A guide to living in Brick Lane
Running from Aldgate and Whitechapel all the way up to Bethnal Green, Brick Lane is one of East London’s most recognisable streets. After building a reputation as more than just a road, Brick Lane is now considered a legitimate area in its own right.
The population of the area is made up of the edgy art crowd obsessed with street art and the vibrant Bangladeshi community, creating a colourful and bohemian atmosphere. Brick Lane itself is reminiscent of a long straight river with many interesting tributaries to journey down. These come in the form of Montague Street, Cheshire Street and Osborn Street to name but just a few.
“A lot of the residencies in Brick Lane are conversions, although since the Olympics, there are a few new-build developments in the area”
The area is a fantastic shopping location, exemplified by Brick Lane Market taking place every Sunday. Furthermore, the old Truman Brewery also houses several markets from ‘Sunday UpMarket’ to ‘Backyard Market’. Alongside these, vintage shoppers can also find refuge in Beyond Retro’s flagship store, as well as the very popular Rokit.
Aside from shopping, Brick Lane and the surrounding areas have an effervescent nightlife. 93 Feet East is amongst the most celebrated. Meanwhile, a strong selection of classic pubs can be found around the Liverpool Street area.
Property in the area largely consists of flats and apartments with the odd 1-2 bedroom terraced house. A lot of the residencies in Brick Lane are conversions, although since the Olympics, there are a few new-build developments in the area.
Schools
Nursery: Spitafield Nursery, Precious Kids Day Nursery
Secondary: Ebrahim Academy
Eating & Drinking
It is a well known fact that Brick Lane is home to some of the most exceptional curry houses in the capital. Our favourite and one of the most renowned is Sheba. Winner of the best Indian Restaurant in Brick Lane award in 2012, the key to the success of Sheba is its family-run values and consistently replenished fresh produce. The Big Chill Bar has a subtle but infectious atmosphere and it is obviously a formula that works with Big Chills subsequently popping up in Bristol and Pentonville Road.
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Brick Lane Beigel Bake is often used in TV shows, music videos and films. Open 24/7 and serving 7,000 bagels a day, it is the oldest bagel shop in London and there are often hoards of people queuing for a salt beef or salmon and cream cheese bagel in the early hours.
Travelling to Brick Lane
Shoreditch High Street Overground is probably the closest station to Brick Lane (depending what end you are at). Whitechapel and Liverpool Street tube stations are also nearby, as well as Aldgate East which many believe should in fact be called Brick Lane.