A complete guide to the best hidden gems in Brick Lane, Bethnal Green and areas reachable by walk – shops, restaurants, street food, street art and more!
I’ve already written here about so many of East London’s hidden gems that I of course told you a little bit about Brick Lane and its magical bagel shops, street art, and other really cool shops.
And since there are quite a few things to do in Bethnal Green that I came to know while living on Canrobert St, just off Bethnal Green Rd a few years ago, I’ll share some of my knowledge pertaining to this area as well!
The Best Hidden Gems in Brick Lane & Bethnal Green, London
You’ll find a few cheap eats around Brick Lane and Bethnal Green, with two of my favorites, Beigel Shop and Beigel Bake.
You’ll also find countless things to do, even if you’re living in London on a budget, with the Brick Lane markets, the vintage shops, bookshops and other shops and magical places you can visit even without spending money.
Bethnal Green and Brick Lane are still two of my favorite neighborhoods of East London, and even if I have moved to other artsy and posh areas in the meantime, I still find the artsy vibe very enjoyable.
So let’s get on with all of Brick Lane’s hidden gems, with a detour towards Bethnal Green Station, Roman Road, and Cambridge Heath Road!
The Best Hidden Gems in Brick Lane
Best Hidden Gems in Brick Lane: Buxton Street’s Female Sculpture
First up, you have a really cool female sculpture on Buxton Street, just off Brick Lane, which has unfortunately been degraded over the years.
That’s why while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate from Dark Sugars, make your way down Brick Lane to Buxton Street to see the now headless and very paint-covered female statue coming out of the wall.
Year after year, it’s been covered with different colors, including red and bright silver – enjoy this little piece of Brick Lane’s street art before it’s gone for good.
Other streets nearby are filled with art pieces, like the beautiful Fashion Street, one of my favorites right off Brick Lane.
Read: The Prettiest Neighborhoods in London
Best Hidden Gems in Brick Lane: Vintage Shopping at Hunky Dory
For all my vintage shops lovers, you’ll find at the top of Brick Lane the Hunky Dory shop, an institution to pick up vintage leather jackets, jewelry, and retro dresses.
The shop is open every day of the week and is located about thirty seconds away from both Beigel Shop and Crosstown Doughnuts, which means you could start with a bite before rummaging the vintage shop’s racks.
Hunky Dory is quite famous for the quality of its items, and well, if you’re looking for hidden gems in Brick Lane, that’s a shop you really can’t miss.
While in lots of London’s charity shops, you’ll find everyday pieces to purchase without really looking at the quality, this one is a place where you get vintage pieces you’ll be proud of sporting.
The epitome of fashion, if I may.
Read: The Most Unique Shops in London
Best Hidden Gems in Brick Lane: Urbiana, Jewelry Shop
The Urbiana shop in Brick Lane is one of the most interesting you’ll find around, and they offer anything from jewelry to sunglasses and home decor pieces.
I’ll write about some of my favorite shops in Brick Lane in a bit, but for now, if you boast that hippie slash boho style with a touch of edginess, do pop by Urbiana.
It’s open every day of the week, and from brass-style jewelry to crystals and evil eye-encrusted bracelets, there’s lots to pick up from this inviting shop.
Closeby, you have a few other vintage markets and various shops very much worth a visit – and if you fancy some delicious hot chocolate, pay a visit to nearby Dark Sugars (you absolutely will not regret the calories).
Read: The Best Shops in Oxford Street
Best Hidden Gems in Brick Lane: Junkyard Golf Club
Every time I think of Junkyard Golf Club in Shoreditch, the image of God’s Own Junkyard in Walthamstow pops up in my mind – the vibe, with neons and colors everywhere, is very similar from one place to the other.
However, in terms of activities, they couldn’t be more different as God’s Own Junkyard is a neon shop, while Junkyard Golf Club is a mini-golf venue.
Located in the heart of East London, the mini-golf venue is filled with really fun courses; ramps, loops, recycled materials and funky artwork set the tone for this cute place.
If you’re looking for places to have a fun, romantic date in London, Junkyard Golf Club really is that type of non touristy spot everyone ends up loving…
Even if you’re bad at mini-golf like me.
Read: The Poshest Areas in London
The Best Hidden Food Gems in Brick Lane
Best Hidden Gems in Brick Lane: Sleazy Pizza
There are many amazing Neapolitan pizza spots in London, including some of my favorites in Central London, Rossopomodoro, Pizza Pilgrims and Franco Manca.
A few months ago, I was invited to eat at Sleazy Pizza Brick Lane, in the Vintage Market, and really enjoyed the experience.
You’ll obviously find oh-so-many good places to eat in Brick Lane, from Indian restaurants which are historically delicious in East London, to smaller street food spots.
Sleazy Pizza, with its fresh starters, wholesome mozzarella and funky pizza names, is one of my favorite hidden gems in Brick Lane – and tasty however you look at it.
