Shoreditch may have previously been a seedy London borough, but no longer. It has grown into a trendy East London neighbourhood and should definitely be on your go-to London list. The graffiti helps Shoreditch retain its gritty vibe while independent boutiques, attractive cafes and the Boxpark Pop-Up Mall give it a bit of designer flair.
If you can, come on a Sunday when the Brick Lane Market is at its best. It’s also the day of the Sunday (Up)Market held at the Old Truman Brewery off of Brick Lane. And don’t miss Old Spitalfields Market on Commercial Street (open daily).
Shoreditch can easily be reached from Liverpool Street and Shoreditch Highstreet stations. If you arrive at Liverpool Street you can make a nice loop (finishing at Aldgate East) through Brushfieldstreet & Spitalfields, up Commercial/Great Eastern Street to Charlotte Street – where you will find Tord Boontje’s Studio tucked away. Back down through Curtain Street and then crossover to New Inn Yard till you reach Shoreditch Street. Here crossover again to Redchurch Street from where you will run into Brick Lane on your right. Walk all the way down to finish at Aldgate East (this should fill your Sunday!).
Shoreditch Hotspots
Eating
Hawksmoor Spitalfields (meatlovers’ delight)
157A Commercial Street
www.thehawksmoor.com
Pizza East (for a fast pizza in an industrial setting)
56 Shoreditch High Street
www.pizzaeast.com
Merchants of Good Fortune (art-deco style dining)
36 Charlotte Road
www.merchantstavern.co.uk
Tramshed (not for vegetarians)
32 Rivington Street
www.chickenandsteak.co.uk
Andina (modern Peruvian and gluten-free)
1 Redchurch street
www.andinalondon.com
Maison 3 Garcons (deli and shop in 1)
45 Redchurch Street
www.lestroisgarcons.com
Allpress Espresso
58 Redchurch Street
www.uk.allpressespresso.com
Shopping
Old Spitalfields Market
http://www.oldspitalfieldsmarket.com/
All Saints
Jack’s Place/ Commercial Street
www.allsaints.com
Denham (Dutch designer jeans)
32 Charlotte Road
www.denhamthejeanmaker.com
SCP (home & lifestyle)
135 Curtain Road
www.scp.co.uk
Labour and Wait (old school household goods)
85 Redchurch Street
www.labourandwait.co.uk
Boxpark Shoreditch
2-4 Bethnal Green Road
www.boxpark.co.uk
Sunday (UP)Market
www.sundayupmarket.co.uk
London Undercover (gorgeous umbrellas)
20 Hanbury Street
www.londonundercover.co.uk
Sleeping
Acehotel
100 Shoreditch High Street
www.acehotel.com/london
The Boundary
2-4 Boundary Street
www.theboundary.co.uk
The Wander Girl 