has a large indoor food area with lots of options for dishes from around the world.

The Backyard Market is packed with the works of young local designers and artists every Saturday and Sunday. It offers clothes, prints, jewelry, and unique accessories.

The Brick Lane Food Hall is a weekend market in the Old Truman Brewery’s 19th-century Boiler House. More than 30 stalls sell food from Japan, Italy, Poland, Malaysia, Morocco, Korea, Ethiopia, and other countries. It’s a great place to go on a global culinary tour without leaving east London.

House of Vegan is a weekend market offering some of the best vegan street food in London. Like the the Brick Lane Food Hall, it’s situated in the Old Truman Brewery’s Boiler House. It’s a great place to get into the UK capital’s plant-based scene.

The Brick Lane Vintage Market is open every day and is the perfect place to stock up on unique clothing and accessories. It offers men’s and women’s clothes from the 1920s to the 1990s.

The Tea Rooms are a treasure trove of furniture, collectables, and antique finds. This weekend market on Brick Lane also offers home goods ranging from handmade aprons to cushion covers.

9. Go for a Walk

If you’re like me, you enjoy exploring on foot. Spitalfields is great to discover on a walk, and the area’s details are easy to spot if you take your time.

I’ve written a self-guided walk in Spitalfields that will take you along Brick Lane and to other parts of the neighborhood. It’s a fun way to spend a morning or afternoon, and good for getting a feel for this part of east London.

I’ve also published a self-guided street art tour of London that will guide you around the best street art in Spitalfields and Shoreditch. It’s a great way to take in east London’s creative scene.

10. Head to a Pop-Up

Also exciting is checking out the many pop-ups around. There are always new things coming into the Old Truman Brewery and the side streets, no to mention Brick Lane itself.

One of the best things to do in Brick Lane is look out for pop-ups as you go. From designer outlets to experimental restaurants, they’re opening all the time.

There are also pop-up markets and fairs on throughout the year, so it’s worth returning again and again to see what’s on.

11. Explore the Old Truman Brewery

I’ve written a lot about the Old Truman Brewery in this blog post. Once London’s largest brewery, the buildings that housed it have now been put to creative use as other things.

They take up a good deal of the street and are home to a lot of Brick Lane’s best markets, festivals, pop-ups, and shops.

There’s always something new going on in and around the Old Truman Brewery buildings, so it’s a good idea to stop by to see what’s on while you’re here.

And that’s what keeps me coming back to this street (well, that and teaching). I love how it’s always reinventing itself, painting over its past, and pushing London’s creative scene forward.

With so much going on in one place, there’s always an abundance of things to do in Brick Lane. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

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2 Comments on Lady’s 11 Exciting Things to Do on Brick Lane in London

Great info. heading back in Oct. Thank you

You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy your time there.

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Why you should visit Brick Lane, London

A guide to one of London’s most exciting streets – the iconic Brick Lane. All about the food, cafes, vintage shops, street art and famous markets.

• Post date September 17, 2018
• Post categories In London , Destinations , England , Europe
• Tags City Guides , Hip , Hipster , Markets , Retro and Vintage , Self Guided , Street Art

Brick Lane is an iconic street in East London with a lot of exciting things to discover and an atmosphere you can’t find anywhere else.

London’s Brick Lane is where you go for a vibrant mix of food markets, street performers, vintage shops, curry restaurants, trendy cafes, incredible street art, independent bookshops and rainbow bagels…

If the description above sounds a bit eclectic, that’s because it is. It’s a very mixed part of London. It is colourful, lively, exciting and quirky 🙂

How to get to Brick Lane

Brick Lane is in East London, but pretty close to the centre and easy to reach.

You can take an Overground train to Shoreditch High Street station or get off at Aldgate underground station or Liverpool Street station (both train and underground). It’s a short walk from each of those stations.

When to visit Brick Lane

Brick Lane is one of the most popular spots to visit on a Sunday, but you can visit any day of the week.

There are tons of things to do in London during weekends, and Brick Lane is one of the more popular and lively places to go on Saturday or Sunday.

There are plenty of people, street musicians, the big market on Sunday, plus several other markets that are open throughout the weekend, selling food, and vintage and design items.

The Brick Lane Sunday market opening hours are 10am – 5pm. It does get busy and even packed sometimes, so bear that in mind.

It’s also a short walk or bus ride from Columbia Road Flower Market , also taking place every Sunday (and also quite packed…), so you can visit both on the same day.

During weekdays, it’s still a great place to visit, especially if you don’t like crowds.

All the shops, cafes, restaurants and bars are open and you can enjoy the brilliant street art and unique atmosphere any day.

