Brick Lane is the holy grail for vintage shopping. If you like rummaging through other people’s old clothes, you’ll feel like a pig in mud. The main market on Sundays is a madhouse, but during the week it’s more manageable.
You’ll find everything from retro leather jackets to questionable 80s prom dresses. Embrace the chaos. Dig through the bins. Don’t be afraid to haggle a bit, especially if you’re buying multiple things.
Pro tip: check the pockets. I once found a fiver in a tweed blazer. That blazer paid for itself. And yes, I still wear it.
The Bagel Shop Showdown
You can’t leave Brick Lane without hitting up Beigel Bake. It’s open 24 hours, and it’s practically a religious institution. The queue might look intimidating, but it moves fast.
Order a salt beef bagel with mustard and gherkins. It’s a towering, salty, tangy masterpiece that will ruin all other sandwiches for you. It costs about the same as a fancy coffee, but it’s a thousand times more satisfying.
Brick Lane London | Area Guide & Things to Do | Explore London
Don’t confuse it with the rival bagel shop across the street. The locals have strong opinions, but I’m team Beigel Bake. You’ll see why when you take that first bite. Your tastebuds will do a little dance.
