If you’re planning a trip to London and want to experience the city’s pulse, look no further than Shoreditch. Never heard of it? Where have you been? Located in the heart of East London, Shoreditch has transformed from an industrial district into a cultural hub. Shoreditch’s popularity has soared in recent years, attracting artists and entrepreneurs from around the globe. And it’s easy to see why. With a mix of cool neighborhoods for shopping, luxury hotels and Michelin rated restaurants this neighborhood has set a new standard for London. Here’s why you should make Shoreditch your home base during your London adventure.
Staying in Shoreditch means you’re at the center of London’s artistic and cultural evolution. While it may not have been on your travel bucket list, this neighborhood has been a part of London’s cultural scene for a really long time. It is constantly evolving, with new restaurants, shops, and cultural events popping up regularly. I’ve only had a couple of years between visits and it felt brand new. Whether you’re a foodie, a fashion enthusiast, or an up and coming artist, Shoreditch has something to offer.
Hot Hotels
If you are looking for the hottest new hotels in the city, Shoreditch is the neighborhood you want to be in. Virgin Hotels just opened their first London outpost here. Nobu, The Hoxton, CitizenM and Shoreditch house are trendy spots with a hot scene. And bonus, because people are still discovering the area you can get some pretty decent deals. Walking to the popular markets and restaurants are so easy here. In fact, hotels like Nobu have their own iconic restaurants located onsite, you won’t have to go far for a great meal.
Cool Restaurants
Shoreditch’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its residents. You don’t have to leave this neighborhood to enjoy some excellent restaurants. Here are a few must-visit spots:
Dishoom
Inspired by the old Irani cafés of Bombay, Dishoom offers a delightful assortment of Indian dishes. There are a few outpost around town but the one in Shoreditch get’s a lot of attention. This place get’s really busy with up to a 90 minute wait for a table. Smart diners come early (around 6pm) or after 9pm when there is no wait. If you happen to wait in line, keep an eye out for the complimentary Chai tea. It’s delicious!
The Clove Club
Located in Shoreditch Town Hall, this Michelin-starred restaurant serves innovative British cuisine using seasonal ingredients. The tasting menu provides a memorable gastronomic experience. This restaurant has been touted by Eater, Condé Nast and all of the top reviewers. I didn’t get a chance to personally try it but you definitely should.
Nobu Shoreditch
If you are looking for Sushi, Nobu always is a great choice. Located on the -2 level of the Nobu Shoreditch hotel, you’ll find many of the traditional Nobu classics on the menu. The space is grand and the seating hard to come by. If you’re not lucky enough to snag a reservation, try taking a seat at the sushi bar, the bar or even in the hotel lobby cafe where you can get many of the same items at the restaurant. But prepare your wallet. You will test your banking limits with this one.
The Artist Cafe
You might come for the drinks but you’ll certainly want to stick around for the food. The Artist Cafe is one of the coolest coffee shops in the neighborhood. Its quirky interior might throw you off but the fresh juices and delicious hot drinks will make you forget about the grass on the ceilings. Or perhaps not…it’s actually kind of cool.
Uba
This Pan Asian restaurant has been a hit since it first opened in the Hart Hotel under the culinary genius of Chef Pavel Baranovs. It has a sexy red interior which screams ‘date night’. The food is quite inventive and absolutely delicious.
I could go on an on about all the fabulous eateries that have popped up in the neighborhood but you’ll probably want to go and explore a bit on your own. My advice is to go slow as it will be impossible to try everything in one visit.
Trendy Shopping
If you are in search of a unique shopping experience to add to your excursions, there are a couple of places that you definitely want to check out while in Shoreditch.
BoxPark
Leave it to artists to construct a mall from shipping containers. The structure is interesting and so is the story behind its construction. The shops not so much. Stop by for the novelty of it but you’ll find much nicer shopping on Brick Lane. Do your research and you just might happened upon specially curated events, like DJ nights or pop up fashion shows.
Redchurch Street
If you are ready to dig a bit deeper into the wallet head over to Redchurch Street. Known for its high-end boutiques and designer stores, Redchurch Street offers everything from the latest in fashion to bespoke housewares. Here you’ll find some of the trendiest stores in town like Sunspel or Ally Capellino. You’ll also find a few pretty interesting cafe’s and restaurants to help keep you nourished while you shop.
Brick Lane Market
A visit to Shoreditch wouldn’t be complete without exploring Brick Lane Market. This is actually a collection of markets all along Brick Lane. Here you can get your fix of vintage clothing and antiques. And if you get hungry there is an array of street food stalls. Check the Visit London website for more details as some are only available on the weekends.
Nightlife and Entertainment
If you are into bars and nightclubs, you will find some of the hottest clubs in London right in Shoreditch. Check out Cargo, one of Shoreditch’s most popular nightclubs. I’m more of a laid back lounge kind of girl so set ups like Queen of Hoxton is more my speed. This multifaceted venue has a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city, an art gallery, and a basement club. Another option along those same vibes is The Book Club. Otherwise, you can join the hoards of Brits hanging out for drinks around the pubs at the end of their day. It’s also a pretty entertaining scene.
My Perspective
You definitely shouldn’t spend your entire visit to London in Shoreditch. There is just too much excitement all over the city for that to be a viable option. Check out my blog on Two Days in London for details on exploring the city.But if you are looking to get away from the common tourist crowds, you should have this East London gem on your radar. You definitely won’t be disappointed.
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