Brick Lane markets – food, design and vintage

Brick Lane is one of the most famous streets in London , and that’s in large part thanks to its brilliant markets.

There are many markets on Brick Lane every weekend.

The Sunday market is a bustling outdoor market with stalls along the street selling food, drinks, vintage (some really eccentric collections sometimes), art, furniture and lots of other interesting things, mostly second-hand. Even if you’re not shopping for bargains, you’ll appreciate the atmosphere.

The Sunday Upmarket   at the Old Truman Brewery (which is no longer a brewery), is open every Sunday from 10am to 5pm. It’s an eclectic market, selling food from around the world, fashion, vintage items, accessories, arts & crafts and more. The food stalls have vegan and vegetarian options.

The Vintage Market   inside the Old Truman Brewery, takes place every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and is simply huge. It’s fun to get lost between the stalls and try on garments from the 1930s…

Backyard Market   is a much loved designer market, open on both Saturday and Sunday.

It’s a great place to go shopping for unique gifts, from clothing and jewellery to posters and prints.

Right before you enter the Backyard Market, go into the Tea Rooms for another dose of assorted vintage and retro collections.

The Boiler House Food Hall is the place to go for international cuisine, with food stalls from around the world. It’s open on both Saturday and Sunday.

You can buy your food at the food hall and then step outside to have it on the picnic tables in the yard, if the weather is nice. It always has vegan and vegetarian options.

The Old Spitalfields Market is not actually in Brick Lane, but only about a 5 minute walk away from the Old Truman Brewery.

You may want to check it out as well while you’re in the area. It has a different feel to the Brick Lanes markets. It’s a covered market with food stalls and restaurants plus beautiful arts and crafts stalls. It’s open 7 days a week.

Brick Lane street art

Brick Lane is famous for its wonderful street art.

Generally speaking, there’s a lot of excellent street art in Shoreditch: From large murals that are stunning and hard to miss, to small pieces of art that you can only find if you know where to look.

I’ve written about London’s street art in the past, but it’s an ever-changing scene, naturally, and there’s always something new to discover.

You will see street are all around Brick Lane. Don’t forget to wander into the side streets and even small alleys to discover more pieces.

If you walk down Dray Walk, right next to the Old Truman Brewery, all the way to the end, you’ll get to see some brilliant street art, including a Banksy piece.

Walk down Hanbury Street to see some excellent street art, including the famous Crane by Belgian street artists ROA.

Walk all the way till the first street corner of Hanbury Street to find a huge mural that changes from time to time as the artists repaint the wall.

Guided street art tours around Brick Lane

Street art tours of Brick Lane are very popular and I highly recommend taking one.

They are often led by street artists who know the scene well and can give you a wealth of information.

I took a tour with a street artist (who wouldn’t tell us his artist name, for obvious reasons) and gained a deeper understanding of how the artists work, why they do what they do and the internal rules of this subculture.

Top street art tours in Brick Lane and East London

It’s best to book in advance, as these tours have become a bucket-list item for London tourists and so may sell out quickly.

Here’s a selection on the best tours:

• Private East London Walking Tour with a Local
• London Street Art and The East End Guided Walking Tour
• London: Street Art Bike Tour
• Alternative London 2-Hour Street Art Walking Tour
• London: Street Art Walking Tour

Brick Lane photo shoots

Thanks to its colourfulness and quirkiness, Brick Lane has become a very popular place for photo shoots.

You can hire a professional photographer who knows all the rights places to go in and around Brick Lane and have your photos taken with cool graffiti backgrounds or other nice locations.

It can take between 30 minutes to 2 hours.

The photographer will also do the editing for you.

Use the photos for Instagram or for you family photo albums.

Vintage shops in Brick Lane

If you’re a vintage fan, then you can spend an entire afternoon browsing items on Brick Lane and its side streets.

You’ll find a vintage fashion shops sprinkled all around, from the cosy Hunky Dory to Rokit with its large selection.

At the corner of Brick Lane and Cheshire Street you’ll see a colourful vintage shop called Brick Lane Vintage .

When you walk down that small side street you’ll find, amongst the beautiful street art, quite a few other vintage shops, like Search & Destroy , Porcelain & Red and Vintage Basement .

Atika on Hanbury Street off Brick Lane is a massive concept store selling curated vintage fashion. When I say massive, I mean take your time – they have over 20,000 items for sale!

Typical Brick Lane foods: curry houses and bagels

While there’s food from every corner of the world at the Brick Lane food markets, the street is most famous for its curry house galore.

Bengali restaurants dominate the part of the street close to Aldgate East station and the area is sometimes nicknamed “Bangaltown”. Even the street signs are in both English and Bengali.

