Guidebook for Greater London
Food Scene
($) Greasy spoon that serves a mean full English breakfast. This cafe has been in the same Italian family since 1900 and is a Bethnal Green landmark
160 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
E Pellicci
332 Bethnal Green Rd($) Greasy spoon that serves a mean full English breakfast. This cafe has been in the same Italian family since 1900 and is a Bethnal Green landmark
($) Another good option for a hearty breakfast or brunch on Bethnal Green Road. Cafe 338 always has a big queue outside at the weekend so get here early!
51 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Cafe 338 London
338 Bethnal Green Rd($) Another good option for a hearty breakfast or brunch on Bethnal Green Road. Cafe 338 always has a big queue outside at the weekend so get here early!
($) Don't be put off by the fact that it's vegan / vegetarian. The Gallery Cafe is part of a community charity so you can feel good about giving back as you sip on delicious fair trade coffee and enjoy the homemade food. The cafe also has a great terrace and garden
90 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Gallery Cafe
21 Old Ford Rd($) Don't be put off by the fact that it's vegan / vegetarian. The Gallery Cafe is part of a community charity so you can feel good about giving back as you sip on delicious fair trade coffee and enjoy the homemade food. The cafe also has a great terrace and garden
($) We were surprised to find out that Victoria Park's cafe serves Sri Lankan breakfasts as well as more familiar egg based brunch options. Be brave, try the curries and hoppers (coconut flour pancakes) and you won't be disappointed! Pavilion also make the best sourdough bread which is also sold from their bakeries in Columbia Road and Broadway Market
1666 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pavilion Cafe
Old Ford Road($) We were surprised to find out that Victoria Park's cafe serves Sri Lankan breakfasts as well as more familiar egg based brunch options. Be brave, try the curries and hoppers (coconut flour pancakes) and you won't be disappointed! Pavilion also make the best sourdough bread which is also sold from their bakeries in Columbia Road and Broadway Market
($$) If you're after something a bit fancier, go to Bistroteque for a modern French take on classic brunch dishes. The outside of the place is not at all fancy, mind, it used to be a clothes factory, but persevere and on the first floor, the high vaulted ceilings and fashionable crowd will ease your fears. A pianist plays pop tunes on a grand piano at the weekends; they also serve lunch and dinner including good value set menu options
271 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Bistrotheque
23-27 Wadeson St($$) If you're after something a bit fancier, go to Bistroteque for a modern French take on classic brunch dishes. The outside of the place is not at all fancy, mind, it used to be a clothes factory, but persevere and on the first floor, the high vaulted ceilings and fashionable crowd will ease your fears. A pianist plays pop tunes on a grand piano at the weekends; they also serve lunch and dinner including good value set menu options
($) Our favourite coffee on one of our favourite streets, Redchurch Street. Grab a coffee and pastry and peruse the boutiques and independent stores
113 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Allpress Espresso Bar London
58 Redchurch St($) Our favourite coffee on one of our favourite streets, Redchurch Street. Grab a coffee and pastry and peruse the boutiques and independent stores
($) Newly opened on Bethnal Green Road, this coffee shop gives part of its proceeds to the homeless - you donate money directly to buy a homeless person a coffee, cake or a meal. Feel good and do good coffee
11 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Second Shot Coffee
475 Bethnal Green Rd($) Newly opened on Bethnal Green Road, this coffee shop gives part of its proceeds to the homeless - you donate money directly to buy a homeless person a coffee, cake or a meal. Feel good and do good coffee
($) Another great independent coffee shop, close to Redchurch Street and Brick lane
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Holy Shot Coffee
155 Bethnal Green Rd($) Another great independent coffee shop, close to Redchurch Street and Brick lane
($) Portuguese cafe and deli where you can crab coffee, cake and a bite to eat. The natas (Portuguese custard tarts) are the winners here!
8 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
A Corner of the World
253 Bethnal Green Rd($) Portuguese cafe and deli where you can crab coffee, cake and a bite to eat. The natas (Portuguese custard tarts) are the winners here!
