The Best Things to Do in Shoreditch

Shoreditch, the most dynamic of London’s enclaves that was once a hangout of creatives, is today a draw for all facets of interest. Daytime wanderers have culture, dining and shopping at their disposal, including the revered Spitalfields market and the piping hot curries of Brick Lane, whilst night owls can party hop across the area’s most buzzing bars, skyscrapers, and live music venues until the sun comes out. No matter what time you venture east, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our pick of the best things to do in Shoreditch, whether you’re looking to eat, party, shop, or stay.

1. Tuck into London’s best fish & chips at the OG Poppies 

Did you know that Poppies on Hanbury Street was our founder, Pop’s, first ever restaurant? The retro-diner and takeaway is your classic East End chippie, serving golden-crisp catch served with chunky chips and homemade tartare sauce. Add mushy peas, finish with a sticky toffee pudding and a cuppa builder’s tea for the complete British experience. 

2. Catch a gig at Village Underground 

Shoreditch is a hot bed for emerging talent, and thankfully recent city folk and their skyscrapers haven’t driven out the area’s awesome nightlife and live music scene from which to catch it. Village Underground is a renovated Victorian warehouse that hosts a diverse range of entertainment, whether that’s club nights and gigs to immersive theatre and art exhibits. You can’t miss the venue either: the roof has actual tube carriages covered in colourful graffiti parked on top. 

3. Shop all things independent at Spitalfields Market and beyond 

Established 1638, this historic market is now home to a vast array of food stalls, arts and crafts, vintage clothing stores, and so much more. Start at West entrance and work your way through the grid, then follow the flow of traffic along Commercial Street, The Truman Brewery Markets, and Brick Lane Vintage Market for hours and hours of independent retail enjoyment.  Be sure to drop a pin at Rough Trade East, a 5,000 square foot record store with an impressive vinyl collection, books, merch and a cafe. 

4. Get creative at Art Play 

What do you get when you combine a freestyle art class and booze? Answer: a lot of fun. Art Play in Spitalfields is an adult’s playground, a chance to go back to school without the pressure. Whether you’re a Van Gogh or a Van No, you’ll love picking up provided paints, brunches, and a canvas and letting those creative juices flow. On weekends, a DJ joins in to turn up the atmosphere, but those wanting to learn can sign up for guided classes, which span pottery to candle making. 

5. Spice up your life on Brick Lane 

A hub for Bengali immigrants in the sixties and seventies, Brick Lane quickly gained notoriety for curry houses. So much so that in the decades that ensued, travellers came far and wide for a taste of the area’s unique sauce that brings authentic South Asian ingredients to a British palette. In other words, if you can’t handle the (extreme) spice, things will be okay! Specialities include Dhaka-style biryani and chicken tikka masala, but you can absolutely get the spectrum of Indian cuisine…oh, and many of them allow you to BYO beer for a bargain evening out.