The Wondrous Walls Of Brick Lane

Brick Lane is a well-known destination in London, with so much to offer. Located in East London, Brick Lane is painted with graffiti, amazing food places and shops, each day different to another.

From the shop signs to graffiti and wall art, brick Lane is bursting with colour. The creative way individuals show their imagination through design and culture is extraordinary. Art has limitless potential especially in the surrounding area with designs growing and growing. Walking down the stimulating streets between buildings I felt lively with a need to express creativity. The talent of those who create the art is remarkable, each piece bold with colours of the rainbow. There are so many types of street art throughout which makes it even harder to choose a favourite. There isn’t just one Muse, themes range from people, music, religion to current issues and popular trends.

Not only can you view the street art and explore the range of shops specialising in various cultures, you can also get a feel for the environment that surrounds Brick Lane, just from walking the streets it is easy to get an idea of the type of place that Brick Lane is. From the many cultures, fashion trends, and irresistible food, it offers the perfect combination of everything.

It inhabits something for everyone from the cosy ‘Brick Lane Bookshop’ for all of the book worms like us, to the insanely stylish vintage and thrift stores to Truman Brewery which is home to the vintage fashion of the 19th century, vinyl records, and fashionable accessories.

If you fancy a colourful bagel, head over to the ‘Beigel Shop’ the first bagel shop in Britain, or if you have a sweet tooth, there are many bakeries and sweet shops down the strip.

Food stalls and shops vary from Greek and Turkish to Indian and Chinese, to their vegetarian and vegan options. There are also many options for those who don’t eat meat or dairy, catering for many. Fancy a cocktail or beer? Visit one of many bars and pubs local to the street, less than a 10-minute walk.

Brick Lane really does cater to everyone from the massive food hall to fashionable shops to the wide range of moving and emotional street art, no matter where you go in Brick Lane you are sure to stumble across something that takes your fancy. Loved the thrift stores, they had reasonable and affordable prices, and the clothes that I found where perfect for not only my budget but my style as well, and as a broke Uni student I very much appreciated this. The response I received from shop owners and the locals was warm and welcoming, everyone I spoke to seemed interesting and unique in their own ways.

There are many walks of life going in and out of the streets of Brick Lane expressing themselves through their clothes and styles so if you ever have a chance do go and visit because you won’t regret it.

© Aimee-Michelle O'Connor & Lucy Roberts 2022