London Area Guide: Shoreditch

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The first weekend in January, my husband and I embarked on our annual tradition of spending a weekend in London. Each year we choose a neighbourhood and explore it in depth, slowly trying to get through the mega city that is England’s capital. In 2024, our choice was Shoreditch.

This post is actually going to mark the start of a series coming up over the next few months where I publish my London area guides, which will continue to grow as I explore more of the capital – and I’ve created a dedicated ‘London’ section on the blog especially to house them.


  1. Contents
  2. Things to do in Shoreditch
    1. Colombia Road Flower Market
    2. Spitalfields Market
    3. Brick Lane, Beigel Bake & Upmarket
    4. Shoreditch Street Art
    5. Flight Club
    6. Dishoom
    7. Japanese Brunch
    8. Hijingo Bingo
    9. Junkyard Golf
    10. Brushfield Street Elephants
    11. Gloria
  3. How to get to Shoreditch
  4. Where to stay in Shoreditch
  5. More Information

Getting off the train and walking to our hotel, we instantly felt out of place. This place is WAAAY too cool for us – we passed people in full length leather jackets, someone in all red with a feather boa round their neck and someone walking a goat on one side and a pig on the other. Shoreditch is a reflection of its roots in London’s East End. Over the years it’s been well and truly gentrified meaning you now have a mix of expensive developments, luxury hotels and shops, but with a DNA of amazing markets, diversity and individualism. I really liked its unique character.

After recovering from the goat/pig walking, we had a wonderful 36 hours hours exploring this little piece of London and here’s my guide of the best things we found to see and do.

Every Sunday from 8am-2pm, London’s famous flower market hits the streets of Shoreditch. Set against a background of loud London market calling and street musicians, the market is full of gorgeous flowers and plants, lots of lovely little shops/coffee spots and cute arts and crafts galleries. It’s also REALLY good value, so if you’re relatively local it’s definitely worth stocking up – I came home with some lovely winter peonies.

In the market

Spitalfields Market is a special place. Lying in the heart of the East End, it initially started as a market on the outskirts of the city in the 1600s. Due to its popularity, more and more people moved nearby and this area of London grew. Today the market is home to independent stores selling everything from books, to clothes, to food, to coffee, to knit wear and lamps. It’s a great place to stroll around for an hour or two, and enjoy breakfast or lunch.

In the market

Brick Lane is probably one of the most famous streets in London. The heart of London’s Bangladeshi community, the street signs are in English and Bengali, and the area’s curry houses are truly unbeatable.

The area is also one of London’s true foodie hotspots. Whilst the curries are a highlight, it’s also known for its bagels, with Beigel Bake being the most famous of the Brick Lane bagel offerings. Also along Brick Lane is the incredible Upmarket, a food hall with independent food stalls serving everything from Singaporean, to Korean, Brazilian, Japanese, Chinese, Bao Buns, Mexican, Empanadas and much more. You’ll need to spend at least a few hours here to sample it all!

Shoreditch is one of the best areas of London for street art. Where else would you find a glorious mural with tables laid up for public, drop in games of chess?! The best areas to find the street art are King John Court, along Brick Lane and New Inn Yard.

For something a bit different for your trip to Shoreditch, try Flight Club. It’s an amazing place which serves lovely cocktails as you take to a fun competitive game of darts for 2+ people. There are loads of interactive games you can play and even though I was rubbish, I had the best time!

One of my favourite food choices in Shoreditch is Dishoom. Dishoom is now very well known with branches all over London, but it still retains its quality. Based on the Iranian cafes of the 1900s in Bombay, the menu mixes Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine and it’s delicious. For something a little different, the breakfast naans are yum.

Tasty breakfast naan

A totally unique experience, Nobu (the hotel in which we stayed), in the heart of Shoreditch offers an all you can eat Japanese brunch. As my husband is crazy about sushi I knew we had to try it. It was SO good – the sushi, salads, main meals, miso, edamame, tacos, deserts – everything was just delicious. We spent 2 hours eating, and my favourite dishes (as a non sushi lover) were the veggie tacos, chicken teriyaki and banoffee pie.

I dislike Bingo. My husband loves a bit of Bingo. So begrudgingly I was dragged in to this Bingo Hall, with my husband promising there was a cocktail bar and the prizes included a European weekend away. Well…I had the BEST time. It’s like Bingo as you’ve never seen it, with multi-sensory live entertainment including lights, live music, a cocktail bar, good food, and awesome prizes. I didn’t win the European holiday but I was converted to a bit of fun Bingo.

