Curator’s statement
I have been living in London for eight years and I have heard from Londoners and travelers alike that they have never been to East London. There is always something happening in Hackney, Shoreditch and Islington (technically this is North London). It is often compared to Brooklyn due to the fact that it has some industrial and modern architecture as a result of rebuilding after WWII and the people are down-to-earth and cool. It is my favorite part of the city and feels like a different city altogether. It All the establishments are independent, where you will some of the best food in London.
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Where to stay in East London
One Hundred Shoreditch
A next-gen hip hotel in Shoreditch, with 258 rooms, solid eco practices, a sustainable seafood restaurant and an all-pink rooftop bar with views across East London.
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$50 food / beverage credit.
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Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch
Nestled amidst the energy of East London’s creative district and the financial center of the City, Nobu Hotel London Shoreditch delivers the perfect blend of industrial chic and Japanese simplicity.
Four Seasons Hotel London at Ten Trinity Square
Offers a blend of historical grandeur and modern luxury, situated in the heart of the city, providing an elegant retreat with world-class amenities.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible
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Things to do in East London
This is a local's guide of Islington, Shoreditch and Hackney, where I live and love to spend my time with my two french bulldogs.
Columbia Flower Market - Only go on Sunday if you want to see it in its full glory (meaning packed). I would recommend going on a Saturday and checking out the boutiques if you want a more quiet experience. Some great delis, bakeries and vintage stores on this road.
Broadway market - This is on Saturday as well for the market where some of the coolest people hang out and the best food you can find. I absolutely love the Argentinian steak sandwich that is usually at the back of the market and Florian's Bakery that only does gluten-free, vegan desserts.
London Fields - While you are in that area you can go hang out in London Fields where all the dogs and the locals go. It is a great time in the summer where everyone is picnicking and having the best time.
Go to the top of Netil House where you can access the rooftop and there you get some of the best views of East London and the City of London
Spitalfields - A great place to shop and eat food from everywhere in the world. The best burger in town is found at Bleecker Burger and the best matcha cafe is found a Jenki.
Upper Street has some fantastic shops and eats like Aria, TwentyTwentyOne, After Noah, Ottolenghi deli and Trullo.
Stoke Newington and Clissold Park is a very relaxed, family-oriented area that has a great high street with incredible independent boutiques and a beautiful park where you can see deer
If you come to the East, you should travel to Liverpool street station from wherever you are staying, as it has most of the underground lines. There you can explore Shoreditch and Spitalfield market is at your doorstep. Then you have to take the Overground, which is by the train lines, to Hackney or go to Shoreditch High Street Station to go to Highbury and Islington.
You are also not far away from Tower Hill and the River Thames where you can visit the Tower of London. A pro tip is to take the Uber boat from here all the way down the River Thames for approximately £2 and see the whole city from the water.
Places to eat & drink in East London
Dishoom in Spitalfields is the first of the franchise and is worth going to at breakfast or lunch, since then you can book a seat and not have to wait in line for an hour.
Smoking Goat is the sister restaurant to Kiln in Soho and some of the most authentic (and spicy) Thai food you can get in London.
After School Cookie Club is one of the stores at Boxpark and is an incredible place to have an ice cream sandwich that is both vegan and gluten free.
Clarence Tavern is a incredible gastro pub to go for Sunday Roast and enjoy the Clissold Park and Stoke Newington High Street area
E5 Bakehouse - A great brunch spot on the weekend before going to hang out the London Fields area. They have a really cute deli too with loads of local, small business food products to peruse and take home.
Popham's - Considered to be the best vienosserie in London with its influence in Scandinavian and French patisserie.
Da Terra and Restaurant Elis - Restaurant Elis is the casual dining option of chef Rafa Cagali, who gives a twist to classic Brazilian dishes and ingredients with his Italian heritage. Da Terra is also in the same building and is a two-Michelin starred restaurant worth booking also.
Waterhouse Project - An eco-friendly fine dining experience on the canals of Hackney
E Pellici to get the most authentic and rated English breakfast in London
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Travel Advisor
Karen Kandelman
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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Jonathan Aciego’s guide, Best Coffee Spots to Visit in London.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to London.