Back

A City Guide to Whitechapel

Whitechapel has always been alive with activity. Historically an area of industry – the capital’s tanneries, breweries and slaughterhouses were once at the centre of it all here – it is now under major redevelopment ahead of London’s coming Crossrail. A neighbourhood of rich diversity and, with it, plenty of different places to discover, what do you need to know about living there?

Coffee

We’ve got it on authority that Mouse Tail – albeit tiny inside – has great coffee. In barista language, it turns out that ‘Mouse Tail’ refers to the shape of the ideal ‘stream’ of espresso, so you can perhaps see how seriously they take their brews. All coffee here – be it large or small – comes at a standardised price (we don’t know why but they beg you ask) and small batches of freshly made food is conjured up daily by their resident chef. But be quick – they often sell out in minutes.

307 Whitechapel Road / @mousetailcoffee

Do also check out:

Treves & Hyde – A coffee shop by day (featuring the country’s only Mavam Coffee Machine), and restaurant by night, complete with an Argentine grill and Texas Smoker in view to watch your food being cooked from fresh.

Brunch

On the subject of Treves & Hyde, they also serve an excellent brunch with the usual late breakfasty fare, and their own spin with dishes such as grilled lemon verbena chicken, radish & red onion, or Devonshire crab, tomato scrambled eggs & white sourdough, for example.

15/15 Leman Street / @trevesandhyde

Do also check out:

Trade – with their ‘trademark’ sandwich selection, excellent garden and a cake list so long, you’ll just have to keep going back for more.

Pub

Indo is almost too small to be called a pub and yet a pub it certainly is and comes with plenty of character. From DJ sets to live music, the atmosphere is always lively, with a shabby European vibe that wouldn’t feel out of place in Barcelona, or a Paris side street. Perfect for a boozy night, and a dance if you can find a space big enough to groove it.

133 Whitechapel Road

Do also check out:

The Blind Beggar – a pub with quite the history, being where Ronnie Kray (of the notorious Kray brother gangsters) murdered a chap called George in 1966, and William Booth founded the Salvation Army. They have good beer, too.

337 Whitechapel Road

Dinner

While they’re predominantly known for really excellent sourdough pizza, The Stable also like to think of themselves as a ‘cathedral’ of cider, offering sharing boards for thirsty customers to explore the world of cider. With live music sessions and pizzas topped with things like lemon-infused crab, it’s ideal for a mid-week bite – although there’s quite an atmosphere at the weekends too.

16-18 Whitechapel Road / @thestablepizza

Drinks

Apples and Pears might be the first cocktail bar that we’ve seen to serve bevvies out of a glass tobacco pipe, but maybe we’ve been missing something all along? Either way, this independent little boozer is full of colour and flavour, with an ‘eclectic’ music live programme to match. Check out their Instagram as a great source for new artists.

26 Osborn Street / @applespearsbar

Walk

Hit the canal down to Broadway Market at the weekends, meandering your way along past other London folk, and checking out all of the great boat names as you go. It’s beautiful especially at sunset, but do be sure to watch out for cyclists unless you fancy swimming with the… er… fishes? Are there fish in London canals?

View this post on Instagram

I love east.

A post shared by Lois Field (@lo_field) on

Take the Family

Head to Tayyabs. It’s an institute of Punjabi food – and has been since 1972 – never failing its public with doors wide open 7-days a week. Perfect for a big group of hungry cousins. If you can’t take the heat, head to fellow foodie institute Lahore (founded the very same year) for Turkish kebabs that taste as good as homemade.

83 – 80 Fieldgate Street / @1tayyabs
2 – 10 Umberston Street

First Date

Wilton’s Music Hall is one of those places where you’ll think you’ve just stepped back in time. In fact, if it’s a first date you’re not sure you want to let in on the secret, we’d suggest sticking to the pub. If it’s a special one, however, let the twinkling alleyway lights of this gorgeous bar and music hall win your hearts. It’s the oldest grand music hall in the world with a programme that’s just as impressive, and incredibly beautiful, almost crumbling interior. If things go well on your date, it’s good to note that you can also hire the hall for weddings. Just saying.

Graces Alley / @wiltonsmusichall

Public Transport

Bus routes: 25 / 106 / 205 / 254 / D3
Nearest Tube: Whitechapel / Aldgate East
Nearest Overground: Whitechapel
Nearest National Rail: Crossrail coming soon!

We’ve given you the scoop and the lowdown – think the area could be for you? Check out our selection of rooms for rent in Whitechapel to find your next home in the neighbourhood.