The area around Brick Lane, The Old Truman Brewery and Spitalfields in East London are one my (although I have many) favourite parts in the city. It’s vibrant, quirky and very different from some other areas, e.g. around London’s West End.

Here’s a few places of interest:

Absolute Vintage – vintage clothing, shoes and accessories.

Junky Styling - recycled, re-cut and transformed clothing. So cool! How about a new dress made from an old men’s suit?

Laden Showroom – young, British, independent upcoming designers.

Old Spitalfields Market – have all you can wish for…antiques, clothing, furniture, organic food and lots more.

The Textile & Fashion Museum – small museum, cutting edge design & fashion. Founded by British designer Zandra Rhodes.

If stopping for lunch in the area there’s a great place called Café 1001 on Dray Walk in the Old Truman Brewery, where they serve freshly grilled hamburgers, very simple – but so tasty!!

Or catch the train to Limehouse and enjoy a late lunch (and slamming dooors ) at Gordon Ramsay’s gastro pub, The Narrow. It’s situated right by the wtarfront of the River Thames, only a stone’s throw away from Canary Wharf.

And last tip of the day:  The Quirky Shopping Guide - a really useful guide that lists all the great venues worth a visit. There is an online version and a print version, the printed one can usually be picked up at various shops in the area.

-Helene-