You will see more and more of those as you walk down Brick Lane past Hanbury Street, each proclaiming to be “The best curry house in London” 😉

Brick Lane is not just known for its curry restaurants, but also for the bagel shops at the other end of the street.

Beigel Shop and Beigel Bake , one with a white sign and the other with a yellow sign, are right next to one another, selling Eastern European Jewish style bagels 24 hours a day.

You’ll notice the spelling is “beigel” rather than “bagel” on the signs. This comes from Yiddish.

There used to be a large Jewish community around Brick Lane, starting from the 19th century.

They have since moved to other parts of London, but the bagel bakeries remained.

The bagel shops are iconic Brick Lane institutions and there’s even a short documentary about them:

Brick Lane cafes

There are some trendy coffee shops in and around Brick Lane,  and as you might expect from the area, some of them have a unique concept.

Canvas Cafe   on Hanbury street just off Brick Lane is a personal favourite of mine.

It’s a cafe with a fully vegan menu, but also is a creative space. It runs all sorts of workshops, lectures, exhibitions and events . They also have a “pay it forward” board, where you can pay for somebody’s food or drink.

Yumchaa is a tea house offering over 40 blends of tea, plus coffee, matcha and chai.

Kahaila Cafe looks small from outside, but when you enter you’ll see there’s a lot of space inside.

I was surprised to learn that it’s not just a cafe, but a church running community events and charitable projects for women.

Pretty Cuppa is a nice little coffee shop offering matcha tea, fresh juices and pastries.

Cereal Killer   is the place to go if you feel like eating cornflakes 😉

It sounds weird, but they have over 100 different types of cereals from around the world (with a separate vegan menu) and the decor should give you a nostalgic feeling.

Café 1001 next to the Old Truman Brewery is a cafe as well as a club with live bands and DJs, plus other cultural events.

Caravanserail  is  a bookshop and gallery on Cheshire Street.

It’s a French and English bookshop with cute red sofas by the window that also serves coffee.

Hotels in the Brick Lane area

There are some great places to stay within a short walking distance from Brick Lane.

It’s one of the coolest areas of London to stay in, with great nightlife and lots of trendy shops and bars.

You’ll also be close to a few underground and overground train stations, so it’s a good base to explore London from.

Next to Shoreditch High Street Station and a short walk to Brick Lane, this is a stylish Shoreditch hotel known for its friendly staff.

A very short walking distance to Brick Lane, this hotel has lovely rooms and a rooftop garden and is close to the underground station.

This highly rated hotel is just a 9 minute walk from Brick Lane. The rooms have a unique Bohemian style design and the hotel has a popular rooftop bar.

Explore more areas of London

Put these fascinating parts of London on your bucket list:

South Bank – London’s lively cultural hub by the river.

Brixton – One of London’s coolest neighbourhoods.

Regent’s Canal – A truly relaxing walk in the middle of the big city.

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Things to do on Brick Lane, London

Brick Lane is an iconic street in East London, best known for it’s hippy/street culture and alongside numerous markets, vintage shops, and curry houses, thanks to it’s large Bangladeshi community. Street art is everywhere- and it’s pretty incredible too!

There are many independent coffee houses for coffee enthusiasts, as well as a lot of vegan food places to dive into. I first discovered Brick Lane in East London over 10 years ago when it was a predominantly Bangladeshi community. It feels much more hipster nowadays and has a more artistic vibe to it.

Although busy on a Sunday, this is an excellent day to explore the markets and street food on offer. There’s so much choice from jerk chicken, Asian noodles, pulled pork buns and delicious gnocchi- most have samples to try too 🙂

So here are a few things to do on Brick Lane starting from the Aldgate side and ending up at Shoreditch…

Whitechapel Gallery

If you’re into art then at the top of Brick Lane and next door to Aldgate East tube station is Whitechapel gallery. This is a great thing to do on a budget as the gallery is free and it’s contemporary art is ever changing. Although some exhibitions I find a little too contemporary, you can find some really interesting exhibits. Killed Negatives- Unseen Images of 1930s America was really interesting for me as I love that old black and white photography.

Brick Lane has some awesome street art so I spent some time wandering around, off to a few side streets and snapping the talented art work of the local graffiti artists. If you like street photography then its heaven! Everywhere you look there’s something arty to photograph.

Check out the side streets

The streets just off from Brick Lane are quite interesting themselves and are always appearing on Instagram. The old brick buildings give a kinda of Jack the Ripper type feel about the place and you can just fell the history of previous generations. There are some pretty cool and colourful houses to check out here.

