Jun 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

Barnsbury Wood

London’s smallest nature reserve

Barnsbury Wood is enjoyed by Londoners all year round, but it is at its most glorious in the summer months when the trees are drenched in golden sunlight.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Madeline

Gowers

Jul 7, 2025

The Hill Garden and Pergola

A tranquil oasis

The gardens and pergola are open to the public and are a great spot for a walk or a peaceful afternoon with a good book in hand while lying on the grass.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Angelina

Ivanova

Jul 5, 2025

Italo Delicatessen

Quiet oasis in noisy Vauxhall

The people of Bonnington Square really know how to foster a vibe with leafy exotic plants spraying scattered shadows as you sit and eat...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Harry

Thompson

Jul 1, 2025

Di Lieto

A true Neopolitan family deli

From focaccia to pasta, coffee to cake, this one-stop shop is as much a place to buy your brew and bread as it is to have a lunchtime bite of pasta...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Harry

Thompson

Jul 1, 2025

The Black Dog

Park pub perfection

Of all the reasons why you have to check out this idyllic boozer, perhaps the most important is that this is the home of the finest scotch egg in London.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Harry

Thompson

Jul 1, 2025

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens

Vauxhall's chill space

Birds sing while trains rumble along atop the parallel railway arches, old men play boule in the shade and planes skim overhead on approach to Heathrow.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Harry

Thompson

Jul 1, 2025

The Dog House

Footy, friends and feels

From the run-down chic aesthetic to the strong beer selection and excellent pub garden, there are no chinks in the Dog House's armour...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Harry

Thompson

Jul 1, 2025

The Prince of Wales

Boule and birdsong, anyone?

Inside, the bar is a welcoming, tightly-packed vibe with old-fashioned, old-world decor with gorgeous bare wood surfaces & countless pictures on the walls.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Harry

Thompson

Jul 1, 2025

The Crown & Cushion

Made like they used to

The unassuming, retro signage outside amidst the noise & din of Waterloo might pull you in, but what makes you stay is the genuine town tavern feel inside.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Harry

Thompson

Jul 1, 2025

Pierre Victoire

French fare at a fair price

With a rustic French feel, Pierre offers dishes with rich red-wine sauces and tasty meats from much of the spectrum of the French culinary roster.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Harry

Thompson

Jul 1, 2025

The Toucan

Soho's Guinness godfather

With old-fashioned vintage Guinness branding adoring just about every surface, this is the ideal spot to take a moment and enjoy a perfectly-poured pint.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Harry

Thompson

Jul 1, 2025

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

Jun 29, 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