Apr 3, 2025

The Truman Brewery London

Shopping and ents galore

""The Truman Brewery" in London used to be one of the biggest breweries in the world but now is a cavernous event space with markets and pop-up events!"

The observant amongst you may notice the Truman name adorned on the exterior walls of many London pubs, particularly in the East End.  Truman’s was one of the biggest breweries in the world in the mid 19th century, but fell on hard times and ceased trading in 1989. The sprawling site that straddles Brick Lane and Hanbury street today offers plenty of places to explore – and some areas might not be so obvious so do have a good look around.  

The cavernous event spaces host various markets, sample sales and pop-up events, often selling interesting one-off artisan items – this is usually my first port if call when looking for cool gifts.  Rough Trade East is arguably one of the best record stores for indie and alternative music in the UK, if not the world.  They also have regular instore shows and artist signings to promote album releases – these are often free of charge with a purchase so check their website for details.  I also like the variety of high-quality shops in the complex – Son of a Stag is great if you’re looking for raw denim or YMC for functional modern fashion to name just two.  The complex offers plenty of options for eating, drinking and dancing, and the All Star Lanes offers a deluxe if rather pricey ten pin bowling experience.

002-building
Art & culture
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

About this spot

Brick Lane

£

no-price

2077706001

Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our London guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in London

Dalston Eastern Curve Garden

A tiny urban jungle

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.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Madeline

Gowers

Apr 29, 2025

Geranium

The Barbican Centre’s best kept secret

Shelves run all around the edge of the shop, piled high with upmarket store cupboard essentials in addition to handmade soaps and eco-friendly products.

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Madeline

Gowers

Apr 29, 2025

Sutton House

Hackney’s hidden Tudor gem

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.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Madeline

Gowers

Apr 29, 2025

Eel Pie Island

An artists’ colony in the Thames

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...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Madeline

Gowers

Apr 29, 2025

Leighton House

An architectural masterpiece

The domed Arab Hall – a glittering chamber inspired by the inside of the Castello della Zisa in Palermo – is what most visitors come for.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Madeline

Gowers

Apr 29, 2025

The Cosmic House

A postmodernist masterpiece

Features of particular interest include the Architectural Library, the Solar Stair, a central spiral staircase with 52 steps for each week of the year...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Madeline

Gowers

Apr 29, 2025

Morocco Bound

Bermondsey’s secret cultural hub

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.

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Madeline

Gowers

Apr 29, 2025

The Phoenix Garden

A secret leafy paradise

The Phoenix Garden is remarkably inconspicuous: a bombsite turned car park turned community garden hidden behind high hedges and wrought iron railings.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Madeline

Gowers

Apr 29, 2025

London Fields Lido

Hackney riviera

"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!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Claire

Creighton

Apr 25, 2025

Caravan

The traveler's choice

"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...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
017-plant-1
Relaxing
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Claire

Creighton

Apr 20, 2025

Chuku's

North London Nigerian tapas

"Chuku's" in North London serves Nigerian tapas that invites you to 'chop, chat and chill!'

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Claire

Creighton

Apr 19, 2025

Eltham Palace and Gardens

Art Deco haven

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.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Ellie

Swain

Apr 6, 2025

Heading to London?

222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to London?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

222 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves London

Get to know our other Spotters from London

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
19
Filters