Locals: Exploring Shoreditch, London.
Shoreditch is one of my favourite areas in London. Here you’ll never be short of things to do. It is hipster, unique, funky, bright and colourful it is a true creative hub of London’s East End, the area is home to an array of interesting markets, bars, and restaurants. No matter how many times I visit this area I always find something new and interesting. While walking around Shoreditch you have to look up and look around, forget about maps and being on your phone, as those who keep their eyes open are rewarded with always finding new hidden gems such as quirky pop-up stores, new graffiti by local rebellion artists and fun and weird bars around. You just simply cannot create a full guide around Shoreditch as everything changes really quickly, but I tried to create a list of few places that are always around and are must-visit as well as some unmissable graffiti art around, however my station is to start wandering around Brick Lane until you get lost around funky corner streets and surprise yourself with new finds.
Where to eat:
If you fancy a snack on the go and a fun experience visit Brick Lane Beigel Bake. They serve freshly made, delicious and inexpensive bagels that are just out of this world. Here not only you can try them but also see how they are being prepared following super-secret family recipe. Try brilliant moist salt beef, carved as you wait from a slab kept warm in the front window, or the classic smoked salmon and cream cheese.
At Cereal Killer Café can have over 100 kinds of cereals from all over the world in any imaginable way. Cornflake chicken, cereal milk ice cream, alcohol with cereal in it or delicious milkshakes covered in cereals so instagrammable it is almost impossible to eat it. The super funky setting, all atmosphere and something absolutely unique, makes this a must-visit!
Fancy chocolate? Visit dark sugar! Dark Sugars Cocoa House brings the culture of West African cocoa production to Brick Lane. At the Cocoa House, you can sway your hips to the sound of the Senegalese sabar, take in the aroma of roasting cocoa beans, watch mango slices swirling in luscious dark chocolate, and taste the sinful thickness of Pitch Black Hot Chocolate. Worth a visit even just to have a look and indulge all the smazing aromas!
Indian restaurants:
Brick Lane is known as London’s curry mile thanks to the numerous Indian restaurants that line the street. This part of the city experienced an influx of Bangladeshi migrant workers in the 1970s, and, by the end of that decade, Brick Lane had become home to numerous Indian and Bangladeshi and Indian restaurants. My top picks are: Dishoom, Aladin, and Bombay Bustle!
Where to see the best graffiti
Shoreditch is incredibly rich in
creativity when it comes to murals, stencils, wheat pastes, colours and styles.
Grab your camera and go explore!
Wilkes Street. Just a minute walk from Old Spitalfields Market, in the pretty neighbourhood filled with Huguenot houses still.
Fournier Street. There
are a few pieces along the street but the best place is in the front of the
former shop framing bigger art works beautifully of amazing woman’s face by
French artist Manyoly.
Hanbury Street (from Brick Lane down). There
always is so much here… The first piece you will probably notice is Roa’s giant
crane. His black and white murals focus on animals and often combine the
concepts of life and death but showing the skeleton under their skin.
Brick Lane. Keep your eyes peeled as street art comes in all sizes and places here, amidst the vintage and accessories shops.
Cheshire Street. Lots of vintage clothes shops around and a few really funky independent shops so always worth the detour. There are only a few pieces here but they are gorgeous: Andrea Riot’s mix of calligraphy and street art, one of Fin Dac’s ethnic characters to which he adds a splash of colour around the eyes
Whitby Street. A few pieces here too including a couple of murals by Australian artist James Cochran Australian artist, known for his urban drip painting style.