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With its independent coffee shops, quirky vintage stores and alternative music scene, it's no wonder Shoreditch comes up trumps with the cool kids in town. Here's how to spend a day there.
10am
Rise and shine, it’s time for brunch. Prepare for the day ahead and make a beeline for Rivington Shoreditch on Rivington Street for a treat of bubble and squeak, fried duck egg and mushrooms, or a traditional English fry-up. You’ll need your strength if you’re going to spend the day wandering the streets of Shoreditch.
11.30am
If visiting on a Sunday, stroll to Columbia Road Flower Market and open your eyes and nose to some of London’s most legendary flower stalls, offering up a diverse choice from avalanche roses to shamrocks. Head southwards and find yourself at the top of Brick Lane to discover its eclectic mix of creative designer boutiques and vintage market stalls. If you’re still peckish, pick up a bagel from the famous 24-hour Beigel Bake, which has been luring hungry Londoners through its doors with its boiled-then-baked carb creations since 1977.
1.30pm
Make sure you pull in to the Vintage Market, held in the basement of the Truman Brewery from Thursday to Sunday. Head upstairs and satisfy your taste buds at the Boiler House Food Hall with a huge mix of international culinary delights, from Japanese to Italian, open on weekends.
3pm
If you feel your batteries draining, the friendly team at award-winning Nude Espresso will happily recharge you with caffeine and baked goods. Feeling perkier, take a wander around nearby Rough Trade East where you can pick up the latest vinyl and CD releases, along with catching a live gig on most weeknights.
4pm
Depending on what day of the week you visit, Old Spitalfields Market will have something different in store, whether it’s Thursday’s antiques, Friday’s fashion fest, or hunting down the hottest new designers on Sundays.
5pm
You’re in Shoreditch, so you can’t not indulge in a bottle of craft beer (or two). Head to BrewDog on Bethnal Green Road, where its most popular tipples include Punk IPA and Five AM Red Ale, plus plenty of guest beers.
6pm
In case you hadn’t heard, sofas and armchairs are how movies were meant to be watched. Electric Cinema Shoreditch on Redchurch Street welcomes you with plush velvet beds and leather armchairs for a luxurious way to view the latest Hollywood blockbuster.
9pm
In the mood for a bit more luxury? Continue the evening with fine dining at Hawksmoor, famed for its steaks to share and inventive cocktails. Tuck into a fillet or chateaubriand and sides and finish with a famous Full Fat Old Fashioned – their butter-infused whisky cocktail.
11pm
Still got some energy left? Take yourself to the Blues Kitchen which is open seven nights a week, and churns out Swing, Soul, and even Gospel tunes until the wee hours.