London Neighbourhoods: Brick Lane

Lots of visitors stick to the Big Ben – Tower of London – Buckingham Palace circuit, and while these landmarks are famous for a reason, there’s so much more to see and do in the capital.

To really get to know the city, it’s time to get lost in London’s many neighbourhoods, each with their own unique atmosphere and hidden gems. In celebration of Brick Lane’s annual Curry Festival, we’re giving you a rundown of London’s affordable Curry Capital.

A Brief History of Brick Lane

Part of Shoreditch, Brick Lane has long been shaped by its immigrant population: from Huguenots fleeing religious persecution in the 17th century, to Jewish communities in the 19th and 20th centuries, and more recently Bangladeshi families. As a result, Brick Lane has grown into a vibrant, multicultural neighbourhood – and renowned curry hotspot.

1) Explore London’s Curry Mile

Whether you’re visiting for the Curry Fest, or simply in the neighbourhood and feeling peckish, choosing from the 50+ curry restaurants can be overwhelming (especially when most shopfronts claim to be the ‘best’). Here’s a quick shortcut:

Sheba

Named best Curry House in the UK, Sheba has been in the same family since 1974. Student-friendly discounts include 50% off food if you book online for lunchtimes or Tuesday nights.

City Spice

Another long-standing favourite, City Spice has multiple awards and TV appearances under its belt. Plus, they offer student discount and a special spice challenge for the brave.

Monsoon

Monsoon is one of Brick Lane’s largest Bangladeshi restaurants, with colourful décor, delicious food, and a solid reputation.

The Standard Balti House

Much more than standard, Balti House is another curry house that has stood the test of time, running since 1989.

Raajmahal Sweets

A Brick Lane feast isn’t complete without dessert. Raajmahal Sweets sells everything from onion bhajis and samosas to Kashmiri chai – but the real stars are the Indian and Bangla sweets. Don’t miss the gulab jamun, round milky doughnuts soaked in rosewater syrup, or barfi, a creamy fudge-like treat with a mix of spices and nuts.

Haggling

Haggling is often standard practice in Brick Lane’s curry houses. Most restaurants expect it, so it’s smart not to accept the first price. If, like most Brits, bargaining doesn’t come naturally, a simple tactic is to ask them to match another deal from a few doors down. Worst case: they say no. Best case: you walk away with a bargain.

2) Settle a Decades-Long Bagel Battle

You might have heard of the famous Beigel Bake (pronounced bye-gul, not bay-gul), but did you know there are two bagel shops on the block?

Known as London’s 24/7 bagel spot, Beigel Bake has been serving classic salt beef bagels since 1974, around the time original owner Asher Cohen arrived from Israel to help his brother run the shop.

Just a few steps down the road is Beigel Shop (established in 1855!), another 24/7 eatery serving salt beef bagels to everyone from early-shift delivery workers to late-night revellers looking to refuel.

Standing so close together, it’s surprising that they both survive– but each has its own crowd of loyalists.

With similar menus and prices, the question is, which is better? That’s for you to decide.

3) Shop for Vintage Finds

From the iconic Rokit Vintage to Brick Lane Market’s bygone treasures, Brick Lane is a mecca for vintage and bargain lovers.

Start with the Brick Lane Vintage Market, open daily in the historic Truman Brewery. Here, you’ll find anything from 1920s suits and vinyl records to old books – plus, it’s perfect shelter on rainy London days. With other 50 stalls, there’s plenty to explore.

Rokit Vintage started out as a humble stall in Camden market in the 80s. Now, it’s a global brand, selling vintage denim and worn-in leather jackets online, with a flagship store in Brick Lane. Be warned, though – reputation comes at a price, so items can be a little more expensive here.

If this isn’t enough, there’s plenty more to explore. Brick Lane’s Vintage Market is just one of seven markets in the area. Tea Rooms offers antique finds and rare books, Backyard Market showcases fashion, jewellery, and art, and Upmarket is the ultimate international food stop, serving everything from Japanese shaved ice to fresh tacos.

4) See your Favourite Artist Perform in a Record Shop

Ever wanted to catch your favourite artist in a local café? Here’s your chance. Located in Old Truman Brewery, Rough Trade East is the flagship store of a global chain. It’s part coffee shop, bar, bookshop, record store – and on some afternoons, a gig venue.

Check online for scheduled events from big artists and up-and-coming musicians alike. Some artists perform for free, while more well-known names may charge a small fee and require booking in advance.

Still, nothing beats the magic of stumbling on your next favourite artist (and walking away with a signed record!). Keep coming back for guaranteed bragging rights and classic, ‘I saw them before they were famous’ moments.

5) Drink some Criminally Good Cocktails at Alcotraz

Guilty as charged: pun intended. London has no shortage of underground speakeasies, but this one comes with a new twist: It’s a prison.

After being ‘convicted’, sneak a liquor of your choice past the (sometimes-corrupt) guards, then expert mixologists will turn it into a bespoke cocktail to enjoy in your own cell.

But this isn’t just a themed bar – it’s a full role-playing experience. Expect actors, storytelling, mini-missions, and even a secret escape route to discover. You can take on specific roles in the adventure, like janitor or mole, and see how the story unfolds.

6) Indulge in the Perfect Hot Chocolate

Dark Sugars is a chocolatier famous for its decadent hot chocolate, made with generous shavings of white, milk, and dark chocolate – plus a huge variety of unique flavours, including classic nut praline, white saffron, and their signature pitch black. Considered by many as the best hot chocolate in London, it all started as a market stall at Borough market selling handcrafted Ghanaian truffles.

If you prefer your chocolate un-melted, there’s plenty of other options. Step inside, and you’ll see rose-blushed pearls perched in huge seashells, cocktail shot truffles, colourful florentines, and thick slabs of solid chocolate.

Did You Know?

Dark Sugars now has a three-storey flagship store in Greenwich, plus a dedicated ice cream shop – perfect for our Greenwich students looking for a sweet post-class treat.

7) Spot Famous Street Art

Brick Lane is one of London’s best spots for street art, with murals by world-renowned names. You can join a guided walking tour or simply wander at your own pace – but don’t miss Banksy’s Policeman and Poodle piece on Rivington Street.

Other standouts include the giant pelican mural by ROA on Hanbury Street and the Audrey Hepburn portrait by Zabou nearby. Don’t forget to pay your respects to London’s greatest bard, Shakespeare, who lived in the area and built his first theatre here.

Ready to Explore?

Cultural adventures don’t have to cost a fortune. From authentic bagels to free street art and vintage bargains, Brick Lane is the perfect weekend day trip packed with student-friendly deals.

At Twin, learning doesn’t stop at the end of class. Our students benefit from a packed social schedule and a supportive team who help them make the most of the city.

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