Destinations

The best things to do in Shoreditch

Shoreditch may have smartened up its act, but its offbeat creative energy still pulses through the grubby streets. 
The best things to do in Shoreditch London

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In its late-Nineties-early-Noughties heyday Shoreditch essentially invented a new sort of London, reimagining an infamous part of the city as a kind of live/work creative playground, a place of grit and glitter with its own studiedly urban glamour. It's a different place these days – smarter, slicker, much more monied – but it's still got that indefinable magic. It's no longer about drinking warm white wine out of plastic cups at a gallery – now Shoreditch drinking is all about supremely brilliant cocktails at some of London's best bars. And it’s got some of London's best restaurants, too – more inventive and creative than many of their central London counterparts, often in interesting, re-purposed venues. And it’s not just eating and drinking, there’s more than enough to take up a lazy weekend of wandering, exploring and shopping. Here are our favourite things to do in Shoreditch and its surroundings.

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    1. Go to the flower market

    If you venture into Shoreditch on a Sunday, chances are you’ll soon stumble into crowds of people clutching overstuffed bouquets and unwieldy cheese plants. They’ve all been to Columbia Road Flower Market, of course, to stock up on the blooms, potted plants, pastries, records and general good vibes. The pretty street comes alive on Sunday; all the cute little shops spring open and the air is thick with the calls of traders and flying pollen. Grab a bunch or two and head to the Royal Oak pub to enjoy the convivial atmosphere with a satisfying roast.

    Address: Columbia Road Flower Market, Columbia Road, London E2 7RG
    Website: columbiaroad.info

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    2. Go vintage shopping on Brick Lane

    It’s always worth a saunter down Brick Lane to check out the weekend stalls selling everything from undershirts to antiques, street art, bookshops (Brick Lane Bookshop and nearby Libreria especially) and, most importantly, the bagel shops (always go for the white one). But it’s especially good if you’re looking for quality vintage threads. The original Beyond Retro Weavers Fields is still the best for an affordable find, House of Vintage has a well-curated selection, as does Levison’s Vintage Clothing, where you can find rare workwear. Plus pop into Vintage Basement as they often do deals where everything costs under £10.

  • 3. See a film in a tiny cinema

    Close-Up is a rare thing – a fiercely independent arthouse cinema showing lots of great films you’ve never heard of. Just off Brick Lane, it looks like an unassuming cafe, but behind the sofas and bar, there’s a library of 20,000 DVDs to rent spanning everything from world cinema and all the classics to documentaries and experimental films. Then there’s the cosy 40-seat cinema which shows a brilliant range of films every week. It feels like a welcome break from everyone trying to be cool and on-trend in Shoreditch – this is a place just doing what it’s passionate about.

    Address: 97 Sclater Street, London E1 6HR
    Website: closeupfilmcentre.com

  • 4. Have a slice of lemon meringue pie as big as your head

    Everything about Gloria is OTT. Huge plates of pasta and pizza, cocktails which come in kitsch colourful mugs, bombastic waiting staff, a loud buzzing dining room and, of course, the legendary comically tall slices of lemon meringue pie. This is so much more than just supper – it’s a whole fun night out. Perfect for special occasions or when you want a side of silly with your spaghetti.

    Address: 54-56 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3QR
    Website: bigmammagroup.com/gloria

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    5. Browse Redchurch Street

    Only go to Redchurch Street if you’re feeling flush as chances are you’re going to go on a big shopping spree. This is the place for eclectic homewares: head to Earl of East for candles and scents, colourful Scandi-inspired vases and colourful towels and Labour & Wait for classic enamel kitchenware, stationary and intricate wool rugs. Then there’s APC, Sunspel and AS Colour for clothes and Jolene bakery and Allpress for baked treats and coffee along the way.

  • 6. Eat Vietnamese food

    Chewy prawn summer rolls, aromatic pho and crispy stuffed pancakes, the Shoreditch end of Kingsland Road in Hoxton is a haven of Vietnamese restaurants. There’s over 10 to choose from and everyone has a favourite but for newbies, start at classic corner canteen Sông Quê Café where hundreds of fresh bowls of hundreds of fragrant soup are dished up each night. Bún Bún Bún is another excellent option for a cold bún noodle salad. Go for the Hanoi bún with lemongrass pork.

  • Caitlin Isola

    7. Sample the menu at Seed Library

    Mr Lyan is a cocktail expert. His Southbank bar Lyaness was voted the best bar in the world and he keeps on pushing the boundaries of mixology with each of his fun new ventures. His latest opening in the basement of hot new hotel One Hundred Shoreditch is a masterclass in elegance. Drinks are stripped back, music is all on vinyl and the vibe is cosy yet unfussy. For other exceptionally well-mixed drinks nearby, head to Prohibition-style speakeasy, Nightjar near Old Street or old faithful Happiness Forgets in Hoxton Square.

    Address: Seed Library, One Hundred Shoreditch,100 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JQ
    Website: seedlibraryshoreditch.com

  • Patricia Niven

    8. Have lunch in a school playground

    Rochelle Canteen is one of the finest places for lunch in London. Press the discreet buzzer to get access into the former schoolyard and claim your table under the vines. Margot Henderson’s classic cooking is wonderfully simple and always seasonal: skate, monk’s beard with butter sauce, spring lamb and chicory and peach cobbler with cold custard. It’s poshed-up comfort food in a lovely secret garden. Find an occasion (or make one up) and book in pronto.

    Address: Rochelle Canteen, 16 Playground Gardens, London, E2 7FA
    Website: arnoldandhenderson.com/rochelle-canteen

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    9. See a gig in a railway arch

    The trick to spotting Village Underground is to look for the repurposed tube trains sitting proudly on top of the old building just off Great Eastern Street. This arts venue in a former warehouse has been going since back in the Shoreditch heyday of 2006, putting on gigs, club nights, theatre, art shows and community events. These days it’s still one of the most atmospheric places in Shoreditch for music, whether it’s a techno rave or a world music gig.

    Address: Village Underground, 54 Holywell Lane, London EC2A 3PQ
    Website: villageunderground.co.uk

  • 10. Treat yourself to a pamper

    After eating, drinking and wandering, stop for some well-needed chill time at Masaj. This stylish little massage parlour on a Shoreditch backstreet has something for every ache, whether you need pure relaxation, deep tissue tension relief or a recuperating sports massage. A trip to this inclusive and friendly spot will leave your mind and body feeling nourished. Or for more of a variety of spa treats, there’s Cowshed in Shoreditch House where you can sink into a big comfy couch for a pedicure or have a bespoke Cowsged facial which will leave you glowing.

    Address: Masaj, 10 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3DH; Cowshed, 13 Bethnal Green Roa London, E1 6LA
    Website: masaj.me; cowshed.com/shoreditch-house

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