Vintage shops and Quirky Hangouts

As you wander down the street you will see many hipster and retro shops from vintage clothing and jewellery stores, huts selling jerk chicken to beigel shops, chocolate shops and bakeries.

Not forgetting the cereal killer cafe, a nostalgic place selling all your favourite cereals from when you were a child (mostly 90’s-00’s). There’s also a bookshop, barbers, the Brick Lance gallery and lots of arty shops.

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Have a curry.

If you find yourself in this part of London then you cannot miss having a delicious curry- it would be a crime not too! There are numerous curry houses and food markets along Brick Lane, with all the restaurant staff standing outside trying to lure you in. I decided on a curry place called Aladdin as it has supposedly been recommended by Prince Charles himself!

There was a lunch special on which consisted of a starter, main and side for £10- pretty good deal! I sat right by the open window so got the chance to people watch at the same time! The food was good although the korma was a tiny bit bland but overall pretty decent for the price.

Vintage Markets

Check out the indoor market at the Old Truman Brewery which is huge, The Backyard Market and the Brick Lane Vintage Market. For anyone into vintage and quirky clothes then there are some old and unusual finds to be had here. If you are looking for a bargain or to find something different from the high street then this place is perfect- especially to find those high wasted Levi shorts for summer!

There is also a vegan market and the Tea Rooms open on weekends, selling handmade goods and what I found really interesting, old maps of London. The Sunday markets are busy but sell delicious food.

Grab a coffee

The are so many independent coffee shops in the area so if you’re a coffee snob like me (thanks Australia!) then you will really appreciate the quality of the beans. There are so many around- check out this app. It tells you where the good coffee shops are in London.

Nomadic Community Gardens

This was a special find and I’m so glad I came across it. What used to be an abandoned and derelict area has now been turned into a crazy cool hangout for the locals. Everyone comes together here and in between small allotment patches of pretty flowers are sofas, benches, graffiti, crafty artwork and sculptures with many different sections. Every corner I turned around there were a different group of people hanging out and chatting in the sunshine.

Although it’s local and quite alternative it’s also very welcoming and you can just happily wander through. I got talking to some of the local guys who were sitting down and they told me to come on Sundays as there is live music, lots of people, food, drinks, etc and a real community vibe.

So that takes us to the end of the street and seeing as I’ve only mentioned a fraction of what you can do here the next thing to do is check it out yourself! Whether a local or tourist it’s worth a visit to get a different perspective of London as opposed to the usual ‘tourist’ sites.

Hope you enjoyed this post on things to do on Brick Lane. Know any other things to do in the area? I would love to hear your comments below.

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Hi, I'm Sam, a British backpacker, solo travelling for over a decade. I aim to inspire and advise on solo female travel.

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The nomadic community gardens are super intriguing!

Yes, a very cool spot!

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Brick Lane: 5 Things to Know About This East London Neighborhood

Shaped by centuries of immigration, artisanal influences, and class politics, Brick Lane , in the industrial “East End” of the city, has become the epitome of a melting pot. Our tour of this neighborhood is led by Pete , an adopted Londoner originally from Manchester and a local of the street for a number of years. His walk digs deeper into the intricate details and unexpected stories found on and around Brick Lane but, to whet your appetite, here’s five things we think you should know about Pete’s beloved stomping ground.

1. It is London’s most global street.

Brick Lane has long provided sanctuary to those escaping persecution in other countries. French Huguenots arrived here in the 17th Century, later followed by waves of Jewish refugees – many of whom fled pogroms in mainland Europe – and also Irish settlers. Nowadays, Brick Lane is predominantly associated with the Bangladeshi community, and its street signs are inscribed with both English and Bengali translations.

One of the ways in which the global identity of this area can be summarized is through its food businesses. Lined with curry houses such as City Spice and Sheba , infamous rival beigel bakeries Beigel Shop and Beigel Bake , “chippies” (fish-and-chip takeouts), and street-food stalls selling everything from Tibetan momos to Ethiopian injera, you can quite literally eat your way around the world when visiting Brick Lane. Another microcosm for the neighborhood is the Brick Lane Jamme Masjid ; a building that started life as a Protestant church before becoming a Methodist chapel, then a synagogue, and finally a mosque, which it serves as today.

2. There is street art everywhere.

Whether it’s contemporary Pointillist portraits or floating, painted drinks cans, the colorful and diverse urban artwork is what attracts most people to this area. Pieces range from small ‘slaps’ (stickers) on lampposts and stencils on walls to full-blown murals and collages. Artists such as Stik, ROA, and D*Face have all contributed to the ever-changing gallery, and there’s even a Banksy – although it might not be in the kind of style you’ve come to expect from him.

