Brick Lane, in a part of East London once known for its slums and Jack the Ripper, has long since been famous for its Indian restaurants, markets and the biggest Bangladeshi community in London.

Brick Lane street sign

Brick Lane Market

The best time to visit Brick Lane is without doubt on a Sunday when its famous market, in and around the Old Truman Brewery, opens from 9am to 5pm with vibrant collections of clothes and accesories from promising young designers. There are in fact a number of markets, in the lane itself and the surrounding streets, where young Londoners search for second-hand furniture, unusual clothes and bric-a-brac amongst colourful street art and entertaining street performers. If you want to make a day out of it you can also visit the nearby Columbia Road flower market, Spitalfields market and Petticoat Lane all on the same day (as long as it is a Sunday!)

 

Brick Lane Market

Brick Lane Street Art

Brick Lane Art Jimi

Brick Lane Indian Restaurants and Street Food

Interspersed between boutique shops, galleries, bars and nightclubs you’ll find over 50 Indian restaurants for which Brick Lane is so famous for. In addition, on Sundays you’ll find a huge range of delicious food stalls with street food from around the globe, from Argentine empanadas to Belgian waffles and Sri Lanka curries to blueberry muffins. Two Pakistani restaurants in nearby Whitechapel are also highly recommended, namely Tayyabs in Field Street and Lahore Kebab House in Umberston Street.

 

Sri Lankan food LR

Sri Lankan Street food

Bread

Ethiopian vegan food stall

Blueberry Muffins

Brick Lane Street Food

Merangue

Beigel Bake

 

Brick Lane is also home to the well-known Jewish bakery, the Beigel Bake, reputedly selling the best bagels in town and its open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Brick Lane Events 2013

Tues 12th Feb Great Spitalfields Pancake Race 2013 Fri 22nd – Sat 23rd Feb Craft Beer Rising Bank Holiday Monday 6th May Brick Lane Scooter Festival The Brickhouse – Supper club somewhat reminiscent of a 1930’s speakeasy The Vibe BarLive music, open mike nights, DJs and a monthly movie night

Related articles and links

Visit Brick Lane London Days Out: Camden’s markets by Kathryn Burrington Where to find the best bagel by Rose Prince

 

Join my 'Behind the Scenes' newsletter

Delivered monthly to your inbox with all my behind the scenes news, latest posts and giveaways exclusive to my subscribers.