In this article, I present Brick Lanesometimes nicknamed Banglatown due to the large Bengali, Pakistani and Indian communities that populate this long avenue!
Here you'll find
- A presentation of Brick Lane
- What you can see and do in this area
- How to reach the zone easily
- Practical information and tour tips
- Things to see and do in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Brick Lane, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Brick Lane: article summary
Brick Lane: a trendy, multicultural avenue for discovering flavors from elsewhere
London is one of the world's the most multicultural Europe and Brick Lanewith its evolution over the centuries and its current face, is the perfect representation of this.
Let me introduce you to this long, unusual street, famous as much for its curry restaurants and its street art and fashion boutiques, which should delight the most curious among you.
Introducing Brick Lane
Brick Lane is located in East London, and is an avenue that stretches for approximately 1.2 km.
In the 15th century, the street was called Whitechapel Lane, after the main avenue it intersects further south and the neighborhood of the same name. For those in the know, it was here that the notorious serial killer Jack the Ripper in the 19th century.
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However, it was renamed Brick Lane when brick factories and the street has kept this name to this day, even though the bricks have disappeared. Over the years, the street has welcomed beer brewersthen the famous Brick Lane market that you can discover by visiting this neighborhood.
As early as the 17th century, Brick Lane was a popular area for by immigrantsFirst French, then Irish, Jewish, Flemish, until it became the neighborhood of the Bangladeshi, Indian and Pakistani communities.
It's here that these cultures have spread, notably through gastronomy and clothing traditions, and the importance of this street for their spread and acceptance is undeniable.
Today, it's a cosmopolitan neighborhoodA recent artistic renaissance has given it a new lease of life. Young, trendy Londoners now rub shoulders with old Hindus in a friendly atmosphere!
Facts and figures about Brick Lane
- After the great fire of London of 1666, when demand for bricks exploded in the capital, that Brick Lane was named
- Visit Black Eagle Brewerycreated in Brick Lane in the 17th century, was the world's largest brewery in 1853. It later became the Old Truman Brewery and hosts art exhibitions
What's on and around Brick Lane?
Stroll down Brick Lane during your visit London is an excellent idea for discovering another facet of the capital. With its atypical population and the delicious smells emanating from many of its establishments, you're sure to enjoy a change of scenery!
Brick Lane Market
This market is almost as well-known and popular as the Camden Market from Camden Town and as in the latter, you'll find absolutely everything!
In reality, the market can be broken down into several small markets each with its own special features: vintage fashion, gastronomy, crafts, tea, world specialties, etc.
The main market is held every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the other markets open on weekdays and Saturdays at the same times.
It's huge, and you'll easily spend 3 hours there if you get caught up in the clothing stalls or take several culinary breaks. I invite you to a visit before noonThe crowds gather in the afternoon, especially at weekends.
Taste excellent curries or discover other flavours
You can't visit Brick Lane without eating out a good curry. There are plenty of restaurants offering them, but not all are created equal. According to many sources, the Aladin Brick Lane restaurant is the best of them all!
If you're not a fan of curries or Asian specialties that are sometimes a little too spicy, you'll be pleased to know that there's a Bagels famous throughout London: the Beigel Bake, open every day, 24 hours a day!
Street art everywhere
The Brick Lane neighborhood is attracting more and more visitors, artists and art lovers, who exhibit in the galleries or express themselves on the walls. You'll come across works by talented unknown artists, as well as celebrities such as Banksy, D-Face and Stik.
Stroll around freely to discover the most beautiful graffiti!
Stroll at your own pace
Brick Lane is one of these London districts where it's good to wander at your own pace, to come across an unusual store, a stall, to enjoy unfamiliar smells and flavors... Take a stroll and you might just discover the little secrets of the place!
Good to know Nomadic Community Gardens, a collaborative space and pillar of Brick Lane's alternative culture, has sadly closed. in December 2020. You'll certainly hear about it, but there's not much left to see on site...
How do I get to Brick Lane?
The street is in the East London areawhich you can easily reach by any of the following means of transport:
- By metrowith the Hammersmith & City, Central, Circle or Metropolitan lines to the Liverpool Street or Aldgate East stop / with the District and Hammersmith & City lines to the Whitechapel or Aldgate East stop
- By busTake one of the many lines serving the area: 8, 55, 242, 26, 48, 57, 388, 35, 47, 78, 149, 243.
- Via the overground, getting off at Shoreditch High Street
Brick Lane: practical tips and information
You could easily spend a whole day here, as there's so much to discover and so much going on all the time.
I recommend that you come as soon as possibleEnjoy the morning calm before the crowds of locals and tourists arrive. Around midday, you can grab a bite to eat in a restaurant, or nibble on world specialties as you pass from stall to stall, before going bargain-hunting in the markets.
There are numerous cafรฉs along the avenue, where you can recharge your batteries after lunch, and hold out until the first pint of the evening, or a late-afternoon cocktail. For some time now, there have been very good local bars - but few ads ! - to round off your exploration of the area in style.
It may not be a priority for people on a short stay in London, but it's still a must. a neighborhood to discover if you've got a little time on your hands and are looking for something a little different from the usual itineraries.
What to see and do in the area?
There are plenty of opportunities to visit the surrounding areawith some rather unusual activities, such as :
- Visit Allen Gardenfor its often-changing urban frescoes that will appeal to street art enthusiasts
- Visit Spitalfields educational farmwith its cafรฉs, picnic area and opportunity to interact with the animals, sure to entertain the youngest visitors.
- The old Spitalfields marketa trendy covered market where you'll find everything you need for a snack or a shopping session.
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