Discover the lively essence of East London with this self-guided walking tour showcasing the vibrant street art that adorns Brick Lane. Immerse yourself in the ever-evolving art scene of this neighborhood, where every available surface becomes a canvas for graffiti, paste-ups, and even sculptures.
This curated route specifically highlights the street art along Brick Lane and Bethnal Green Road, extending to the adjacent side streets. Renowned as one of London’s most iconic streets, Brick Lane is celebrated for its exceptional street art, rich historical roots, and pulsating cultural vibes. Embarking on a street art walk becomes the ideal initiation into exploring this eclectic area.
If you yearn for a more extensive exploration, consider delving into my Slums and Street Art East London Walking Tour route. For an immersive experience, combining both routes could transform your day into a comprehensive exploration of this dynamic and culturally rich neighborhood.
Exploring Brick Lane and East London Street Art: Navigating Your Journey
Accessing this captivating street art tour is conveniently facilitated by utilizing the Aldgate or Aldgate East tube stations as starting points. These stations lead you directly to Whitechapel High Street, flanking either side of Osbourne Street, providing an optimal launchpad for your immersive exploration of the vibrant Brick Lane and East London street art scene.
Ideal Moments to Discover Brick Lane’s Street Art
For an optimal experience, consider embarking on this street art exploration during a serene Sunday or a tranquil weekday evening. These times offer a unique advantage as many shops showcase artworks on their shutters, visible only when the shops are closed, enhancing the visual feast along your route through Brick Lane.
The bustling Sunday street market in Brick Lane adds a vibrant dimension to your street art walk. However, it’s important to note that the market closes the street to traffic, creating a lively atmosphere with an eclectic soundtrack. While this adds to the ambiance, be prepared for sizable crowds. Fortunately, the prime artworks are predominantly tucked away in the adjacent side streets, allowing you to escape the bustling Brick Lane scene while following the suggested walking tour route.
Commencing Your Journey at the Onset of Brick Lane
Embark on your exploration at the lower end of Brick Lane, precisely at the intersection of Wentworth Street, marking the point where Osbourne Street converges into Brick Lane.
Renowned as “Banglatown” due to its historical Bangladeshi-Sylheti community, Brick Lane has evolved into a legendary London curry destination. The lower stretch of the lane is adorned with a plethora of curry houses, solidifying its reputation as a culinary hotspot.
As you set forth on Brick Lane, be attuned to the immediate traces of the area’s vibrant artistic heritage. Progress along Brick Lane until you reach Fashion Street, and immerse yourself in the diverse artistic expressions adorning the surroundings. From captivating murals embellishing shops and coffee houses to the myriad peeling paste-ups, the artistic tapestry of the East London street art scene unfolds as you traverse this legendary locale.
Exploring Fashion Street’s Artistic Enclave
Make a left turn onto Fashion Street (B), a tranquil lane adorned with slender red-brick townhouses, facing the grand facade of the GCU University building.
While Fashion Street holds a modest collection of street art pieces, what truly captivates the eye are the vibrant, primary-colored shutters of the shops, forming an excellent backdrop for photography. Towards the distant end, near Commercial Street, an eye-catching mural by Irish artist Conor Harrington adds to the visual allure.
Upon returning to Brick Lane, observe a small alleyway on the left, just after Fashion Street, leading to an off-road parking area hidden behind some shops. Despite its unassuming appearance, this rubble-strewn yard conceals a vibrant treasure trove of colorful art. While the yard was still accessible during my last visit, the ever-evolving nature of Brick Lane’s redevelopment raises the possibility that it may not endure indefinitely.
Resume your journey along Brick Lane, progressing towards Hanbury Street.
Discovering Hanbury Street’s Eclectic Vibes
Embark on a left turn onto Hanbury Street (C), a bustling enclave boasting a mix of vintage shops, cafes, bars, and a rich tapestry of street art. This lively street is also home to Hanbury Hall, a historic community center featuring a popular cafe, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
As you traverse Hanbury Street, venture across Brick Lane to the eastern side (D), where a vibrant display of eclectic street art and artist studios awaits. This lively stretch introduces you to iconic pieces such as Roa’s crane, a longstanding attraction synonymous with the street’s artistic identity. The unmistakable Malarky animals add to the visual spectacle, creating a dynamic scene.
