The East End is a cultural treasure trove - Victoria Park, Old Spitalfields market and the quirkiest of them all: Brick Lane.
Celebrated for its multi-cultural heritage, the Brick Lane Area is rich with both history and urbanity, which is honoured by the community and the hundreds of people that visit there every day. It is hardly any wonder why – between mini-golf and curry restaurants, crazy salons and tiny bars, it’s a one stop shop for all your needs. The Brick Lane market, which was developed in the 17th century for fruit and vegetables, is now a thriving scene for photography fanatics, book worms and antique hunters alike. But the origins of the street can actually be traced back to the 15th century when it was just a partially developed country road called Whitechapel Lane. By the 1680’s, the area was sought after for its brewing potential, and the most famous brewery (Truman’s Brewery) is still brewing today after a short break between 1989 and 2013. More recently, the street has been featured in music videos by artists like Just Jack, The Killers and R.E.M. Alongside the traditional Saturday and Sunday markets, there is now a permanent vintage market operating underground. This market is an eclectic maze of the best design and style, presenting a plethora of clothes, jewellery, trinkets and vinyl in sufficient supply. Everything can be found on Brick Lane; from 90s sportswear and high-end brands all the way to Trojan records and kitsch furniture.
Hanbury Street, just off of Brick Lane, greets you with ATIKA, a must-visit vintage department store to add to your list. Formerly known as Blitz, ATIKA houses some of the best vintage pieces the East End can offer. REMIX by ATIKA retails a contemporary way to wear vintage style, like a silk scarf trim on a grey top or a patterned pocket on a plain jumper. Reusability is the style at ATIKA; items that would otherwise be thrown away can be upcycled and reworked to produce a modern garment that is clean, conscious and ready to wear! However, fashion is not the only outlet that the East End provides. If you are incredibly lucky, you may be able to catch a street- artist in action, painting the buildings with creative concepts as they pass through the thriving market town. Mythological murals mark the side-walls of restaurants and vivid paintings displaying political precepts are plastered on the street-corners. At the present time, in a seemingly conflicted society, street artists can express themselves in spaces where their art can be safely enjoyed by all. Even anonymous street-artist Banksy has been known to frequent the area, with his artwork spotted all over East London and on Brick Lane.
Brick Lane is also home to Rough Trade East, an independent music shop which is a hive of activity, organising live gigs with up and coming bands as well as having a sweeping collection of records, CDs and books for sale, spanning across many music and literature genres from the decades to present day. As the UK flagship store, Rough Trade East attracts many visitors who seek to discover hidden musical gems, or simply relax in their Fair-Trade café. Located on the site of the former Truman’s Brewery, the location has an extensive history; from alcohol production in the 19th century to becoming one of East London’s inventive and original art spaces.
93 Feet East is another prime example of a platform made for London’s musicians. Boasting gigs from influential British bands such as Radiohead and the Bombay Bicycle Club, the venue is an eminent location for the East London art’s scene; a place where promising bands promote their concerts on the bustling streets, and plaster the walls with their posters, generating an eccentric and off-centre vibe.
Inevitably, between shopping and sight-seeing, there is always time for some food – and Brick Lane is every foodies’ fantasy. For starters, you can grab a bowl at the Cereal Killer Café, for a pure bite of sweet nostalgia or visit Beigel Bake for a traditional Jewish style treat. And the best thing? You can visit at any time as it is open 24 hours a day! As the curry capital of London, you are spoilt for choice when deciding which classic curry restaurant to visit. Operating since 1974, Sheba, a family run restaurant has an extensive menu to incite your taste buds, with a range of Indian delicacies.
When asked to describe Brick Lane in three words, Sophie Beaumont said, ‘Inspiring, unconventional and welcoming’ – an accurate description of this eccentric place. Experience the atmosphere, taste the food and hunt for a bargain – the East End Culture Club is waiting for you to swing by!
