The River Thames is almost as famous as London itself. Winding its way through the heart of the city, it draws in locals and...
While London’s West End grabs a lot of attention with its world-famous theatres and historic landmarks, don’t forget to look east in search of the capital’s many charms. With a youthful vibe and plenty of trendy locals, E1 has a lot to offer in terms of culture, shopping and food.
Spitalfields City Farm
You wouldn’t necessarily think that farming and the sprawling metropolis of London would fit together very well, but you’ll quickly change your mind after a visit to Spitalfields City Farm. Conveniently located just a short walk away from Liverpool Street and the Whitechapel Underground station, the farm presents a rural oasis in the heart of a big city.
Visitors will get to spend time with Bayleaf the donkey, Bentley the goat, Mr Kelly the parrot, and a host of other animals. The farm makes a great day out for families too, with educational activities ranging from beekeeping to veg growing. You’ll also find plenty of opportunities to support the farm personally via sponsorship or volunteering, as well as by visiting the farm’s very own cafe serving coffee and ethically sourced food.
London’s East End is also a haven for anyone that likes a bargain, and Spitalfields Market should be top of your list. Just a ten minute walk from Spitalfields City Farm, the site is certainly historic – there has been a market here for more than 350 years – but it has plenty of modern delights on offer.
The market is open seven days a weeks and has stalls specialising in fashion, music, children’s toys, jewellery and home interior. You’ll find second-hand bargains alongside the latest wares and well-known high-street brands next to one-of-a-kind handmade items.
The must-see stall: Electrickery
If there’s one stall that really shows off Spitalfields Market’s quirky wares, it’s Electrickery. Here you’ll find cufflinks, earrings and home lighting, all with one unique feature: everything’s made out of recycled circuit boards!
One of the great things about visiting E1 is that it packs so much into a relatively small area. Just another five minutes’ walk away is Brick Lane, the next stop on your tour of the East End. This famous street is a great representation of East London cool, with vintage clothing stores and eye-catching street art seemingly around every corner.
Being home to a significant proportion of London’s Bangladeshi community, Brick Lane has also become famous as one of the best places to get an authentic curry. There’s also plenty of cafes and bars to stop at, as well as a market on Sundays. Perhaps the best reason to visit Brick Lane however, is simply to absorb the atmosphere. As a vibrant melting pot of different styles and cultures, it perfectly encapsulates all the best parts of London’s East End.
Grab a quick bite: Don’t spoil your appetite before dinner, but no trip to Brick Lane would be complete without a trip to Brick Lane’s Beigel Bake. At this 24-hour eatery, you can pick up a rainbow bagel any time of day or night.
After spending your day absorbing the sights and sounds of E1, you’ll probably be in need of a hearty meal to replenish your energy levels. Although this part of London has so many different restaurants to choose from, you won’t find one much better than Tayyabs, which has been serving authentic Punjabi cuisine since 1972.
If you’ve just come from Brick Lane, you’ll find the restaurant on Fieldgate Street, just a short walk away. Once you arrive at Tayyabs, you’ll discover a friendly, family-owned business serving mouth-watering dishes washed down with ice cold beers or soft drinks.
Must try: The Karahi Fish or Chicken Tikka Masala, both chef specialties, are the stars of the show here.
If things get too spicy: If you’ve gone a little overboard on the chilli, don’t reach for your water. A mango lassi is much more effective at cooling the burn.