Locals: Exploring Shoreditch, London

Shoreditch is one of my favourite areas in London. Here, you'll never be short of things to do. It is hipster, unique, funky, bright, and colourful; a true creative hub of London's East End. The area is home to an array of interesting markets, bars, and restaurants as well. No matter how many times I visit this area, I always find something that is new and interesting. While walking around Shoreditch, you have to look up, look around, and forget about maps and being on your phone - as those who keep their eyes open are rewarded by always finding new hidden gems: such as quirky pop-up stores, new graffiti by local rebellion artists, and fun and weird bars around. You just simply cannot create a “full guide” around Shoreditch, as everything changes really quickly, but I tried to create a list of a few places that are always around and are must-visits, as well as some unmissable graffiti art around town. However, my station is to start wandering around Brick Lane until you get lost around funky corner streets, and maybe even surprise yourself with new finds.

Where to Eat:

• Brick Lane Beigel Bake. If you fancy a snack on the go and a fun experience, visit Brick Lane Beigel Bake. They serve freshly made, delicious, and inexpensive bagels that are just out of this world. Here, not only can you try them, but also watch as they're prepared following a super-secret family recipe. Try brilliantly moist salt beef, carved as you wait, from a slab kept warm in the front window, or the classic smoked salmon and cream cheese.

  
  

• Visit Cereal Killer Café if you fancy something fun and funky for the desert! Cereal Killer Café can have over 100 kinds of cereals from all over the world in any imaginable way. Cornflake chicken, cereal milk ice cream, alcohol with cereal in it, or delicious milkshakes covered in cereals so “Instagrammable,” it is almost impossible to eat. The super funky setting, total atmosphere, and something absolutely unique makes this place a must-visit!

  
  

• Fancy chocolate? Visit Dark Sugar! Dark Sugars Cocoa House brings the culture of West African cocoa production to Brick Lane. At the Cocoa House, you can sway your hips to the sound of the Senegalese sabar, take in the aroma of roasting cocoa beans, watch mango slices swirling in luscious dark chocolate, and taste the sinful thickness of Pitch Black Hot Chocolate. Worth a visit even just to have a look and indulge all the amazing aromas!

  
  

• Indian Restaurants - “Brick Lane” is known as London's “Curry Mile” thanks to the numerous Indian restaurants that line the street. This part of the city experienced an influx of Bangladeshi migrant workers in the 1970s, and by the end of the decade, Brick Lane had become home to numerous Indian and Bangladeshi and Indian restaurants. My top picks are: Dishoom, Aladin, and Bombay Bustle!

  
  

Where to See the Best Graffiti:

Shoreditch is incredibly rich in creativity when it comes to murals, stencils, wheat pastes, colours, and styles. Grab your camera and go explore! 

• Wilkes Street. Just a minute's walk from Old Spitalfields Market, in the pretty neighbourhood filled with Huguenot houses still.

  
  

• Fournier Street. There are a few pieces along the street, but the best place is in front of the former shop, which frames bigger works of art, beautifully illustrating the faces of amazing women by French artist Manyoly.

  
  

• Hanbury Street (from Brick Lane down). There always is so much here…The first piece you will probably notice is Roa's giant crane. His black-and-white murals focus on animals and often combine the concepts of life and death while showing the skeleton under their skin.

  
  

• Brick Lane. Keep your eyes peeled, as street art comes in all sizes and places here, amidst the vintage and accessories shops.

  
  

• Cheshire Street. Lots of vintage clothes shops around and a few really funky independent shops so always worth the detour. There are only a few pieces here but they are gorgeous: Andrea Riot's mix of calligraphy and street art, one of Fin Dac's ethnic characters to which he adds a splash of colour around the eyes

  
  

• Whitby Street. A few pieces here too, including a couple of murals by Australian artist James Cochran, who's known for his urban drip painting style.