Think you’ve seen all London has to offer? Think again. Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, double-decker buses – those are just the glossy postcards. Brick Lane is the wild, beating heart hidden beneath the city’s polished exterior.
This is where trends are born, flavours explode, and rules are meant to be broken (just a little bit).
But this place isn’t about ticking off a checklist. No, it’s about immersing yourself in the vibrant chaos. So, leave your expectations at the door, and we’ll show you the best things Brick Lane offers.
Culinary experiences
Savour a bagel at Beigel Bake
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Location: 159 Brick Ln, London E1 6SB, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7729 0616
Open hours: 24 hours
Opened in 1974, Beigel Bake is a brick-and-mortar reminder of the area’s Jewish roots that’s been serving up those iconic doughy rings 24/7, 365.
Here it’s all about flavour. Their claim to fame is the salt beef bagel – a flavour bomb of tender meat, sharp mustard, and a well-placed pickle (or two). Each bite is a taste of London’s culinary past.
Beigel Bake cranks out 7,000 bagels a day, with fillings like creamy schmear and smoked salmon, or adventurous options like chopped herring. Plus, they have sweet pastries to appease your inner sugar monster.
Indulge your sweet tooth at Dark Sugars
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Location: 141 Brick Ln, Bethnal Green, London E1 6SB, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 7429 472606
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
This place is a haven for true chocolate connoisseurs. The hot chocolate here has earned its reputation as London’s finest – rich, velvety, and the perfect antidote to a chilly day.
But the real treasures at Dark Sugars are the chocolates. Owner Nyanga infuses her Ghanaian roots into each creation, resulting in an explosion of unexpected flavours.
You can even find rum-infused truffles with a playful kick or chocolates that tantalise with hints of spice. So, ditch those mass-produced sweets and treat yourself to the artistry that is Dark Sugars.
Taste Bangladeshi cuisine at Aladin
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Location: 132 Brick Ln, London E1 6RU, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7247 8210
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Opened in 1979, Aladin has been a haven for the Bangladeshi community and curious Londoners alike, becoming a Brick Lane institution.
Imagine the scene: the air buzzes with conversation as satisfied diners dig into aromatic curries and sizzling grills. Aladin’s got something for everyone – the spice-seekers will find dishes that pack a punch, while creamy kormas and tangy fish curries cater to milder palates.
And their rep goes beyond Brick Lane. They’ve caught the eye (and taste buds) of royalty, being praised by King Charles himself. The BBC even included them on their list of “World’s Best Curry Houses”! That’s some serious curry cred.
Experience a taste of Paris at Chez Elles Bistroquet
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Location: 45 Brick Ln, London E1 6PU, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7247 8210
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Forget those picture-perfect French restaurants with their hushed tones – Chez Elles Bistroquet is where the real warmth of Paris meets the energy of Brick Lane.
Imagine stepping inside – the golden glow of birdcage lamps spills over you, mirrors twinkle with candlelight, and a gentle hum of French music sets the mood.
What’s on the menu? All the classics. Think of the heady scent of onion soup, the promise of melted cheese bubbling on top, and the earthy, garlicky perfume of escargots.
Discover the taste of Indian food at Standard Balti House
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Location: 71 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7646 2705
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
If you’re searching for a curry experience on Brick Lane that’ll knock your socks off, Standard Balti House is your ticket. We’re not talking about average, predictable curries here.
Their menu takes you on a flavour journey through India – fiery vindaloos, creamy kormas, and a vegetarian spread that’ll make you ditch meat for a night (well, maybe just for a delicious moment). Plus, no matter if you prefer gluten-free, halal, or traditional, they’ve got you covered.
Shopping
Pick up spices at Taj Stores
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Location: 112 Brick Ln, London E1 6RL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7377 0061
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Founded in 1936, Taj Stores is the OG Bengali-owned business in the area, and its shelves hold the secrets to transforming your cooking from bland to brilliant.
Taj Stores stock a mind-boggling array of ingredients and utensils from around the world – Indian staples, Chinese noodles, Thai curry pastes, and even spices from Greece and Jamaica!
Local restaurateurs swear by their quality, and even celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver have been spotted browsing the aisles!
Buy a book at Brick Lane Bookshop
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Location: 166 Brick Ln, London E1 6RU, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7247 0216
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
You know that feeling when you step into a cosy place and instantly feel welcome? That’s Brick Lane Bookshop. Founded in 1978, this is a haven for book lovers and a place where stories come to life.
Ever get tired of the same old bestsellers? Brick Lane Bookshop is your antidote. Their shelves hold a treasure trove of carefully chosen gems, with fiction and non-fiction for adults as well as kids.
But wait, there’s more! This bookshop is a buzzing hub for the literary crowd. Think book launches, chats with authors, even their very own Short Story Prize!
Collect vinyl records at Vintage Vinyl Brick Lane
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Location: 85 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 7535 001575
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Vinyl isn’t just about sound, it’s about the warmth, the crackles, and the album art you can hold in your hands. It’s a connection to music history, a way to own a little piece of your favourite era.
