An afternoon spent in one of London’s most famous locations. Brick Lane…
Here at Seen in the City we love nothing more than discovering London’s hidden gems, which is why we sent our writer Jennie to divulge some of the secrets of Brick Lane….
Living in London you are never short of things to do – especially on a weekend – and having grown up in the capital, it’s remarkable to know that there are still so many places yet undiscovered. Granted most locations are full to the brim with tourists and their selfie-sticks, but believe me when I say there are also some locations which still remain a secret!
In my own opinion there is simply nothing better than wondering around a London market on a weekend armed with a coffee in one hand and a camera in the other. And where better than the legendary Brick Lane, pocketed nicely in gentrified East London. Originally famed for its authentic curry houses it has now been witness to an increase in warehouse art exhibitions, stylish bars and unusual – and somewhat weird – cafés.
Brick Lane is also well-known for its market, which occurs every Sunday between 10am-5pm. The market breathes life into the street and Brick Lane becomes awash with people, food, coffee and music all thrown together in a delightfully quirky cocktail. It is certainly safe to say that this market has something for everyone, and is an ideal location to pick up trinkets you either cannot find elsewhere or antiques you never even knew you wanted.
The food is one of the main reasons I love this market. If you are a fan of good-quality, freshly-cooked and wonderfully mouth-watering food then you are in luck! The sheer variety makes wondering around the various food stalls a happy dilemma to be in. Another reason is the coffee. And where better to get your afternoon fix than from a London cab – affectionately known as ‘The Back Cab Coffee Co’ – how quintessentially English!
And then there is the music. London’s best talent is littered throughout the street and is the very backbone of this market – market wanderers can stop and watch these buskers play a whole set before continuing their exploration into one of Brick Lane’s unusual cafés. Home to the more quirky of shops – such as the Cereal Killer Café (a much publicized café dedicated to the wonderful world of cereals – obviously) and Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium (a cat café to you and I), these hip and popular places reflect the stranger side of London, of which I have come to adore.
The concoction of vintage shops, quirky cafes, food stalls, trinket stalls, coffee shops (and cabs) and finally the buskers give this little pocket of East London its pizzazz and its melody. And is well worth the visit…
Have you visited Brick Lane? Let us know your thoughts in the comment below…