There really is something new and beautiful wherever you look around Brick Lane and its surrounding streets. But unless you actually know where to look, you might miss something, so that’s where our guide Pete’s insider know-how comes in.

3. It was once the fashion capital of the world (and is still a shopper’s paradise).

It’s no minor coincidence that one of the side-streets off Brick Lane is named ‘Fashion Street’. In the past, the creative crafts of dressmaking, drapery, weaving, and tailoring were brought to east London by its Huguenot and Jewish populations from the continent, which led to a booming fashion and textile industry emerging in this corner of the capital.

In current times, it still boasts an impressive catalog of independent designers, alternative clothing outlets, weekend markets such as Upmarket and the Backyard Market, and vintage shops like Rokit and ATIKA .

4. It was where the ‘Matchstick Girls’ strike meetings took place.

This is history that many lifelong Londoners don’t even know about, and it always shocks people to learn of it on Pete’s tour of Brick Lane. We won’t say too much, in case you later decide to join the walk for yourself, but here’s who the Victorian ‘Matchstick Girls’ were in a nutshell.

They were mostly from Irish immigrant families and worked grueling hours in an East End matchstick-making factory where they were subjected to appalling treatment. In a lot of cases, they were also far younger than today’s legal age for employment given that match-making was so fiddly – more efficient when performed by smaller hands. The white phosphorus used in those days to coat the ends of matches was highly poisonous, and girls were dying horrific deaths as a consequence of handling it.

Industrial action protesting this gross negligence, spearheaded by socialist campaigners Annie Besant and Eleanor Marx, was planned in meetings held at Hanbury Hall in 1888, just off Brick Lane. It was ultimately successful, helping to pave the way towards better rights for female workers and the British trade union movement. It is also said to be how the term ‘strike’ originated, used to describe employees deliberately abstaining from their jobs to gain justice and recognition for demands such as fairer wages and safer working conditions.

5. It is under increasing threat from gentrification.

Most recently, plans were approved to build a new office and shopping complex on The Truman Brewery site, which has stood on the corner of Brick Lane since 1666. The brewery might have closed in 1989, but the historic building has since lived on as an arts venue and a hub of independent retailers. Therefore, this proposal has caused additional concern for many majority working-class local residents and business owners who already fear being priced out of the area by big developments and rising rent.

With the future of Brick Lane as we know it in jeopardy, now is a crucial time to visit and celebrate its diversity and timeless quality by supporting local businesses; whether that’s buying a good read or two from Brick Lane Bookshop , grabbing an espresso from Nude Coffee Roasters , or listening to vinyl DJs and banging playlists over a beer in Cafe 1001 .

If you want to hear more about the fascinating heritage of the neighborhood, join Pete as he walks and talks through the culture and characters of the area. On the other side of the River Thames, you can also take our tour around London Bridge with David .

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A Walking Tour of Brick Lane’s Street Art

• Last Updated February 27, 2023
• UK , Europe

“This is the last, dying breath of Shoreditch’s street art scene”

Gregory points from side to side and I follow his gaze, expecting to see some small indication of graffiti’s demise daubed on the walls around us. We’re stood in a non-descript yard just off brick lane, halfway between Fashion Street and Fournier Street. Directly in front of us are two portraits of women covering the metal door of a garage and the adjoining wall, one by Nottingham based artist Dreph and another by London’s own Carleen De Sozer. This little alleyway is a treasure trove of street art, every wall bursting with colour and works by some of the country’s most well-renowned artists such as Fanakapan, ThisOne and Mr Cenz.

However, what once acted as a sort of open gallery for artists, a spot for them to paint and repaint an ever-changing exhibition, has recently been acquired by a local business to use as a car park, making it much harder for artists to gain access to the walls. Even today, some of the pieces are blocked from view by vehicles.

Gregory is taking me on a street art tour of Shoreditch, known by some as the World’s greatest outdoor art gallery and seen by many as the epicentre of London’s street art scene. Although Gregory’s closing words put that in doubt. To him, the street art scene around Brick Lane is almost done, with many artists choosing to work south of the river in places like Clapham and Brixton.

That isn’t to say that there Brick Lane is devoid of great work. Some of London’s best and most famous pieces can be found on the walls around Brick Lane, making it the perfect spot to indulge in a little history of the city’s street art scene. Gregory is an artist himself, both incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about the subject. He assures us that during the two-hour tour, we will see a fair bit of his work but he won’t tell us his street name or even which paintings are his. After all, graffiti is still very much illegal in the UK.

