Brick Lane Guide

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There's so much going on in Brick Lane that you could easily spend the best part of a day hanging out there.

The famous lane runs all the way from Swanfield Street in Bethnal Green down to Whitechapel High Street, with Shoreditch High Street tube station at its northern end and Aldgate East tube station in the south offering the best access via the underground.

Today the area is perhaps best known for its abundance of outstanding curry houses, being as it is at the heart of London's Bangladeshi community. Indeed, the heady mix of mouth-watering aromas wafting up your nostrils is one of the delights of taking a stroll along Brick Lane.

In between a spicy lunch or dinner, there's plenty to check out alongside the restaurants. In the last few years, many up-and-coming artists and designers have moved into the area, opening galleries and boutiques, and there are more than a few vintage clothes shops in case you need to breathe some new life into your creaking wardrobe.

One artist who can hardly be described as up-and-coming is the elusive Banksy – and along Brick Lane you may see some of his work if you look hard enough.

Long before the area became known for its Bangladeshi community, Brick Lane and its environs was a vibrant Jewish district. A link to those days comes in the form of one of Brick Lane's most famous premises: Beigel Bake, Brick Lane Bakery (159 Brick Lane). This 24/7 establishment is always busy and draws a mixed crowd from across the social spectrum. The food here is excellent – and cheap too. The queue here shifts quickly, as do the beigels.

If you want to see Brick Lane at its liveliest, turn up on a Sunday and lose yourself in the bustling market (8am to 2pm). Bag a bargain, enjoy the street entertainers and wallow in the atmosphere. There can be few better ways to spend a Sunday morning.

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