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.
Find your way with 276 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
A must try for me at Paradise Soho are the gigantic grilled ceylonese prawns - tender and smokey from the charring & the cashew curry along with a hopper.
by
As an independent wine bar their focus is on stocking wines from smaller producers, lesser known regions and grape varieties, and also female winemakers.
by
The team at the Penny Drop are real coffee geeks in the best possible sense of the word and go to great lengths sourcing the best coffee beans out there.
by
If you arrive in the morning you’ll find their popular morning buns with a variety of fillings, sticky buns, beignets, and more!
by
Rondo La Cave is a hip wine bar situated in the basement of the Hoxton hotel and has a charming rustic interior with dim lighting.
by
Quiet yet somehow buzzing, classy yet unpretentious, central yet hidden. What impresses me most is the concentration of great spots in such a small area.
by
The menu has all the brunch classics you’d expect and also some more unusual offerings as well as weekend specials that change regularly...
by
The Bloomsbury farmers market is a small market for fresh produce and lots of different food stalls held every Thursday on Bloomsbury square.
by
Southwark Brewing company has a range of traditional beers such as ales, IPAs, porter, and bitter - all really fresh and available on draft or bottle.
by
Museum Lates is a concept that is essentially a late-night opening when you can explore the exhibitions without the day-trip crowds getting in your way.
by
Stir Coffee Brixton is a lovely neighbourhood coffee shop located on the corner of Brixton Hill and Arodene Road which has a very chilled vibe.
by
It was set up in 2009 by Highbury resident and cat enthusiast Doreen Rolph, as a place to raise funds for local animal welfare organisations.
by
276 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 276 Insider Tips