That makes our starting point even more unusual: Outside of Brick Lane Police Station opposite Chicksand Street. Gregory points us towards a large, fluorescent yellow mushroom standing atop a nearby building. This and dozens of other similar sculptures have been placed around the city by  Christian Nagel . It’s his way of showing that the influence of street art is unstoppable, spreading throughout the city like a fungus. Christian manages to dot them around the city while avoiding the authorities by dressing in a hard hat and hi-vis vest and renting scissor lifts. Blending into his surroundings while doing something totally illegal.

Other forms of graffiti are less well hidden. Gregory tells us to look towards the wall of the  Sticky Ribs  on Chicksand Street. There’s a beautiful bold mural painted in bright blues, yellows and pinks. Our group lets out a few ‘ooohs’ of delight before chastising us.

“Who’s looking at the mural?” The whole group raise their hands. “What you should be looking at are the tags on the red shutter next to it.” Our eyes collectively shift left to the crowded collection of scrawled words and phrases. It’s much less pleasing to the eye and it is easy to see why most of us looked straight past it. However, Gregory explains just how important tagging is to the street art scene. While most people see it as brainless vandalism, he sees is as graffiti in it’s purest form.

“The difference is that graffiti is letter-based, it’s character-based and usually done with spray paint. Many people see it as vandalism. Street art, on the other hand, is something that people  want  to see. They  want  to look at images and portraits. These can be done with stencilling, can be painted with brushes, they can be posters and paste-ups”

It’s clear that Gregory has a bias towards traditional graffiti rather than the huge murals that many people visit Shoreditch to see. We avoid seeing some of the more famous works; the Banksy’s, the ROA’s, and the Conor Harrington’s. Instead, we plodded our way along the backstreets looking for tags and some of the area’s hidden gems. Even when we came across some work by Sheffield artist Phlegm, one of the countries most well-known and well-respected street artists, Gregory took more time explaining the tags on an adjacent wall than Phlegm’s monochrome masterpiece.

After a brief explanation, I finally see why he holds tagging in such high regard. What to us may just be random scrawls are in fact a calling card for the city’s many graffiti artists, a way for them to hone their skills and get their name out there. Most of the big-name artists that are now commissioned to paint huge murals on the sides of buildings all over London started out with tagging. They would often set out at night, scrawling their calling card up to 40 or 50 times a night around the city as a way to be seen and gain respect.

So when is tagging seen as art, and when is it vandalism? To Gregory, tagging has a style and finesse to it. He points out 3 orange letters scrawled over the top of Phlegm’s piece spelling out “BLM” or ‘Brick Lane Massif’. “There’s no style to this and the way it is scrawled across the other work is disrespectful. It’s not the work of an artist, but of a local gang. They don’t care for the street artists, and deface their stuff whenever possible.”

The point is brought home when we spot an artist painting a new mural on the railway bridge beside Allen Gardens and Spitalfields City Farm. “It’ll be there for 3 days before it’s painted over if she’s lucky. It’ll probably be gone by tomorrow.” Explains Gregory.

This just shows the transient nature of street art. It’s not supposed to be permanent. We find ourselves in a small courtyard hidden between a dozen or so terraced houses. On the far wall is one of the most beautiful murals I see on the whole of our tour; An abstract portrait of a woman in swirls of blue and orange. It’s by  Mr Cenz . Gregory informs us that in a little less than a week, the mural will be gone, paint over by another artist for a show at the Whitechapel Gallery. Just like any exhibition at a traditional art gallery, the pieces change. With street art, they fade or are painted over.

Maybe that is why London’s street art scene has made its home around Brick Lane. As a neighbourhood, it is also constantly undergoing radical changes. From as early as the 15th century, this part of Shoreditch was home to the brewing industry. Then came the French Huguenots in the 18th century, making Brick Lane a centre for weaving, tailoring and the developing clothing industry. This resulted in an influx of Irish and Ashkenazi Jews immigrating to the area, cementing Brick Lane’s reputation as the multicultural heart of London. The street is now mostly known as an important hub for the Bengali community.  A little nod to this can be seen in Jim Vision’s incredible ‘Paradise Lost, in the Midst of Things’ on the side of Banglatown Cash & Carry in Hanbury Street.

In more recent years, Brick Lane has become a centre for London’s art and fashion scenes. Although the epicentre for what is considered cool in London keeps changing, Brick Lane and Shoreditch seem to be a permanent fixture despite growing gentrification. The street art of the area has played a big part in this and has become much more accepted by the mainstream as a result. Many people visit East London for street art alone.

This acceptance has allowed artists more freedom than they have ever experienced before. Gregory explains that the railway bridge alongside Allen Gardens has been a bone of contention for a while. Whenever the walls here are painted, the art is quickly removed. However, recently TFL has allowed the artists to turn the bridge into a permanent gallery, finally accepting that street art can be beautiful rather than seeing it as a mere act of vandalism.