Read: The Best Cafes in London Bridge
Best Hidden Gems in Brick Lane: Hot Chocolate at Dark Sugars
Earlier in this guide, I told you that you’d do well to pop by the female sculpture on Buxton Street while enjoying a steamy cup of hot chocolate from Dark Sugars.
I am very particular when it comes to my hot chocolate; I can’t stand cocoa much and it really needs to be premium quality for me to enjoy it.
That’s why Dark Sugars, with its shaved chocolate bits on top, is one of the smartest and most enjoyable places to drink hot chocolate in London – especially when it’s getting really cold out.
The gourmet truffles and chocolates at Dark Sugars are also heartwarming; I had a few with my hot chocolate and did find them particularly refined.
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in South London
Best Hidden Gems in Brick Lane: Beigel Shop and Beigel Bake
When you come from Bethnal Green Road, Beigel Bake and Beigel Shop are two easily accessible places to have lunch in London under £5.
It’s now become quite tricky to find really cheap eats in London, however, these two spots are immaculate when it comes to the quality of their salt beef, and the tanginess of their mustard and pickles.
I always get the classic, traditional salt beef beigel in these two shops, and I have to admit my favorite is Beigel Shop Brick Lane, which also offers amazing rainbow beigels.
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in North London
Best Hidden Gems in Brick Lane: Crosstown Doughnuts
You’re reading an article written by a woman always looking for the best doughnuts in London, even if I think I’ve pretty much covered all the spots I need to know.
Or have I?
From vegan doughnuts with lime and coconut to incredible peanut butter and jam doughnuts, Crosstown Doughnuts is one of the funkiest places to grab a snack in London.
They have quite a few locations in London, but since we’re talking about hidden gems in Brick Lane, their shop situated a couple of steps away from Beigel Shop and Hunky Dory Vintage is the one I’ll recommend here.
Especially since you can also sit down for a bit and journal, and there are power outlets at Crosstown Doughnuts Brick Lane which allow you to plug in your phone/laptop if needed.
Read: The Best Hidden Gems in West London
Best Hidden Food Gems in Brick Lane: Katsute 100
Katsute 100 has several locations around London, but their Japanese cafe slash patisserie in the heart of Brick Lane is the relaxing space you come to enjoy the weekend fully.
Matcha pastries are obviously available here, along with other delicately-flavored mochi and Japanese cakes, and the huge selection of teas is perfect for any tea lover.
Katsute 100 is therefore one of my favorite cafes in Brick Lane to relax solo, journal or come with friends visiting London for the first time.
It’s open every day of the week, and if there’s one thing I can recommend, it’s the tea room’s incredible Japanese mille crepe cakes.
Read: The Best Cinnamon Buns in London
The Best Hidden Gems in Bethnal Green
Best Things to Do in Bethnal Green: Espacio Gallery
Espacio Gallery is an independent art gallery located on Bethnal Green Road which almost faces Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium, one of London’s most popular cat cafes.
Exhibitions rotate regularly at Espacio Gallery, with socially-committed types of art, from conceptual artworks to drawings, paintings and sculpture.
I love finding new art galleries in London, and Espacio Gallery, with its free exhibitions coupled with workshops and events, is a good spot to visit if you love discovering new techniques and discussing ideas.
The great thing is that if you’re looking for hidden gems in Brick Lane, the art gallery is literally located five minutes from Brick Lane, and always offers interesting pieces.
Read: The Best Free, Cheap & Unique Things to Do in Canary Wharf
Best Hidden Gems in Bethnal Green: Geffrye Museum
Although you do have to walk a bit from Bethnal Green and Brick Lane, do visit the Museum of the Home (formerly called Geffrye Museum) in Hoxton if you have the time.
It’s one of the most unusual free museums in London, and located on Kingsland Road, it makes for a cool activity before trying delicious pho at Song Que Cafe on the same road.
The Museum of the Home is housed in an 18th century almhouse, with the various rooms exploring period decor from 1600 to the present day – a great way to discover different historical periods.
I personally love discovering about the past in London, with places like Camden Passage and St Dunstan in the East being favorites when I was to jump back in time.
If you’re the same, you’ll find the collections at the Museum of the Home particularly enticing, with everyday objects, furniture, sculptures and paintings providing insight into the English home, vintage style.
Read: The Most Instagrammable Cafes in London
Best Things to Do in Bethnal Green: Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia Road in itself is one of the prettiest streets in London, only more beautiful when the flower market is on on Sundays.
Arrive as early as possible, as the Columbia Road Flower Market takes place from 8 am to 3 pm.
One of the prettiest markets in London, the Columbia Road Flower Market offers a diverse selection of plants, flowers and shrubs – even exotic flowers!