($) Lively coffee shop with homemade cakes and snacks at the Shoreditch end of Bethnal Green
10 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Fuckoffee
429 Bethnal Green Rd($) Lively coffee shop with homemade cakes and snacks at the Shoreditch end of Bethnal Green
($) This is the place we go for a healthy but filling lunch after one of our weekend runs. You serve yourself from a range of homemade salads and have either falafel or chicken in a pitta or a salad bowl. Good spot to eat while checking out the independent shops in Boxpark - a mall made from shipping containers
Falafelicious
2-4 Bethnal Green Rd($) This is the place we go for a healthy but filling lunch after one of our weekend runs. You serve yourself from a range of homemade salads and have either falafel or chicken in a pitta or a salad bowl. Good spot to eat while checking out the independent shops in Boxpark - a mall made from shipping containers
($$) Spanish run deli and tapas bar that is authentic and tasty. They serve brunch as well as lunch and dinner and have a few tables outside to people watch. Hey, it's not exactly Barcelona or Madrid, but it's a close second
9 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Padron
341 Bethnal Green Rd($$) Spanish run deli and tapas bar that is authentic and tasty. They serve brunch as well as lunch and dinner and have a few tables outside to people watch. Hey, it's not exactly Barcelona or Madrid, but it's a close second
($) A local gem; there are many Turkish restaurants around our area but this one stands out for their perfectly seasoned and cooked grilled meats. The mezze platter is one of the best deals in London, get this and a main between 2 and you will still have change from £20
49 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Tas Firin Restaurant
160 Bethnal Green Rd($) A local gem; there are many Turkish restaurants around our area but this one stands out for their perfectly seasoned and cooked grilled meats. The mezze platter is one of the best deals in London, get this and a main between 2 and you will still have change from £20
($) Again, there are many Vietnamese restaurants along this stretch of Kingsland Road but this one is our tried and tested favourite. We are big lovers of pho and this place does one of the best we've tried. There is a huge menu to suit many tastes and is cheap and cheerful too
110 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Sông Quê Café
134 Kingsland Rd($) Again, there are many Vietnamese restaurants along this stretch of Kingsland Road but this one is our tried and tested favourite. We are big lovers of pho and this place does one of the best we've tried. There is a huge menu to suit many tastes and is cheap and cheerful too
($$) We know that when visitors come to England they think of fish and chips! It's not our number one favourite dish (as you can see, number 11 on the list) but Poppies do serve some great fish and chips - ask Dad (David) Scheitlin if you don't believe us!
131 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Poppies Fish & Chips, Spitalfields
6-8 Hanbury St($$) We know that when visitors come to England they think of fish and chips! It's not our number one favourite dish (as you can see, number 11 on the list) but Poppies do serve some great fish and chips - ask Dad (David) Scheitlin if you don't believe us!