And at Vintage Vinyl, they understand that. Rock, soul, jazz, forgotten disco gems – it’s a journey through decades of incredible music, just waiting to be rediscovered.
The thrill is in the hunt, right? Flipping through those crates, unearthing a pristine classic or that super-niche B-side you thought was lost forever… That’s the magic of this place.
Find vintage treasures at Brick Lane Vintage
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Location: 182 Brick Ln, London E1 6SA, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7613 4133
Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Dubbed “London’s Vintage Mecca”, this place is a treasure chest overflowing with incredible finds. Think 1920s flapper dresses, iconic 70s bell bottoms, and perfectly worn-in leather jackets – it’s like a walk-in fashion history book!
Brick Lane Vintage is a whole vintage world. We’re talking over 40 independent traders, each with their unique flair. You could practically spend hours unearthing one-of-a-kind pieces, from sassy cocktail dresses to those iconic band tees that spark serious nostalgia.
Arts and entertainment
Check out Brick Lane’s awesome street art
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Brick Lane’s street art scene is a visual feast for the eyes – constantly evolving, always surprising, and guaranteed to blow your mind. Massive murals, intricate stencils, and hidden gems await your discovery. Each visit here is unique and new pieces appear while others fade.
But Brick Lane’s street art isn’t just about the visuals. It often tackles social issues, offers witty observations, and sparks your imagination with unfiltered creativity. So, be prepared to be challenged, intrigued, and inspired.
Browse art at the Whitechapel Gallery
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Location: 77-82 Whitechapel High St, London E1 7QX, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7522 7888
Opening hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
This place is old-school cool, founded way back in 1901. They’re all about showcasing the hottest contemporary art – the kind of stuff that makes you say whoa out loud (just don’t shout, okay?).
But get this, the Whitechapel Gallery isn’t just about pretty pictures. They also love to tackle the big questions, using art to explore city life, those invisible social structures… You know, the stuff that really gets your brain going.
Plus, they even often feature works by local artists and those from disadvantaged backgrounds to provide a platform for voices that are often underrepresented in the art world!
Knock some pins down at All-Star Lanes
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Location: 95 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7426 9200
Opening hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
- Friday – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday – 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
All-Star Lanes is the place to be if you want a night that’s retro-infused and full of pin-smashing fun (and maybe even some off-key singing).
It’s all swanky bowling lanes, a buzzing bar, and food that’ll seriously up your snack game. We’re talking handcrafted cocktails, epic hot dogs, and stacked burgers.
Plus, for those who like to get their groove on after a strike (or even a hilarious gutter ball), there are karaoke rooms here! They even host themed nights and bottomless brunches to keep things fresh and exciting.
Catch a jazz show at Ninety-One Living Room
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Location: 91 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7770 6107
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM
- Friday – 3:00 PM to 1:30 AM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 1:30 AM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Ninety-One Living Room is a local favourite for a reason. They don’t just do jazz, they do it damn well. Their jazz brunches are legendary, offering a relaxed living-room vibe where you can fuel your soul with both food and music.
Plus, their involvement in the Brick Lane Jazz Festival shows their dedication to nurturing the London jazz scene.
Bars and nightlife
Enjoy a pint at The Old Truman Brewery
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Location: 91 Brick Ln, London E1 6QR, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7770 6100
Open hours: 24 hours
Once upon a time, this place was the biggest brewery in the world, pumping out suds in the 19th century. Now, it’s been transformed into a buzzing hub that’s equal parts trendy and steeped in history.
Think soaring Victorian ceilings and exposed brick walls – it’s basically like sipping something like you’re inside a time machine, with a delicious bonus (beer!).
Speaking of beer, they’ve got everything your heart (and liver) desires. Crisp lagers, hoppy IPAs, adventurous stouts – the list goes on. Aside from that, they even host pop-up fashion events and exhibitions to showcase the cutting edge of urban culture and artistry.
Relax with a drink at the trendy Exit Bar
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Location: 174 Brick Ln, London E1 6RU, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7377 2088
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 4:30 PM to 12:00 AM
- Friday – 4:30 PM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 11:00 AM
Tired of watered-down pints and predictable pubs? Head to Exit Bar. Established in 2003, this place is a full-blown Brick Lane staple that’s known for its trendy vibes and killer drinks.
Trading the bustle of the market for a slice of urban cool, this bar channels exposed brick, low lighting, and an atmosphere that whispers downtown NYC speakeasy rather than your usual London pub.
Dance the night away at 93 Feet East
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Location: 150 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL, United Kingdom
Contact: [email protected]
Opening hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday – 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday – 5:00 PM to 1:30 AM
- Saturday – 1:30 PM to 1:30 AM
- Sunday – 1:30 PM to 10:30 PM
This place is a Brick Lane legend, a cornerstone of the dance music scene since way back in 1999. They’re all about bringing the best DJs and live acts, from underground heroes to those about to blow up.
One night you might be bouncing to house beats, the next diving into a sweaty drum and bass session.
And seriously, the sound? It’ll rattle your bones in the best possible way. 93 Feet East understands that epic nights need epic sound, so you’ll feel the music as much as hear it.