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Diverse Cultures of Brick Lane London
East London’s Brick Lane makes for a flavorsome trip away from the regular tourist sites. Since the 30’s immigrants have settled in this area of London, especially from the sub-Continent – Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and there are even street signs in both English and Urdu. It also had a strong Jewish community, Muslim, Hindi and Buddhist residents, a real mix of religions and ethnicity.
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Why Visit Brick Lane London?
Brick Lane to get a glimpse into the real life of culturally-diverse England. The UK is a rainbow nation with African, Caribbean, Asian, Indian, Pakistani and mixed races making up a significant portion of the population. You can’t really appreciate Britain without getting to know the many cultures in the UK mixing pot. As you walk down Brick Lane you’ll see some authentic examples of ethnic communities and other places that are blatantly tourist traps. A few of the authentic cultural points of interest in Brick Lane London are:
- The painted sign for the Katz twine dealers
- The Jamme Masjid mosque, once a church and then a synagogue
- Absolute Vintage, Rokit
- I Dream of Wires聽
- The Duke of Uke Ukulele shop
Where to Eat in Brick Lane London?
On a walk down Brick Lane you will see many curry and Eastern restaurants. Curry has been voted the most popular “British” meal. Every October Britain celebrates Curry Month. When you’re in Brick Lane London use the opportunity to taste some authentic ethnic food.
- The Hookah Lounge for Moroccan food
- The Brasserie restaurant with good curry and fantasy murals
- Fika restaurant for Swedish food
- Don’t miss the 24 hour Beigel Bake, near the Shoreditch tube station, for a 35p beigel with character!
Brick Lane Art Work
I cannot stress enough how incredible the street art of Brick Lane is. Bright, bold and motive, you’ll be blown away by the art work on the Lane and the surrounding streets. You can also see artists studios; old breweries that have been renovated into pubs; graffiti art, and the Old Truman Brewery where you can find about 200 creative businesses, arts and crafts, as well as exhibitions and galleries.聽
Practical Details
Where: Travel to the Shoreditch or Aldgate tube stops, or the Liverpool train station, then it is a short walk to Brick Lane, London.
When: The best time to explore this are is on a Saturday and Sunday when there are Markets with everything you need, want and don’t really need but want, as well as food stands where the aromas cannot be ignored.
Brick Lane Market Sundays morning till 14:00, stretching into Cheshire Street and Sclater Street.
Backyard Market Saturday 11:00-18:00 & Sunday 10:00-17:00 enter from Brick Lane between 93 Feet East and Dray Walk, near the Old Brewery, and reflective of the Brewery’s style, including baked goods and vintage clothes!
Sunday Upmarket, as the name suggests is a little more “up market” with stylish designer clothes and new ideas on display as well as exotic food from around the world. On corner of Brick Lane and Hanbury Street. Sunday 10:00-17:00.
Spitalfields Market, Thursday – Sunday, 10:00-16:00 for stalls and 11:00-19:00 for shops. Antiques on Thursdays, over all best on a Sunday.