($) Brick Lane is famous for its curry houses, if you didn't know, you soon will as you get propositioned with great 'deals' as you walk down the road. Despite the multiple awards proudly displayed down the road (literally every restaurant seems to have won one!), keep walking and trust us, you can do much, much better. Tayyabs is 10 mins further in Whitechapel. This Pakistani curry house is famous for its lamb chops, curries and naans and will not disappoint
381 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Tayyabs
83-89 Fieldgate St($) Brick Lane is famous for its curry houses, if you didn't know, you soon will as you get propositioned with great 'deals' as you walk down the road. Despite the multiple awards proudly displayed down the road (literally every restaurant seems to have won one!), keep walking and trust us, you can do much, much better. Tayyabs is 10 mins further in Whitechapel. This Pakistani curry house is famous for its lamb chops, curries and naans and will not disappoint
($$) Part of the Soho House hotel, this restaurant's atmosphere is buzzy and fun and great for people watching. The pizza is excellent - thin and crispy with inventive toppings
252 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pizza East Shoreditch
56 Shoreditch High St($$) Part of the Soho House hotel, this restaurant's atmosphere is buzzy and fun and great for people watching. The pizza is excellent - thin and crispy with inventive toppings
($$) At the end of Columbia Road, this neighbourhood bistro lets the ingredients speak for themselves in classic dishes, meats and cheeses, and small plates to share, as well as a great wine list
162 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Brawn
49 Columbia Rd($$) At the end of Columbia Road, this neighbourhood bistro lets the ingredients speak for themselves in classic dishes, meats and cheeses, and small plates to share, as well as a great wine list
($$$) A recent addition to the Bethnal Green dining scene, the Laughing Heart is run by an ex-Brawn chef. The food draws on many influences but what is certain is that it is all delicious and there is a strong wine list to match. The restaurant is open until 2am and has a late night food menu
15 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Laughing Heart
277 Hackney Rd($$$) A recent addition to the Bethnal Green dining scene, the Laughing Heart is run by an ex-Brawn chef. The food draws on many influences but what is certain is that it is all delicious and there is a strong wine list to match. The restaurant is open until 2am and has a late night food menu
($$$) If interesting cuts of meats and offal get you excited, this is your place. Fergus Henderson pioneered nose to tail eating, and at his restaurant St John Bread & Wine you can feast on anything from a pig's head to lamb heart, all cooked to perfection. Don't be put off, it really all is amazing!
25 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
St John Bread and Wine
94-96 Commercial St($$$) If interesting cuts of meats and offal get you excited, this is your place. Fergus Henderson pioneered nose to tail eating, and at his restaurant St John Bread & Wine you can feast on anything from a pig's head to lamb heart, all cooked to perfection. Don't be put off, it really all is amazing!
($$$) The more laid-back of the two restaurants in the Town Hall Hotel, the Corner Room does a great value tasting menu, or you can order a la carte too
44 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Corner Room
8 Patriot Square($$$) The more laid-back of the two restaurants in the Town Hall Hotel, the Corner Room does a great value tasting menu, or you can order a la carte too
($$$) Michelin starred but there are no stiff tablecloths and silver cutlery here. One of the new breed of relaxed fine dining restaurants, Lyle's also offers a fantastically priced 4-course tasting menu for dinner and a la carte for lunch
61 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Lyle's
56 Shoreditch High St($$$) Michelin starred but there are no stiff tablecloths and silver cutlery here. One of the new breed of relaxed fine dining restaurants, Lyle's also offers a fantastically priced 4-course tasting menu for dinner and a la carte for lunch
($) Newly opened collection of the best street food restaurants within Spitalifields Market - including Rok, Breddos Tacos, Yum Bun, Berber and Que...and beers from Mother Kelly's. What could be better?!
696 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Market ye-Old Spitalfields
16 Commercial St($) Newly opened collection of the best street food restaurants within Spitalifields Market - including Rok, Breddos Tacos, Yum Bun, Berber and Que...and beers from Mother Kelly's. What could be better?!
($$$-$$$$) Also Michelin starred and actually number 26 in the world's best restaurant list, The Clove Clove offers a 5-course or 7-course tasting menu of seasonal ingredients in laid-back dining room with open kitchen. FYI - they have an advanced ticket system so you have to pay when you book
106 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Clove Club
380 Old St($$$-$$$$) Also Michelin starred and actually number 26 in the world's best restaurant list, The Clove Clove offers a 5-course or 7-course tasting menu of seasonal ingredients in laid-back dining room with open kitchen. FYI - they have an advanced ticket system so you have to pay when you book
($$$-$$$$) We don't understand how they don't have a Michelin star but they should! They also do a 5 or 7-course menu which is inspired by New Nordic cuisine. This is the fancier restaurant in the Town Hall Hotel - treat yourself if you are staying here!
70 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Typing Room
Patriot Square($$$-$$$$) We don't understand how they don't have a Michelin star but they should! They also do a 5 or 7-course menu which is inspired by New Nordic cuisine. This is the fancier restaurant in the Town Hall Hotel - treat yourself if you are staying here!