Artists have also been allowed to create a permanent art space, known as the Nomadic Community Garden, on derelict land next to the railway tracks. It’s a rabbit warren of temporary structures; wooden huts that house cafes, bars and workshops. Everywhere you look there’s a riot of colour and paint as artists have free reign to express their creativity on this little patch of land. As we wander around on a Saturday morning the garden is fairly empty other than a group of young children, aged around 7 or 8 and splashed with a rainbow of paint, having an art class with a local graffiti artist. A space like this just shows how far we have come from the days when all graffiti was seen as vandalism.

However, street art’s acceptance into the mainstream isn’t without its issues, even within the art community itself. While it is now easier than ever for artists to find walls to paint – often businesses and landlords offer up the side of their buildings to artists – many see it as being commercialised with people being paid large sums of money to create murals advertising international brands. During my short walk around Shoreditch earlier that morning I had seen two walls painted in a street art style, but advertising both a popular bank and an expensive watch brand. A mural on Code Street by  Nomad Clan   – Cbloxx and AYLO, aka Joy Gilleard and Hayley Garner –  shows a woman with her eyes crosses out, holding handfuls of burning money – a commentary on street art selling out. Maybe that’s what Gregory means when he says that the Shoreditch street art scene is dying.

We finish the tour at the Old Truman Brewery, once the industrial centre of the area, but now a space occupied with bars, cafes and shops. It is the best place to see work by some of the world’s most famous artists; there are works by Space Invader, Shepard Fairy and even a classic car in hot pink that was placed there by Banksy. Gregory half-sneers at the way the Banksy car is now hidden behind plexiglass for protection, explaining once again that street art isn’t meant to be protected, isn’t meant to be permanent. I’m beginning to see the reasoning behind his original statement.

The next day, I spend the morning wandering around Brick Lane Market. With the roads closed, food stalls fill every available space, pumping plumes of delicious smells into the air. Tarpaulin-covered tables are laid out with antiques and tat on display for all to see. Once you pass the Old Truman Brewery, the party atmosphere begins, with musicians tapping away to tinny Reggae, open grills throwing out clouds of smoke and vendors yelling out to passers-by, trying to gain their custom. For me, this is when the area really comes alive and shows how vibrant it is.

As I cross the railway bridge beyond Pedley Street, I see them: Half a dozen street artists, 3 on each side of the road, scrawling fresh graffiti on the metal sidings. They aren’t painting a mural or an advertisement, but intricate tags of their names. A few streets further, I see a middle-aged man on a scissor lift. He’s holding a piece of paper with a photograph on it. He squints at the page, then at the wall before putting his brush to the brickwork and doing his best to reproduce it on a 30ft high surface. It’s only then that I realise I’m watching Dale Grimshaw, one of the countries most renowned street artists, painting his newest mural. Gregory may say that street art in Shoreditch is dead, but within half an hour of walking, I see almost a dozen artists, including some of London’s most famous, at work. It seems to me that the street art scene is still very much alive.

Where to Stay Near Brick Lane

During my time in London, I stayed at  Wombats CITY HOSTEL . Located just a 10-minute walk from Brick Lane, it is the perfect base for exploring the street art of Shoreditch and the surrounding area.

Winner of ‘Best Hostel in London’ and ‘Best Hostel Chain’ at the annual HostelWorld  Hoscar  awards, Wombat’s is the perfect choice for anyone that is looking for stylish, central, yet budget accommodation. They offer both private and dorm bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.

Check out my in-depth review of Wombats here

This post was brought to you as a result of the #wombatsTraveller blog trip, created and managed by  iambassador  in partnership with  Wombat’s CITY HOSTELS . However, all views expressed are my own.

Dave McClane

David McClane is a photographer and travel writer based in Leeds, UK. Since first picking up a camera on a yearlong journey through Central and South America in 2014/2015, He has carefully documented his travels through almost 50 countries.

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3 responses.

Absolutely fascinating – believe it or not, I am a Londoner born and bred and yet have only recently become fully aware of historic Brick Lane. My brother lives on one of the streets off the Brick Lane and for years I have ogled the artwork, intrigued by the morphing landscape of the area. I know nothing of art, but my senses as a human being marvel at the handiwork of Bricks Lane’s living creativity. Would it be possible to talk to you, perhaps interview you in connection with some educational research that I have embarked on? It is for an anthropological MA. Thank you for an amazing blog, insightful and enlightening.

