The Complete Neighbourhood Guide: Shoreditch

There’s something slightly oxymoronic about Shoreditch. An area brimming with vibrancy and creativity, all tucked into narrow, crowded lanes, yet framed by crystal-clear views of the high-rise buildings of the City around it. Believed to be named for the boggy water that ran through its streets (formally ‘Sewer’s Ditch’), the area was once the home of Elizabethan theatre and later a central industrial hub for furniture and textiles. Reinventing itself time and again, today Shoreditch is known for being shaped by artists, designers and creators, transforming into one of London’s most culturally dynamic neighbourhoods.

Shoreditch is bursting with unique finds - walls lined with colourful street art and the edgy, eclectic fashion of its residents speaks to a spirit of self-expression. Historic brick warehouses now sit beside sleek new developments and the abundance of chic cocktail bars, natural wine spots, vintage stores, independent boutiques and a roster of standout restaurants mean Shoreditch truly offers everything you might need for a day of exploration. With so many fantastic options to choose from, we’ve curated a guide to the very best spots to eat, drink and discover.

Where to Eat

To begin, it’s always an idea to fuel up on a pastry (or five!). My personal go-to would be Pomme Bakery, located between Hoxton and Shoreditch on Kingsland Road. Minimalist decor with only a scattering of tables, the star of the show are their pastries, with an inventive collection of treats all created and baked in-store. Traditional flaky croissants and pain au chocolats are, of course, available, but it’s their seasonal rotating pastries which are the reason to return as often as possible. The smoked bacon, cheddar and maple swirl, is a standout for its combination of sweet and savoury, but there’s always something new to try. Head down to Gecko for coffee with a range of specialty roasts and a great selection of vegan sweet treats. Sit downstairs in the softly-lit peaceful space and treat yourself to their tasty sandwiches and stacks of pancakes.

If you’re looking for an on-the-go foodie spot, then there really is only one place in Shoreditch. Beigel Bake is one of the area's most popular locations, with the queue constantly snaking out the door. Trust me, it’s worth the wait and in any event, the queue moves quickly. An iconic location on Brick Lane street since the 1950’s, it’s famous not only for its freshly made bagels, but also for being open 24/7. Choose from an array of fillings; smoked salmon and cream cheese to bacon and cheddar cheese. The best? For me, it has to be the hot salt beef bagel, slathered in spicy mustard with a tangy dill pickle.

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If you’re a pasta lover, then Osteria Angelina, sister restaurant of Angelina Dalston is a must. With its open kitchen, you can see first hand the Italian-Japanese fusion dishes being served up and their fazzoletti, duck ragu and lotus is so good you’ll want to order it again straight away.

For refined, no-fuss dining with an exquisite menu, look to Rochelle Canteen. Owned by Melanie Anderson and Margot Henderson (who previously ran The French House in Soho), the restaurant itself isn’t easy to spot. Find the old Rochelle school and you’ll see the canteen now housed in a converted bike shed. Spotlighting modern European cuisine with a focus on simplistic but quality dishes, their seasonal menu means you’ll always be served up something new. 

Opening earlier this month, the Tea Building in Shoreditch welcomed Hoppers, the fourth restaurant of the beloved chain. Serving up traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, including curries, string hoppers and dosa’s, the Shoreditch branch is expanding its menu to include regional dishes from the southern states of India, including regional Dindigul-style Short Rib Beef Biryani and a Salmon Mappas inspired by Kerala cuisine. Having spent time travelling through Sri Lanka, this is my favourite spot when I want to revisit the cuisine.

Other honourable mentions include Brat, earning a Michelin star for its taste of the Basque country, chef and restaurateur Ben Chapman’s Smoking Goat for its delectable Thai-infused barbecue and One Club Row for some polished New York glamour. That, or you could take a wander up towards Bethnal Green to Focacciomo, for the best (and largest!) fresh focaccia sandwich filled with traditional Italian deli meats and cheeses.

Where to Drink

While you’re never short on options to quench your thirst around Shoreditch, the area does boast a particularly stellar selection of vibrant cocktail bars. Head to Chiave on Redchurch Street, for its elegant interior and stacked menu of more-ish drinks. There’s ‘Street Spirit’ for a refreshing twist on the classic Moscow Mule, ‘Ruby Lee’ an aromatic negroni and of course, a spicy margarita, named ‘Limbo’ with chilli liquor and a spicy sumac rim. Even better - enjoy your drink in the bar upstairs before heading down to the basement for music and dancing.

For an equally chic evening, try Equal Parts on Hackney Road - an effortlessly cool spot to enjoy your drink with a masterful selection of vinyl playing in the background. Known for their ingredient-led, inventive cocktails, a firm fan favourite is ‘Flor’ with olive oil vodka, fino sherry and tomato water. They look to spotlight seasonal flavours with the bar recently unveiling a bespoke winter menu too, so be sure to stop by before the seasons change. 

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There’s a new spot for wine, only opening last October, and that's Clara’s, located just behind the Overground. Unmissable with its bright yellow exterior, the deli-cum-bistro offers great food and highly quaffable wines, with over 60 bottles to choose from in-store. Don’t miss their current collaboration with The Farrier, with the former Camden restaurant, serving up their Sunday Roasts (often coined the best roast in London) alongside Clara’s wines. They’re only there till Easter Weekend, so book quickly! For another glass, head to Oranj for its selection of natural wines and great kitchen residencies. The new location on Dray Walk also has a large outdoor terrace, perfect for the warmer months, for a tangy orange wine in the sunshine. 

What to Do

Is there a better way to spend a Sunday morning than strolling down Columbia Road Flower Market, coffee in hand and surrounded by beautiful blooms? I think not. Beginning as a food market in the Victorian Era before transitioning to a flower market in the 19th century, it might draw big crowds thanks to its popularity online but it truly is worth a morning to wander through the stalls and purchase a few fresh bunches of flowers. Pick up a strong Columbian coffee from Hermanos and sourdough from Pavillion, mooch through all the independent shops, stop off at Hackney Essentials for all your boujee storecupboard needs and end up at the Birdcage for an afternoon drink in the sun - an ideal day.

Shopping is never-ending around Shoreditch. From the troves of vintage goods throughout Brick Lane, to the buzzy tourist sites of Spitalfields market, the options are endless. To opt for a more peaceful peruse, I’d head to Redchurch Street, filled with a mix of independent, boutique and high-quality chains for all your shopping needs. A particular shout out for Labour and Wait’s flagship store, with its bottle green tiles and curated selection of homeware and hardware goods.

Shoreditch itself is a hive of activity, so sometimes a moment of calm can be perfect amidst the buzzing crowds. Try Soho Health Club, located in the Shoreditch House, but also open to non-members for a relaxing treatment. They’ve recently introduced a Beauty Dose Bar where you can design your own four-step mini-facial or even try a personalised IV drip for ultimate revitalisation. &Soul is a great spot for wellness lovers too, complete with fitness classes and a cold plunge and sauna available - the ideal weekend rejuvenation before Monday comes around.

A personal favourite is Libraria Bookshop tucked away on Hanbury Street and easily overlooked in the swarm of shopping amongst the lanes. Twinkling fairy lights hanging from the ceiling, knowledgeable staff and wall-to-wall shelving carefully curated with an abundance of titles… truly a booklover's dream. Describing themselves as a bookshop “curated for serendipity, rather than algorithms”, books are organised by overarching themes (think “Wanderlust”) enticing you to reach outside of your normal genre.