Welcome to today's walk
we're starting in Spitalfields Market
... technically it's Old Spitalfields Market
In 1991 the true fruit and vegetable market was moved to Leyton where it continues to trade
and it is known as New Spitalfields Market (which can be a little confusing!)
There has been a market on the site where we are today for over 350 years
when in 1638 King Charles I gave a licence for "flesh, fowl and roots" to be sold here on Spittle Fields
In 2005, a regeneration programme created the market we're in today which has a lot of craft and design stalls
... and lots of food too!
It's open 7 days a week
There are over 20 food stalls both inside and around the perimeter of the Market
Some stalls are a little quiet today due to COVID
normally on weekends, you'll struggle to walk down the market aisles!
This is Bishops Square - the office area attached to Spitalfields Market
which include law firms and financial companies
There's some green space to where you can sit and eat lunch!
We're now leaving Spitalfields Market
... but we'll be back in another market soon - there are so many in this neighbourhood!
The market we've been in is behind all the shops to the left - many of which are independent traders
The Golden Heart pub opposite is a listed building and a drinking establishment of the Truman Brewery which we'll see later
It was built in 1936 and still looks old inside
It's famous due to art celebrities like Tracy Emin who used to drink here
and for the landlady who is pretty unique!
We're now coming onto the site of the Truman Brewery
which was one of the largest brewers in the world at the end of the 19th century
In 1989 the brewery was closed but revived in 2010 and once again beer is being brewed onsite ... just on a smaller scale
The ten acres of vacant and derelict buildings have been transformed into retail, leisure and market spaces
There are a number of performance venues here too for exhibitions, shows and nightclubs
Time for another market!
This is Upmarket which has been around for two decades
and has a mix of design, retail and lots of food stalls
Time to exit now onto Brick Lane
It is famous for its many curry houses - particularly if you walk to the right
Over the last 20 years the area has been revitalised with lots of trendy and hip shops, markets and food venues
There are lots of art and design stores and exhibitions here too
We're skipping the market on the left which is full of vintage items and clothes
This area on the left is full of bars and restaurants
and usually packed with people in the evenings throughout the week
OK! Just in case you hadn't had enough already
let's do one more market
This time it's Backyard Market
... a little quieter with smaller stalls and sellers but you'll still find unique stuff here!
Lots of cool venues are hidden in the buildings in this area
On the right is a huge music performance and events space
and on the left is a bowling and karaoke venue
Brick Lane is also well known for street art and graffiti
To see the best art join a tour as much is hidden on side streets and alleys
You'll find some famous artists here, including Banksy
As well as curry, Brick Lane is also famous for bagels
The area used to house a large Jewish population
There are two famous stores - which locally go by the 'yellow one' and 'white one' based on their signs
We're passing them on the left - and no-one can agree which is best!
We're coming to the end of today's walk
We hope you enjoyed it
Let us know your favourite sights and comments
See you again soon for more walks!
Wilbur