Noteworthy establishments along this stretch include the renowned vintage store Atika, formerly known as Blitz, contributing to Hanbury Street’s unique blend of art, history, and eclectic commerce.
Proceeding Up Brick Lane Toward the Railway Bridge
Returning to the main thoroughfare of Brick Lane, continue your journey upwards until you reach the intersection with Buxton Street and Quaker Street. To the left, you’ll encounter one of Christiaan Nagel’s vibrant mushrooms, crafted from polyurethane, fiberglass, and stainless steel. This particular sculpture, in a bold shade of red, adorns the lean-to furniture market at 115B Brick Lane.
As you advance, a small alleyway on your right will lead you to Code Street. This hidden passage typically showcases captivating large-scale graffiti, with the possibility of encountering a mural by Spanish artist El Pez, adding a distinctive artistic flair to this part of the Brick Lane exploration.
Exploring Cheshire Street and Grimsby Street
Should your visit coincide with a Sunday, the area beneath the railway bridge transforms into the bustling Brick Lane Street Market, offering an array of stalls where you can indulge in fresh fruit salads or savory falafel. Beyond the bridge, make a left turn into Cheshire Street (F), a thoroughfare teeming with captivating shops, and then take the initial left into Grimsby Street.
This intersection serves as another vibrant hub for street art enthusiasts. At the time of this writing, you may encounter two of Dscreet’s distinctive owls, alongside a couple of Stik’s iconic stickmen. Following Grimsby Street will guide you back to Brick Lane, prompting a right turn to retrace your steps and continue your exploration along the same path.
Concluding Your Stroll along Brick Lane
Continue your journey to the pinnacle of Brick Lane. On the opposite side of Bethnal Green Road (G), you’ll encounter a display of captivating artworks, including another creation by Stik. Adjacent to these pieces, a designated “legal wall” is employed for commissioned street art, typically used for advertising.
As you reach this juncture, there’s no shortage of excellent bars and cafes along this stretch of Brick Lane. For a shabby-chic ambiance and fabulous cocktails, Casa Blue is a personal favorite.
While here, seize the opportunity to visit the renowned Beigel Bake, widely acclaimed for serving some of the best bagels in London. Particularly famed for their salt beef bagels, generously loaded with substantial chunks of salt beef and mustard, this 24-hour bakery stands as a must-visit establishment, making it an ideal post-club pit-stop for those seeking delectable treats.
Exploring Bacon Street’s Artistic Enclave
Take a brief stroll back down Brick Lane and make a right turn onto Bacon Street. This area consistently boasts an abundance of captivating street art, featuring prominent artists like Jimmy C and Malarky.
However, the true gem nestled here is a captivating black and white portrait immortalizing Charlie Burns, affectionately known as the “oldest man on Brick Lane.” A resident at the age of ninety-six, Charlie earned the title of the King of Brick Lane, spending his days observing the world from the passenger seat of his daughter’s car parked outside the family’s second-hand furniture store, seven days a week. For a deeper insight into Charlie’s fascinating life, you can explore a captivating interview with him on Spitalfields Life.
Exploring Sclater Street’s Artistic Legacy
Make a right turn into Sclater Street (H) and proceed to its conclusion. Historically recognized as a vibrant hub for street art, recent renovations have rendered it relatively bare during my last visit. Nevertheless, keen observers may still encounter one or two remaining art pieces that have withstood the changes.
Upon reaching the termination of Sclater Street, navigate across Bethnal Green Road (utilizing the nearby crossing located around the corner to the right) to continue your artistic journey through East London’s dynamic streets.
Venturing into Club Row’s Artistic Hub
Embark on a left turn into Club Row (I), unveiling another remarkable Jimmy C portrait adorning the exterior of Lounge Lover on Whitby Street. Additionally, keep an eye out for an engaging depiction of a squirrel created by Roa, adding a touch of whimsy to the artistic tapestry of the area.
Exploring Redchurch Street and Ebor Street’s Artistic Enclaves
Make a left turn into Redchurch Street, a perpetual treasure trove of street art waiting to be discovered. Subsequently, turn left again onto Ebor Street (J), revealing Eine’s captivating Anti and Pro walls.
While this marks the conclusion of the formal Brick Lane street art tour, there is still an abundance of artistic wonders awaiting exploration in the surrounding area. To wrap up your artistic journey, it’s a convenient short walk to Shoreditch High Street overground station or an approximately twenty-minute stroll to Liverpool Street.
