Exploring Spitalfields And Brick Lane, London
London is not a city, rather a collection of little towns and villages, like Spitalfields and Brick Lane, patchworked together like an American quilt. Nowhere other than London will you encounter in one space a collection of people from so many walks of life both culturally and socially.
The London neighbourhoods of Pimlico, Chelsea and Knightsbridge you associate with wealth and class. Notting Hill and Primrose Hill; the rich and famous. Greenwich; Royal history. Camden; those in need of a good bath. But what about one of my favourite London area’s, Spitalfields and Brick Lane?
What does this East London neighbourhood have to offer? What’s the story behind Spitalfields and Brick Lane, London? And, what is worth exploring once you’ve seen the markets and tasted the curries on Brick Lane?
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Exploring The Area – A Bit Of Spitalfields and Brick Lane History
So, you’ve visited Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, done Harrods and Liberty’s and caught sight of pretty much every iconic landmark London has to offer from an open top bus tour, but now you want something more, something a bit different. You want to feel some history and absorb a bit of London culture, discover some hidden gems, experience real city life and visit the places the locals go. Well, you’ve come to the right place – Spitalfields and Brick Lane is a thriving neighbourhood with so much to see and do and well worth at least a day of your London vacation.
Before you set off exploring this quirky, unique east London neighbourhood and become confused by the minestrone soup of architecture and styles in Spitalfields and Brick Lane, let me give you some Brick Lane history that clears up a few questions.
The St Mary Spital Hospital, from where Spitalfields gets its name, was founded in 1197 in a fairly rural area of London but started to become more populated when a twice-weekly market was held at Spital Square. The Great Fire Of London in 1666 forced many people to relocate outside of the original city walls and the East End became an area that attracted trades and the working classes.
In the 1600s, Louis XIV of France started persecuting the Protestants in his country leaving many with only the option of fleeing their homeland or renouncing their faith. London was always seen as an international city and celebrated diversity, even back then, and the French Huguenots were warmly welcomed to the capital. Before they arrived, £63,000 was raised in order to house the new immigrants and Charles II set up a charity on their behalf, what a good fellow.
They brought with them the art of silk weaving and houses were built in Spitalfields to accommodate this new trade. On Fournier Street and Princelet Street off Brick Lane, you can still see some evidence of the Huguenots presence by the wooden spools which hang above the doors to commemorate the homes where the weavers lived. Large houses with large windows so that the French could work with natural light later into the evening plus, being out of the city centre they were exempt from certain taxes. Later the Irish linen workers came to find work in the area too.
With the decline of silk as a fashion and ‘tailoring’ being more the haute couture of the day, Jewish refugees saw a gap in the market and jumped into Spitalfields and Brick Lane in the wake of the Huguenots, drawn to the textile industry. From the 1880s to the 1970s Spitalfields was one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe with over 40 synagogues.
Spitalfields was an undesirable area at this point in history. The fumes of the city were blown east and the air was thick and dirty. Some of the worst slums around painted the backdrop of rife prostitution, crime and cholera outbreaks. As if life wasn’t bad enough a serial killer was also on the loose – Jack the Ripper was claiming victims left, right and centre.
By the 1970’s most of the Jews had moved on and an influx of Bangladeshi immigrants were bringing new colour and scents to a fresh community. Brick Lane, or Banglatown as it is affectionately known today, is where you’ll find some of the best curry houses in the country.
French, Irish, Jewish and Bangladeshi residents have created a neighbourhood of culture which slaps you in the face, especially as you walk down Brick Lane. Soak it up and enjoy the ride – you won’t come across a district as diverse as this one anywhere else on the planet.
Things To Do In And Around Brick Lane
- At the top of Brick Lane there still exist a few old Jewish bakeries serving traditional salted beef bagels. They’re all vying for the top spot but in my opinion were equally great! Beigel Bake claims to have been open since the 70’s and keeps this iconic Jewish delicacy alive – a real must-have foodie option when you’re in London.
- Once you’ve woofed down your bagel you can finish your heavenly street meal next door with a Crosstown Doughnut (157 Brick Lane). Honestly, I’d eat one off the floor if you dropped it, and I don’t even like doughnuts! Crosstown Doughnuts are now a logo I look for wherever I am in London.
- Britain’s national dish – The Curry – spills all it’s aromas onto the pavements of Brick Lane, wooing you in to try a Balti or a Bhuna. If you’re not British you really must try a Brick Lane curry, and if you are – it doesn’t get much better than this!
- Most people come for the street art and graffiti here on Brick Lane. Keep your eyes peeled for some pretty famous pieces including the Burka by Stik and The Crane by ROA. Take a Street Art Tour – we’ve sourced some of the best London street art tours below ↓
- If you’re going to visit this London neaighbourhood on any day, make it a Sunday when the Brick Lane Market is on! The street is jam packed with vintage and antique market stalls and street performers, plus, the Old Truman Brewery at 91 Brick Lane is open for a Sunday market; up and coming designers sell their new clothing ideas and one off pieces.
- Visit Dark Sugars. A chocolate shop like no other – you’ll see. And, if you don’t buy any chocolate you must at least take a cup of their Pitch Black Hot Chocolate; a magic potion of Ghanaian alchemy.
- Get off the beaten path a bit and walk in the tracks of the Huguenots along Fournier and Princelet Street, look out for the beautiful huge windows and wooden bobbins.