We love to come here on a Saturday - there are so many different delicious types of food and some great stalls selling arts and crafts too. Our favourite food stalls are the Persian (Zardosht) Ghanian (Spinach and Agushi) ones but you can't go wrong here!
1735 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Broadway Market
Broadway MarketWe love to come here on a Saturday - there are so many different delicious types of food and some great stalls selling arts and crafts too. Our favourite food stalls are the Persian (Zardosht) Ghanian (Spinach and Agushi) ones but you can't go wrong here!
Drinks & Nightlife
A beer lover's dream, MK's has about 20 beers on tap and fridges with even more bottled options. We also love the cheese and veg boards in here. It's our favourite place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon
109 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Mother Kelly's
251 Paradise RowA beer lover's dream, MK's has about 20 beers on tap and fridges with even more bottled options. We also love the cheese and veg boards in here. It's our favourite place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon
This is our local pub which in our eyes strikes just the right balance of of hipster and East London charm. They have a lot of good craft beers on tap and also serve some tasty meat and cheese boards to snack on
127 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Kings Arms
251 Tooley StThis is our local pub which in our eyes strikes just the right balance of of hipster and East London charm. They have a lot of good craft beers on tap and also serve some tasty meat and cheese boards to snack on
Hands down the best cocktail bar in London. No we are not just exaggerating - it actually won this title! Their menu changes every night ranging from classics to more out there concoctions, all served to an amazing old school hip hop playlist
189 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Satan's Whiskers
343 Cambridge Heath RdHands down the best cocktail bar in London. No we are not just exaggerating - it actually won this title! Their menu changes every night ranging from classics to more out there concoctions, all served to an amazing old school hip hop playlist
Now a craft beer empire, this was one of their first outposts. They also serve bar food and even have some board games to play
79 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
BrewDog Shoreditch
51 Bethnal Green RdNow a craft beer empire, this was one of their first outposts. They also serve bar food and even have some board games to play
Cosy local pub specialising in craft beers and cocktails. There are regular live music and brewery takeovers. The weekend Bloody Mary menu is legendary
53 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Swan Tavern
77/80 Gracechurch StCosy local pub specialising in craft beers and cocktails. There are regular live music and brewery takeovers. The weekend Bloody Mary menu is legendary
Located on the edge of Victoria Park, the large beer garden spills out into the park and is a great place to hang out when the sun is shining. They also brew their own beers and serve a range of pub food
68 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Handmade Mysteries Escape Room
360 Victoria Park RdLocated on the edge of Victoria Park, the large beer garden spills out into the park and is a great place to hang out when the sun is shining. They also brew their own beers and serve a range of pub food
Another great cocktail bar. Part of the Town Hall Hotel, the cocktails are inventive and extremely tasty
44 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Peg+Patriot
8 Patriot SquareAnother great cocktail bar. Part of the Town Hall Hotel, the cocktails are inventive and extremely tasty
Hidden away behind busy Cambridge Heath Road is the secret that is Redchurch Brewery's in-brewery tap room. Try our favourite beer where it is made
22 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Redchurch Brewery
15-16 River WayHidden away behind busy Cambridge Heath Road is the secret that is Redchurch Brewery's in-brewery tap room. Try our favourite beer where it is made
Tiny tap room yet vast craft beer selection in the fridges. You can always find something interesting here!
