OK, so this one may be in quite a few of the guidebooks but it’s such an essential part of a visit to East London, it’s almost rude not to mention it. This part of London used to be home to many Jewish immigrants in the early 20th century, but as they became more affluent many moved up to leafier north London. This in turn allowed for an influx of immigrants from the Asian sub-continent in the latter half of the 20th century which is why Brick Lane is home to so many curry houses today.
Beigel Bake (with the white storefront) and the Beigel Shop (with the Yellow front) are two Jewish businesses that remain here to this day, offering pretty much the same product – although Beigel Bake it is widely considered the better of the two, and will often have a queue. Open 24/7, this place pumps out beautifully chewy Beigels and other baked goods with such a fast turnaround, freshness is guaranteed. I’ll often drop in before or after a night out and witness such a brilliant cross-section of society – cabbies, students, tourists, clubbers and workers patiently waiting in line.
More often than not I’ll opt for their world-class salt beef beigel, generously filled with warm hunks of succulent meat and smeared with hot English mustard. When I’m not in the mood for meat, I’ll go for the equally satisfying smoked salmon and cream cheese. I’ll usually take half a dozen bagels to take home too.
Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Built back in 2010 on the site of a disused railway line, it’s a local secret: a quiet, forest-like space to retreat to when city life becomes overwhelming.
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Inside, the rooms have distinctly different decorative styles. This is to give an idea of how the house would have looked at each stage in its history.
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It was once the site of the Eel Pie Hotel, a 19th-century guesthouse turned jazz venue and now it’s been transformed into a hippie artists’ colony...
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The domed Arab Hall – a glittering chamber inspired by the inside of the Castello della Zisa in Palermo – is what most visitors come for.
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Features of particular interest include the Architectural Library, the Solar Stair, a central spiral staircase with 52 steps for each week of the year...
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Tucked away in Bermondsey, Morocco Bound does it all, it is at once a bookshop, café, co-working space, beer bar and intimate events venue.
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The Phoenix Garden is remarkably inconspicuous: a bombsite turned car park turned community garden hidden behind high hedges and wrought iron railings.
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"London Fields Lido" is for those rare days when it's actually hot and sunny. Beat the crowds, head over to this colourful pool and meet me there!
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"Caravan" London is one of my favourite restaurants for having one of my favourite meals of the day: brunch. It's easy to savour every last bit here and...
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"Chuku's" in North London serves Nigerian tapas that invites you to 'chop, chat and chill!'
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In the heart of Southeast London sits "Eltham Palace and Gardens". Once a medieval estate, in the '30s it was styled with mesmerizing art deco furnishings.
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