Many independent shops, antiques stores, art galleries and coffee shops can be found on Columbia Road and surroundings, and the Flower Market is located at walking distance from both Shoreditch and Bethnal Green.
If you’re a flower enthusiast, do think of checking out one of London’s botanical cafes as well to keep nature blooming throughout your day!
Read: The Most Secret Places in London
Best Hidden Gems in Bethnal Green: Charity Shopping at Jambala Bookshop
Jambala Bookshop not only offers one of the prettiest shop windows in London, but also a great selection of books – a lot of which look brand new.
The charity shop located right off Roman Road, close to the Quaratacinque coffee shop, is a charming place filled with second hand books on all subjects, from literature to fiction.
Jambala Bookshop is part of the London Buddhist Centre located thirty seconds away, and if you’re looking for hidden gems in Brick Lane and Bethnal Green, that’s a shop I can only warmly recommend.
Read: The Best Charity Shops in London
The Best Hidden Food Gems in Bethnal Green
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Bethnal Green: Mum Likes Thai Food
One of the best restaurants in Bethnal Green, also located on Roman Road, Mum Likes Thai Food is a very local joint in which you can have a laidback, yet tasty moment.
Papaya salad, roast duck curry, and traditional Pad Thai are all available on the menu, and utterly beautiful to eat while enjoying the ethnic decor at Mum Likes Thai Food.
If you’ve been here before, you probably know I love maximalist restaurants; while not crucial to my dining experiences, aesthetic decor and interiors are still enjoyable when going out to eat with friends.
We’re much closer to Bethnal Green Station than Brick Lane here, but if you’re willing to take 20 mns to walk from Brick Lane to Mum Likes Thai Food, you’ll find here one of London’s best Thai restaurants.
Plus, whether you’re a vegan or vegetarian, many of the dishes in this aesthetic restaurant are available with plant-based options!
Read: The Most Magical Alice in Wonderland Places in London
Best Places to Eat in Bethnal Green: Breakfast at Quarantacinque
For a proper Italian breakfast with ginseng caffè and cornetto alla crema, why don’t you head to Quarantacinque on Roman Road?
The tiny Italian coffee shop is located a few steps away from two of my favorite charity shops in Bethnal Green, Jambala Bookshop and Lama’s Pyjamas.
The cafe is open every day of the week, and if you’re looking for hidden gems in Brick Lane and Bethnal Green, you honestly can’t miss this one.
The first time I passed by this coffee shop was during the pandemic.
Unfortunately, I did not live in East London long enough to actually sit down there, so I’ve only ever ordered through their window and enjoyed coffee and breakfast on the go.
These are really fresh Italian pastries you’ll find there, and proper, strong coffee – a really amazing spot to visit in Bethnal Green if you’re making your way to Roman Road Market, Victoria Park and Mile End.
Read: The Cutest Pink Places in London
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Bethnal Green: Issho-Ni
Issho-Ni is one of the only places that offer halal Japanese food in London, and with its quite posh interior, it almost looks like it doesn’t belong in Bethnal Green, historically much more artsy than fancy.
Issho-Ni is open every day aside from Mondays and Sundays, and that’s where you can get a really nice brunch on Saturdays along with classic Japanese food.
Lately, I’ve been enjoying Japanese bakeries and cafes more than I used to, and am starting to bear a stronger love to the care usually given to traditional Japanese dishes.
Mackerel teriyaki, sweetcorn kikiage and beautifully seared butterfish can all be combined for lunch under £10, perfect if you’re looking for spots to eat in Bethnal Green on a budget!
Read: Students in London: The Best Tips to Save Money
Best Hidden Food Gems in Bethnal Green: E Pellicci
Since I’m now living between London and Rome, you can understand pretty easily why I would be looking for Italian restaurants and cafes when I’m in London.
There’s indeed something about Italian breakfast, coffee, and specialties that really never lets go of you, and when you feel the need for Italian food, one place you should visit is E Pellicci.
When walking up and down Bethnal Green Road, you can see that there are few really amazing cafes in Bethnal Green, but E Pellicci, open since 1900, is one of the area’s institutions.
Decorated with tasteful Art Deco pieces and glass, E Pellicci offers both that proper Full English Breakfast and Italian dishes.
The coffee shop is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and delicious snacks in the afternoon, and makes for the perfect place to grab a quick bite in an Italian interior.
Read: How to Live in London on a Budget
The Best Hidden Gems in Brick Lane & Bethnal Green, London
There you have them, all the best hidden gems in Brick Lane and Bethnal Green, East London!
From free museums to bagel shops, and other really cute streets to see street art in Brick Lane, you’ll hopefully have found everything you need here!
The entire Brick Lane/Bethnal Green/Shoreditch area is one of my favorites in London, and I always find plenty of new things to do there even when I’m short on budget.
If you’d like to discover more really cool hidden gems and secret spots to visit alone, with friends or a partner, check out these posts: