East – Local tips (restaurants)

The area around Liverpool Street Station in East London was once associated with poor slums and the scene of the crime for the Jack the Ripper murders. Whilst the Ten Bells still stands, the pub that Jack’s victims drunk at, the area itself is now very popular with London’s edgy and artistic crowd.

After a short walk from Liverpool Street Station, you’ll come across the Old Spitalfields Markets (105a Commercial Street) which are open every Sunday. Whilst these markets are definitely worth a peak, keep wandering towards Bricklane where you’ll find the Old Truman Brewery (91 Bricklane).

These are one on my favourite markets as this is where up-and-coming designers set up shop every Sunday selling a unique variety of handbags, clothes and jewellery. There’s also a few vintage clothing stores and chic boutiques dotted around the area, which is a refreshing change from the usual high street clothing stores.

Whilst Bricklane has always been synonymous for its many curry restaurants, it now has a reputation for its warehouse art exhibitions and trendy clubs and bars. So, before your East London experience is complete, be sure to head to the Vibe Bars beer garden for a drink or two before stumbling across the road to 93 Feet East (150 Bricklane) for some late night groovin.

Whilst this place is sweaty and jammed, it has become an East End institution well known for its eclectic mix of live music and its intimate atmosphere.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Bricklane | Art & culture, Bars, Music, Shopping, Restaurants (Various, however mainly Bangladeshi) | Average meal £ £5.00-£20
Bricklane | East
Markets open Sun, most clothing stores daily, 93 Feet East: Mon – Thu 17:00 – 23:00, Fri 17:00 – 01:00, Sat 12:00 – 01:00, Sun 12:00 – 22:30

During the day people bring their laptops or books and work, read and drink coffee sprawled over one of the many mismatched sofas or lounge chairs. At night tea candles are lit and hot drinks are swapped for alcoholic drinks as people unwind and meet friends in what was once the Old Truman Brewery in Brick Lane (check the Brick Lane article). Now that it’s wintertime, people who swamped to the outside picnic benches and the alleyway still venture out, but there is a much more cosy feel inside.

The boho and versatile venue opens at a very early 06:00 for breakfast and soups, jacket potatoes and sandwiches are on offer for lunch and dinner. Live music attracts a younger crowd with indie bands on Tuesday and jazz on Wednesday. Bands play in the smaller room at the back on Sunday and a dj spins tunes on Friday and Saturday.

Cocktails made with fresh fruit are available on the weekend and all year round you can grab a burger or corn on the cob from the grill stand outside. Tables and benches outside in front are great for people watching or smoking.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Café 1001 | Bars, Coffee & tea, Music, Snacks, Restaurants (intern.)
1 Dray walk, 91 Brick Lane | East | +442072479679
Mon – Sat 06:00 – 00:00, Sun 06:00 – 23:30

If you’re looking for a genuine East End caff with hearty food and a warm welcome, then look no further! This family run café has been the social hub and favourite place of locals, cabbies, old-school gangsters (apparently the Kray brother’s favourite), and many a famous face for decades. Whether long-standing regular or first time visitor, you’ll always receive the warmest and friendliest welcome in London and be made to feel at home.

E. Pellicci has been open since 1900 after the Pellicci grandparents moved over from Tuscany in the late 19th century. Owner Nevio Pellicci was born in a room above the café and worked from boyhood until he passed away in 2008; very much missed, his photo hangs above the counter. Pelliccio’s is now run by son Nevio Pellicci Junior with the help of all the family on the counter and Mamma in the kitchen. The café closes in August when the family all head back to their roots for a month in Tuscany.

The atmosphere at Pellicci’s is brilliant, with good-natured banter between staff and customers. Inside is a Grade II listed, wooden art-deco interior; it gets pretty cosy with all the tables close together and you’ll end up sharing yours with fellow customers, but that’s all part of the fun. Choose from delicious fry-ups, roasts or proper home-cooked Italian dishes; and of course there’s espresso based coffees and mugs of tea aplenty. Mamma also makes all the puddings, which include jam roly-poly and cherry and apple pie.