Things To Do In Spitalfields
- Well obviously you’ve heard of the Spitalfields market, and it mustn’t be missed. Open every day of the week you can buy clothes, jewellery, crafts, food and art from an undercover Grade II listed market hall. It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the mouth and you can easily waste half a day browsing.
- If you like rainbow coffee, AIDA on nearby Shoreditch High Street serves matcha, turmeric and rose lattes for your next instagram post.
- If you’re fancying a pint and some good conversation about one of Britain’s historical villains it’s quite possible to grab yourself a half and find a seat in a couple of the drinking establishments associated with the Jack The Ripper murders. At least 5, possibly 11, victims can be connected to the bloke and they lived around here and drank around here. You can even do a Jack the Ripper walking tour if you so desire.
The Ten Bells pub on the corner of Fournier and Commercial Street : both Annie Chapman and Mary Jane Kelly were punters and the pub was used in the 2001 film From Hell, starring Johnny Depp as Jack The Ripper.
(Nearby, The Pride Of Spitalfields (3 Heneage Street) was the watering hole of 2 of the suspects; James Hardiman and George Hutchinson. A quaint little pub on a cobbled street.
- Catch a film at Electric Shoreditch (64-66 Redchurch Street). Cinema is theatre and should be enjoyed as such, therefore, if you’re going to splash some cash on the latest movie then I really can recommend doing it in style at this luxury cinema a short walk from Spitalfields market. Comfy velvet armchairs, a side table for your nacho’s and vintage lamp and blanket to make you feel like you’ve never left your living room. Seating is limited (you wouldn’t want too many people in your living room would you!?) so you had better book – www.electriccinema.co.uk/shoreditch.
- One of the best hidden bars in London is just around the corner from Spitalfields Market. The Breakfast Club on Artillery Lane has a secret fridge door – that’s all I’m going to say. But once you’re settled at The Mayor Of Scaredy Cat Town you’ll not want to leave this cosy hidden gem of London.
So there you have it – our quick guide to Spitalfields and Brick Lane. There are so many things to do in this area you could easily make this a base for your time in London. The nightlife in this area is the best in London we have found and the eating opportunities are endless. You’re also very close to some great London hidden gems too – check out our post (& map) here to see if you can pull in any more secret spots and interesting places whilst you’re in this London neighbourhood.
And if you are looking for a Spitalfields hotel, Ace Hotel on Shoreditch High Street fits the bill for this uber cool area. Record players in the bedrooms, funky decor and even a roof top bar – you will definitely fit in with the Shoreditch hipsters if you book here.
Alternatively, check out our review of the Hub by Premier Inn Spitalfields hotel for a budget hotel option, but be warned – cheap hotels in London sell out months in advance!
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This is an amazing blog to read, I really loved the street. Thanks for the share. Cheers!!!
Glad you liked it ?
This is where I have never explored, I will try to see here
Love the street art and the food. They all look amazing!
Such an enlightening and educative post, Alex! I learned some much about Spitalfields and Brick Lane from reading your post. The Spitalfields market seems remarkable and I would definitely love to visit it!
One of my favourite areas – I love the unique mix of cultures which have shaped it… and the market and street art, not to mention the food. I found myself back here recently and had a lovely wander for an hour or two but it would be great to do a proper street art tour. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping
I’d like to do that tour too. I’ve since found a ton of other stuff around there to see too.
I never knowingly visited Brick Lane when we lived in London, although I pottered around Spitalfields a time or too. Now I am a bit homesick! Especially for a really good curry.
You can’t beat a good curry 😉
You did well to avoid the curry on Brick Lane it is dreadful…
I’ve had better it has to be said but we’re totally spoilt for choice in Nottingham, however, there are 1 or 2 decent ones on and around brick lane, you just have to do your research and find out where the locals eat.
Great read! I lived near London for a few years but don’t think I ever made it out there – what a shame! I’m sort of fascinated with the Jack the Ripper murders, so I’d definitely like to give the Ten Bells pub a visit!
Aw man, you’d love the tours they do around there then about him.
Spitalfields is quite close to where I’m based and my boyfriend works nearby, so I’m there quite a lot! Dark Sugars is amazing, their chocolate is so dreamy! #citytripping
Isn’t it just! What a cool neighbourhood to live near.
We are headed back to London soon and this is an area we have never really explored. I love seeing amazing street art so I think we will have a great time. Thanks for sharing! #CityTripping
We are headed back to London soon and this is an area we have never really explored. I love seeing amazing street art so I think we will have a great time. Thanks for sharing! #CityTripping
Great coverage of this lesser-known town; I’d never heard of Spitalfields before – so thanks. All the talk of food has made my mouth water! :p Sounds like a lovely place to visit for the day with a big appetite.
Brilliant post! Exploring London a bit more is definitely on my to do list and I will most certainly be paying that cinema a visit while sneaking in a crosstown doughnut in my bag to munch on through the film!
To me London has always been about the Big Ben, Westminster, Buckingham Palace, and many other well known tourist attractions. I love it how you show these less known parts of London inspiring us to go back and visit deeper, Alex. Spitafields looks amazing. Added to our London off the beaten path list!
There is sooooo much to see outside of all that, London has so much history and amazing neighbourhoods – I’d like to live 6 months in each!
That mural is amazing and I can’t believe you stripped off and painted yourself for a blog post! I’ve never been to that part of London. The doughnuts and bagels are definitely a tasty lure to reel me in.
? you know me, always ready to be the exhibitionist 😉