The madness that is Hijingo

Another fun thing to do whilst in Shoreditch, Junkyard Golf is a crazy golf spot offering 4 unique courses to play. We played ‘Gary’ – an all out assault on the senses in a disco setting, and ‘Bozo’ – a circus themed course. Junkyard Golf is set up to be social, with a large bar and bars on the courses too with places to sit as you go round. We found it just a bit *too* busy and drunk people on a crazy golf course annoyed me. On the plus side, I won and got a hole in one!

The three elephant sculptures on Brushfield Street are so cute and really beautifully done. Make sure you include them on your Shoreditch itinerary for a few photos!

The amazing elephant sculptures

Another awesome Shoreditch restaurant, Gloria is famous for its authentic Italian food. We both had pasta for main course, and then had the world famous Lemon Pie for dessert with its 6 inch meringue!


Shoreditch is easily reachable from Central London and is about a 30 minute walk north from The City of London (the area of London which is home to The Tower of London).

The closest rail station is Shoreditch High Street, which is on the East London Line. Alternatively, Liverpool Street Station is just across the road, served by the Central, Elizabeth, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan tube lines.

Liverpool Street is also easy to get to if you’re coming from outside of London. There are direct trains to/from Cambridge, Reading, Heathrow Airport, Stansted Airport and across town from London Paddington.


Shoreditch has so many hotels to choose from. We chose Nobu, which was a great option for location and food. The rooms were quite dark though, and I think overpriced for what they were (you can read my full review HERE).

Our room in Nobu

Other high end options include The Mondrian and Montcalm East. If you’re looking for a more budget friendly stays, hotels in the area with good reviews include Z Shoreditch, Hart Shoreditch or the local Travelodge or Premier Inn.


  • Looking for a longer stay in London: London Itinerary Guide.
  • Wanting more London area guides (posts coming soon where not linked):

You are forgiven for thinking that all we did all weekend was eat and drink – because that’s exactly how we spent our time in Shoreditch – and I don’t regret a second. Shoreditch wasn’t my favourite area of London, but if you’re in to food variety and markets, it’s definitely an area for you. I’m so glad to have visited, and now need to pick the London area for 2025!

Stay safe and happy travelling!

43 responses to “London Area Guide: Shoreditch”

  1. I’ve heard of Shoreditch’s rough past, but it’s interesting to see that it’s completely transformed itself over the past few years! I didn’t have time to venture to that neighborhood on my last visit to London, but it looks like a cool spot to eat, drink, and take in the rad vibes. Thanks for sharing, Han; looking forward to this new series on London!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It really has, it’s been well and truly gentrified. It’s a really cool area to explore, and I’m glad to have had a mooch about 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  2. What a cool, colorful, and off beat part of London! (although I think my not-as-cool self would stick out terribly here) Being neither a fan of mini golf or bingo- I would absolutely take part in them here because they obviously know how to do them right. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I definitely stuck out too!! I just had to throw myself in and embrace it. It was eclectic and a really fun weekend 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Shoreditch does look like a very hip place to visit; I would certainly feel out of place there. Everything looks quite inviting though, the food, shops and entertainment. I’m glad to hear you had a fun weekend. Thanks Hannah for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I felt out of place too, but then realised there was every variety of person there and all were welcome 🙂 It was a great weekend, a really fun place to explore for a couple of days 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  4. I love this tradition! I can’t imagine seeing a goat and pig in the city haha. I always feel out of place in the hip/trendy places too. All that food looks so tasty!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Ha, I know, I definitely did a double take!!! We love our London tradition too, and have to say Shoreditch was definitely a win on the food front! 🙂

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  5. Looks like a festive, vibrant city full of interesting sights and delicious tastes to enjoy! Thanks for sharing your adventure to London, Hannah 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. So glad you enjoyed the little tour, Phil. Thanks as always and have a great weekend 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  6. I must say, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bagel anywhere in England. I guess I haven’t been looking in the right spots. I haven’t played bingo (except with my students) in years, but I think it’s kinda fun. I’m going to make note of that bingo spot you went to because it looks like a blast.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Haha, now you say that – you’re right! We don’t have a lot of Bagels, but Brick Lane does the best ones for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Ha, I can still accept the full length leather jackets … but a walk with a goat and a pig – never heard of this! It’s a big YES when it comes to markets (especially if one can taste different food – yum for the bagels). I also like the elephant statues. But my word – that lemon pie!! If I ever get to Shoreditch, it will be because of that lemon pie 🙂.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The lemon pie was literally amazing 🙂 I had such a great weekend eating my way around Shoreditch, it’s a really cool place to spend a day or two.