Come for breakfast and you’ll want to keep topping up your tea and stay all afternoon!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
E.Pellicci | Restaurants (Italian/British) | Main course from £ 5.00
332 Bethnal Green Road | East | +442077394873
Mon – Sat 07:00 – 17:00

Located in Elys Yard, just before you reach Bricklane (see the Bricklane article), is an old red double decker bus. From a distance this bus may appear to be illegally parked, however closer up you’ll notice that the bus has been converted into a fully fledged vegan restaurant.

There is seating outside the bus, however the best seat in the house, or in this case, the bus, is on the top deck. Surprisingly the ambience is quite romantic up top, with candles and coloured cushions strategically placed whilst chilled- out music plays through the bus.

I went on a rainy night which made my visit even nicer as the rain poured down the windows my friend and I both agreed that it would have been a nice if we were on a date! To add to the novelty, the bus shakes when people move around and our extremely tall waitress was unable to stand upright whilst taking our orders. However she didn’t appear to mind.

Being a vegan restaurant, meat lovers will probably want to head elsewhere, however in saying that, everything was tasty, particularly the vegetable tempura.  Definitely worth a visit, even just for a drink and to enjoy the unusual novelty of being at a restaurant on a bus.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Rootmaster | Restaurants (Vegan) | Bottle of wine £ 12.00
Bricklane | East | +447912389314
Mon – Sat 11:00 – 23:00, Sun 11:00 – 22:30 | Kitchen closes at 21:30

After a trip to Tayyabs, it’s easy to see why the wall is plastered with framed awards and rave reviews. Most Londoners know the best curries are not found on self-proclaimed curry capital Brick Lane, and those in the know believe Tayyabs, within walking distance, is one of the best.

The no frills Pakistani restaurant is always bustling with an English and international crowd, truly reflecting the rich multicultural makeup of London. Tables are set close together to accommodate the steady flow of people and waiters seamlessly weave between them, providing efficient and fast service.

The food is less heavy than most ghee-filled Indian or Pakistani dishes and the delicately flavoured lentil and baby aubergine curry (dhal baingun) is a must. The fresh mango lassis come by the glass or in jugs to share and are a delicious accompaniment to the meal. Powerfully spiced sizzling grilled meats are a specialty. Although they don’t serve alcohol, you are free to bring your own. There is no corking charge.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Tayyabs | Restaurants (Pakistani/Indian) | Dhal Baingun £ 5.00
83 Fieldgate Street | East | +442072479543
12:00 – 00:00 daily

There’s a lot right with Victoria Park village – and there are plenty of drawbacks. Beautiful little bistros lining the street, ample shopping and a glut of gorgeous ale houses are within crawling distance of Victoria Park.

However, as with most upmarket London suburbs you’re going to come across your fair share of la-di-da media middle managers, overpriced food and tardy service. The latter is spectacularly true of the Empress’ illustrious next door neighbours at Fish House – where I’ve waited over half an hour before being served without a hint of a smile.

However the Empress stands head and shoulders above every other establishment in the area. A fantastic food menu is complimented by the intricately art-deco interior, resplendent with grand colonial murals and quirky chandeliers.

The lemon sole was nothing short of spectacular; its crushed potato and in-season asparagus accoutrements work perfectly with the subtle Hollandaise and an added side of cauliflower (real) cheese. The brunette had trout; melted in her and my mouth while still exuding all the tastes of the North Sea. Service was just the right side of smiley, without being smarmy, and quick, too – take that, Fish House: better decor, service – and fish! And for the same price, just over a tenner a meal.

It may not be the most beloved of bank balances, but the Empress of India is more than a gastropub; it’s a first date.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
The Empress of India | Bars, Restaurants (Modern Cuisine) | Main meal £ 12.00
130 Lauriston Road | East | +442085335123
09:00 – 23:00 daily