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 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 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.
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 Bar – Live 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
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Hi!
fab photos!!! I used to live in London and this is what I miss about London!! Amazing ethnic food for any taste!!
Brick Lane is a trip around the world!! love it!
Thanks. I do love trying different food from around the world, in the country itself is possible but Brick Lane makes a great second best.
The first time I visited Brick Lane was early in the morning and the neigborhood was still sleeping, so on my trip with my dad last year we decided to go there in the afternoon. Weirdly enough, I didn’t find it that nice.
I say “weirdly enough”, because I hear so many people say that Brick Lane is amazing, that there’s so much to see and do…
I think we might have left the street a bit to soon.
I think we need a thrid visit.
Third time’s a charm, right?:)
Make your next visit on a Sunday morning! I’ve not been any other time and I’m told it is THE day to go.
Thanks for the tip, it’s noted!
My pleasure 🙂 and thanks for following my blog. Off to check yours out now!
Wish I could join you two 🙁 The food alone is so tempting!
Well give us a shout if / when you visit London and who knows!! 🙂
Oh Kate, it’s such a lovely place. Never been there despite my 4 visits in London. The food market looks amazing. I miss blueberry muffins a lot these days.
Next time! 🙂
I’ll send you an e-mail 🙂
Fab photos and the food in the markets looks amazing, I’m almost drooling over my laptop! Fancy a day up in London sometime? 🙂
Thanks and yes, that’s a great idea. Where shall we go?
I generally find that by the time I get to Beigal Bake I’m already full of whatever has taken my fancy on the way
I know just what you mean! It all looks so yummy that I want to try it all. 🙂
Wow – your photos are amazing! The street food leaves me hungry for more!
Thanks Anita. I’m feeling pretty hungry myself now too. Hoping to explore some more of London’s great food markets this weekend. It’s a tough job but has to be done!! 🙂