My list of ten things to do in Brick Lane gives you an overview of what to expect in this creative, vibrant part of East London in Tower Hamlets. Start at the Truman Brewery Markets for vintage fashion, street food and handmade crafts. Nearby, Dray Walk offers boutique shopping and Rough Trade East for vinyl lovers. Settle the beigel (bagel) rivalry between Beigel Bake and Beigel Shop, both open 24/7. Two of my favourite eateries are HOKO, which serves nostalgic Hong Kong breakfasts, and Bun House Disco, offering Cantonese buns and cocktails. Grab a coffee at OAT or enjoy Japanese tea at Katsute 100. Browse Brick Lane Bookshop, indulge in handmade chocolates at Dark Sugars, or bowl and sing at All Star Lanes. Brick Lane has so much to do and see, so you’ll find more than ten things to do!
My Favourite Ten Things To Do In Brick Lane List:
1. Explore the Truman Brewery Markets
2. Buy cool stuff at Dray Walk
3. Settle the beigel debate
4. Enjoy a Hong Kong breakfast at HOKO
5. Sample Cantonese food at Bun House Disco
6. Sip a hot beverage at OAT or Katsute 100
7. Browse the Brick Lane Bookshop
8. Indulge in chocolate at Dark Sugars
9. Have a good time at All Star Lanes
10. Admire the Brick Lane street art
The Best Ten Things To Do In Brick Lane
1. Explore the Truman Brewery Markets. Brick Lane’s heart is the Truman Brewery, a sprawling historic estate filled with independent markets and creative businesses. The Brick Lane Vintage Market is a must-visit for retro fashion lovers. Upmarket brings together a world of street food, from artisanal doughnuts to Korean fried chicken. The Tea Rooms is the spot for antiques, curiosities and speciality coffee. Backyard Market champions independent makers who sell jewellery, prints, and handmade crafts. Rinse Showrooms highlights fashion from emerging designers. The best time to visit these markets is Saturday from 11 am until 6 pm or Sunday from 10 am until 6 pm.
2. Buy cool stuff at Dray Walk. You’ll discover an entrance to this shopping enclave on Brick Lane. Music lovers should make a beeline for Rough Trade East, a legendary record shop where you can browse vinyl, sip coffee, and catch live gigs. Cuemars has cute and colourful art and homewares. Topologie is a shop where you can customise your bag, rucksack or laptop case. Skateboarding fans shouldn’t miss Slam City Skates for boards and limited-edition apparel.
3. Settle the beigel debate. The most famous food rivalry on Brick Lane is between Beigel Bake and Beigel Shop, two 24-hour institutions that have been serving fresh beigels (bagels) for decades. Beigel Bake, the white-fronted shop at number 159, is best known for its iconic hot salt beef beigel with mustard and pickles. A few doors down, Beigel Shop, or the yellow one, draws in visitors with its rainbow bagels and sweet-filled options. The only way to settle the debate is to try both.
4. Enjoy a Hong Kong breakfast at HOKO. Inspired by Hong Kong’s traditional casual tea houses, this nostalgic eatery serves weekend breakfast. We tried their veggie options, and I can recommend the egg bun (simple yet delicious), buttered sweetcorn, French toast, and milk tea strained through a silk stocking! Their interiors are kitsch and retro, and they are dog-friendly.
5. Sample Cantonese food at Bun House Disco. This stylish drinking den serves savoury and custard buns, dumplings, wontons and cocktails in a bright, buzzy hangout. The official address is 118 Bethnal Green Road, although there’s an entrance on Brick Lane.
6. Sip a hot beverage at OAT or Katsute 100. At OAT Coffee, 154 Brick Lane, dairy-free drinkers will find some of London’s best oat milk coffees, vegan cakes and comforting toasties. A short stroll away, Katsute 100, 147 Brick Lane, offers a more tranquil experience. This Japanese tea house serves beautifully prepared matcha crepe cake, black sesame cheesecake, and a selection of fine Japanese teas in a serene, minimalist setting.
7. Browse the Brick Lane Bookshop. A cornerstone of the community, this adorable bookshop is an independent treasure trove filled with fiction, non-fiction and a fantastic selection of books on East London history. It’s also home to the Brick Lane Short Story Prize, celebrating new literary talent. You’ll find them at 166 Brick Lane.
8. Indulge in chocolate at Dark Sugars. Chocolate lovers should make a beeline for Dark Sugars, where handcrafted truffles and indulgent hot chocolates steal the show. The shop’s signature hot chocolate is topped with generous curls of dark, milk and white chocolate shavings. Seek them out at 147 Brick Lane.
9. Have a good time at All Star Lanes. With retro-style bowling, luxe karaoke booths, cocktail bars and American comfort food, All Star Lanes has all the ingredients for an unforgettable day or night out. You can find it at 95 Brick Lane.
10. Admire the street art. One of Brick Lane’s biggest draws is its ever-changing Instagrammable street art. Walls and lamp posts are layered with paste-ups, spray paint, and stickers. The side streets are equally enticing, so wander around and snap away.
Helpful Information About Brick Lane
You have the Truman Brewery estate at one end of Brick Lane, with its giant chimney dominating the skyline. Here, you’ll find the markets, vintage clothing stores and independent boutiques. Conversely, on the other part of the street, the Bangladeshi curry houses remain a key part of the street’s identity, though it’s always wise to check hygiene ratings before choosing where to dine.
Whether you’re here for the shopping, the food, or the street art, one thing’s for sure: Brick Lane always has something new to discover. Shoreditch High Street, Liverpool Street, Aldgate East and Whitechapel are the closest stations. Spitalfields Market is nearby and worth visiting.
If you want to explore the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Ten Things To Do In Shoreditch London
Ten Reasons To Visit Redchurch Street London E2
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. Check these establishments are open before visiting.