Kill The Cat
43 Brick LnTiny tap room yet vast craft beer selection in the fridges. You can always find something interesting here!
Fun cocktail bar with a long list of inventive cocktails. The presentation is as creative as the drinks themselves
13 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Cocktail Trading Company
68 Bethnal Green RdFun cocktail bar with a long list of inventive cocktails. The presentation is as creative as the drinks themselves
Huge warehouse venue hosting a range of different nights and events. Great terrace for the summer
71 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Oval Space
32 The OvalHuge warehouse venue hosting a range of different nights and events. Great terrace for the summer
Parks & Nature
We love to run around the park - it's a mecca for joggers, dog walkers and anyone who generally wants some fresh air and greenery in the city. There's an amazing cafe (see Pavilion entry above) and brilliant playground for kids
1666 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Pavilion Cafe
Old Ford RoadWe love to run around the park - it's a mecca for joggers, dog walkers and anyone who generally wants some fresh air and greenery in the city. There's an amazing cafe (see Pavilion entry above) and brilliant playground for kids
Great for a stroll or a jog especially if you're heading to one of the nearby weekend markets. Goes all the way across the city
339 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Regent's Canal
Great for a stroll or a jog especially if you're heading to one of the nearby weekend markets. Goes all the way across the city
Nice park at the top of Broadway market - take your market goodies here for an impromptu picnic
429 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
London Fields station
Nice park at the top of Broadway market - take your market goodies here for an impromptu picnic
Cute park with a great London city skyline view, just behind the flat. Come year for a picnic or some summer evening drinks
30 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Weavers Fields
Vallance RoadCute park with a great London city skyline view, just behind the flat. Come year for a picnic or some summer evening drinks
Shopping
An East London staple - the street market is open on Sunday's from 8am-3pm and has a beautiful and wide variety of flowers and plants. This is a must do!
1660 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia RoadAn East London staple - the street market is open on Sunday's from 8am-3pm and has a beautiful and wide variety of flowers and plants. This is a must do!
Monologue
1 Darnley RoadGreat interior design store on the best shopping street in East London, in my opinion!
Another great interiors store for beautiful furniture, lighting, gifts and accessories. I love browsing in here!
20 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
SCP Ltd
135-139 Curtain RdAnother great interiors store for beautiful furniture, lighting, gifts and accessories. I love browsing in here!
Innovative shopping mall made of shipping containers. Lots of quirky independent shops as well as some good quick bites to eat
377 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
BOXPARK Shoreditch
2-10 Bethnal Green RdInnovative shopping mall made of shipping containers. Lots of quirky independent shops as well as some good quick bites to eat
Pam Pam
129 Bethnal Green RdWell curated sneakers and lifestyle accessories for women
My favourite store. A great mix of fashion and design-driven home accessories from around the world. Pick up a present or treat yourself to one like I often do!
41 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Goodhood
151 Curtain RdMy favourite store. A great mix of fashion and design-driven home accessories from around the world. Pick up a present or treat yourself to one like I often do!
Essentials
Just down the road, this is where we do our day to day grocery shopping. Has everything you need!
649 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Tesco Metro
361 Bethnal Green RdJust down the road, this is where we do our day to day grocery shopping. Has everything you need!
We buy our fresh fruit and vegetables from this great little Turkish greengrocer. Everything is always really fresh and delicious and better quality than Tesco's
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Aryubi Express London
402 Bethnal Green RdWe buy our fresh fruit and vegetables from this great little Turkish greengrocer. Everything is always really fresh and delicious and better quality than Tesco's
The Butchers Shop
374 Bethnal Green RdLocal butcher for fresh and good quality meat
Entertainment & Activities
Rich Mix
35-47 Bethnal Green RdOur local independent cinema - a must visit!
Retro styled bowling alley on Brick Lane - good drinks and American style food here too
57 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
All Star Lanes (Brick Lane)
95 Brick LnRetro styled bowling alley on Brick Lane - good drinks and American style food here too
Bounce Old Street
241 Old StPing pong bar in Shoreditch
Local comedy club - they bring in some pretty high class acts and always at a decent price
24 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Backyard Bar
231 Cambridge Heath RdLocal comedy club - they bring in some pretty high class acts and always at a decent price
Arts & Culture
We love this place so much we got married here! An amazing place to visit with kids or if you were once a kid to relive your childhood...so really for everyone! Free to visit and there's a nice cafe and gift shop inside
418 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-V&A Museum of Childhood
Cambridge Heath RoadWe love this place so much we got married here! An amazing place to visit with kids or if you were once a kid to relive your childhood...so really for everyone! Free to visit and there's a nice cafe and gift shop inside