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.
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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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They have an array of all the classic pastries you’d expect from a French bakery, from pain au chocolat & croissants to my favourite croissant aux amandes.
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Their Reading room is a mix between a gallery and a library with books and lots of places to sit and read or do some work on your laptop.
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The Barbary pays homage to the culinary traditions of the countries from the Atlantic Coast through to the Mediterranean Sea leading to the Middle East.
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With connections to the local skate scene, it's a place where the mulleted, leather-jacketed alternative students from art unis head for a big night.
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"Hackney Wick Canal" in London once a quasi-industrial wasteland, now a prime hipster hangout... I like sitting at the canal side with a beer.
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"Kew Gardens" is the famous UNESCO world heritage site in Southwest London. It's great to visit for its plants, flowers and Christmas festivities!
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"The Thames Clipper" is an efficient machine, designed for London commuters. It's the perfect way to get on a boat on the Thames on a sunny evening!
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"Canopy Brewery", just below the railway tracks, is another perfect spot to sample some of London's finest brews, directly from the source!
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"Tayyabs" in London is a legendary Punjabi run. I'll go weak at the knees at the aroma of their sizzling platters of marinated lamb chops & shami kebabs...
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"Sambrook's Brewery" in London is tucked among housing and insustrial estates; it's off the beaten track but should be on every beer lover's map...
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