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  8. Depending on our plans, we’ve based ourselves in the City of London several times and enjoyed browsing Spitalfields Market and the surrounding area. The area has definitely improved in recent years and though I’m not a fan of Brick Land it’s obviously popular. A great review Hannah.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Marion, I love exploring Spitalfields too, it’s such a cool place with so much on offer.

      Liked by 1 person

  9. jamiechancetravels

    Love Shoreditch – can’t wait to visit London again! Great write up

    Liked by 1 person

  10. To be honest, with a name like Shoreditch, I wasn’t expecting a lot! But it sounds like such an interesting part of London. I got a good laugh about your first impressions when you got off the train about the person walking with a goat and pig. The Hijingo Bingo sounds hilarious.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Lol that made me laugh, you’re absolutely right, it sounds pretty rubbish – but it’s actually a really cool part of London that’s a bit out of the main tourist area 🙂

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  11. Thanks for the tour. I’ve been to London a few times, but wasn’t in this section.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Got to try Dishoom next time, all I hear about them are brilliant reviews. Love the look of that lemon pie. Great article about Shoreditch, really useful for people wishing to explore and base themselves in the area. Last time I was on Brick Lane we ate at City Spice, fabulous food.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You really do, though I do think it’s now so hyped it’s become more commodotised. I went when it first opened and it was SO good. Now I’d say it’s just good. Oh great recommendation, I’ll have to give that a go!

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  13. What a groovy place!? And you certainly aren’t going to go hungry! 🙂 Mel

    Liked by 1 person

    1. No I think I ate my bodyweight in food in 24 hours! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Love this deep dive into London neighbourhoods! Shoreditch looks so fun and cool, with lots of things to do and many restaurants to try. I’d love to explore it one day as I am sure I have never been there despite going to London a few times already. Thanks for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Juliette, it’s such an interesting part of London with so much on offer to see and do. The food was definitely the highlight! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  15. I’m with you, Shoreditch isn’t my favourite part of London, but it’s fun to visit and has some excellent bars and restaurants. I always liked wandering around the Columbia Flower Market on a Sunday. The vintage market on Brick Lane is also worth a browse if you’re into fashion, it has some really cool and unusual pieces.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Flower Market is really lovely isn’t it 🙂 It’s a good part of London to walk around and eat everything that’s for sure!

      Liked by 1 person

  16. Anonymous

    Excellent! I was in Shoreditch a few weeks ago – first time – to see the street art!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The street art is amazing isn’t it!

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  17. Never heard of bingo like that! Great flower market and street art. Good luck with the guides!

    Liked by 1 person

  18. I love Brick Lane but didn’t explore much else in the area. But now I know, next time bring a goat 😊Maggie

    Liked by 1 person

    1. LOL that made me laugh – yup and a pig if you can find one 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  19. ThingsHelenLoves

    ‘ This place is WAAAY too cool for us ‘ Having recently ventured into Shoreditch with my twin daughters, I can relate to this! They were right at home, Mr THL and I not so much. I did see a woman who looked to be in her late seventies wearing a fur jacket, gold cowboy boots and a hat that said ‘Queen’ and find my old age goals though!

    Wish I’d read this before our visit, I would have gotten more out of our time there. Those elephants are gorgeous. Next time!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. LOL I totally get it, I felt so out of place too!!! That is totally old age goals, I love it 🙂

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  20. The street art looks fabulous – the woman’s head with tree-hair (?) is the best. I remember Brick Lane curry from decades ago. My son and I were in London at Christmas and most restaurants were closed. A friend suggested the Lebanese quarter, and the Middle Eastern food was great. Is that area now called Dishoom?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I really need to try a Brick Lane curry, I feel like I’ve eaten there a lot, but never a curry!!

      Liked by 1 person

  21. We’ve walked around the area a few times but aren’t familiar with the restaurants at all . As for the bingo – love it!!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The Bingo was definitely an experience 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Could this be London’s coolest address? It is certainly a location unlike any other I’ve visited in London – I love how colourful and vibrant it is. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx

    Liked by 1 person

  23. It’s great to hear about the social setup with bars and seating, though I can understand how the busy and lively atmosphere might be a bit overwhelming, especially with tipsy golfers around. Congrats on winning and scoring that hole in one! 🎉

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  24. Great. The street art looks fabulous – the woman’s head with tree-hair (?) is the best. I remember Brick Lane curry from decades ago.

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About the author

Hi! My name is Hannah, I’m a travel blogger from the UK who fits travel around a full time (and full on) job. In this blog I share my adventures around the world and hopefully help you to find some inspiration for destinations, things to do or places to stay. Thanks for stopping by – stay safe and happy travelling.

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