Hi Dave Lovely blog! I am teaching a module on multiculturalism to students at Hult (aldgate east) and have been thinking of taking the students out on a culture trip to the Bricklane neighbourhood and see life beyond pubs and restaurants. They are all international students (±20yrs) so this can be a great opportunity for them to understand London’s pot of culture through street art in Bricklane. Do let me know if you know anyone who would be interested in doing this. Thanks.

Hi Satrupa! Thanks for the kind words. I took the London Graffiti and Street Art Tour which meets daily at Exmouth Coffee Shop right beside Aldgate East station (11 am on Fri, Sat & Sun and 2 pm on Sat, Sun, Mon, Tues & Thur). Although they didn’t go too deeply into Bricklane’s multicultural history, the tour guide was a graffiti artist himself so had fantastic insights into the street art scene of London. The tour is free, but it is recommended that you tip the guide at the end of the tour as this is how they earn a living from the tours. I’m sure they would be able to accommodate a large group of international students!

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Banksy reveals ninth artwork of gorilla freeing animals into wild at London Zoo

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Banksy has unveiled what may be the biggest clue yet as to the meaning of his graffiti campaign across London .

All nine of the artworks produced around the city in has many days have featured animals interacting in some way with their environment.

Today a new piece emerged of a gorilla at London Zoo, painted as if it’s lifting a shutter to free animals, including birds and a seal, from captivity.

Many of the previous pieces have featured similar themes of confinement and escape.

This includes a goat appearing trapped on the precarious ledge of a pillar, and two elephants reaching from bricked-up windows in an attempt to touch trunks.

Does this hint towards the message Banksy is trying to send , or are such theories ’way too involved’, as The Observer reported the artist’s representatives Pest Control as indicating.

The debate over the series’ true meaning has been brewing ever since the first piece was seen on Monday last week.

Early that morning, a painting of  a goat appeared balancing on a pillar  with rocks falling off appeared at Kew Green in Richmond.

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Then  two elephants appeared  on Edith Terrace,  Chelsea , where the average price of a home reached over £750,000 in the last year alone, according to RightMove.

On Wednesday it seemed a pattern was emerging, with  three monkeys painted like they were swinging  across a London Overground bridge over Brick Lane.

But that trend of rising numbers was broken on Wednesday when  a lone wolf howling towards the sky  appeared on a satellite dish on Rye Lane in Peckham.

It was stolen by three men who scaled the roof with a ladder just an hour later.

Two  pelicans eating fish  were spotted atop the sign of Bonners Fish Bar in Walthamstow on Friday morning.

A black cat was then spotted stretching on a dilapidated billboard, overgrown with leaves, on Saturday before  contractors were seen removing it .

Yesterday, Banksy unveiled an artwork depicting a rhino, painted in such a way that it appears to be mounting a parked car with a traffic cone on its hood on an industrial site along Westmoor Street, Charlton, south east London.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

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Banksy Reveals True Meaning Behind 'London Zoo' Works

While finishing off the week-long mural series with two new surprises..

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Banksy has seemingly wrapped up his week-long, fan-dubbed ‘London Zoo’ series with two final surprises over the weekend. On Saturday, a wild cat stretched across an abandoned billboard in Cricklewood, and on Sunday, a police box in London’s financial district transformed into a tank of bloodthirsty piranhas. Finally, the elusive artist revealed the meaning behind these works as explained in a new report by Artnet .

Each day last week, Banksy dropped a new black silhouette of an animal in various locations across London. A goat appeared in Richmond on Monday, two elephants in Chelsea on Tuesday, three monkeys on a Brick Lane overpass on Wednesday, a howling wolf on a satellite dish in Peckham on Thursday, and two hungry pelicans perched atop a fish bar in Walthamstow on Friday.

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Banksy unveils third street artwork in London this week with monkeys on Brick Lane bridge

Banksy has unveiled another new artwork on Wednesday, this time depicting three monkeys on a bridge on London ’s Brick Lane .

It’s the third animal artwork in the capital that the Bristol-based artist has claimed credit for this week, following elephants appearing in Chelsea and a goat at Kew Bridge.

The artist posted an image on Instagram of the monkeys looking as though they were swinging on the bridge.

It has been done in black near a vintage clothing shop and a coffee house in the popular market street, not far from Shoreditch High Street.

On Tuesday he posted a photo of two elephant silhouettes, with their trunks stretched towards each other. He posted artwork of a goat perched on top of a wall near Kew Bridge in Richmond on Monday.

He has not written a caption for any of the Instagram posts, which has fuelled speculated online about their meaning.

Three monkeys have been associated with the Japanese proverb “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil”.

In Banksy’s work the monkeys are not covering their eyes, ears or mouths.

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