Shoreditch: London's Best Kept Secret
A vibrant city with a certain “je ne sais quoi,” London is unlike any in the world. If you’ve been there, then you know just how magical it is. Perhaps you had tea at Fortnum and Mason, took a selfie in the bathroom at Sketch, visited Big Ben or rode a double-decker bus, but did you experience the real London; or just the tourist highlights?
London is a big place and outside of the City’s boundaries lie many unexpected and exciting destinations. One of which is Shoreditch. Known for its alternative edge, the area has recently exploded in popularity. Shoreditch is on the pulse of everything new in art, music, fashion and food. Historically speaking, the area had a rich industrial past, leaving behind many of its factories and warehouses. In the late 1500’s, it was the locale of the Elizabethan art crowd, but not for long. Shortly after the playwrights and thespians left, the area degenerated into a crime-ridden slum. It wasn’t until the 1990s when the creative masses once again moved in. Aging industrial buildings were soon transformed into trendy lofts, open-concept offices, and the hottest nightclubs. These days, it’s the city’s epicenter of everything cool, flooded with fascinating museums, world-class cocktails, independent shops and stunning rooftop venues. Here are some of my must-do’s when visiting this electrifying neighbourhood.
World-renowned for the sheer volume of Graffiti, Shoreditch has it all, from brash and bold to the breathtakingly beautiful. Wander the streets or hop along a guided tour and see pieces from the likes of Banksy and Ben Eine. Next, swing over to the Geffrye Museum and explore London home-life through the centuries, from 1600 to the present day. Opened in 1914, the museum houses a unique collection of furniture, paintings, taxidermy and some hilarious gadgets from the 1960s. Afterwards, saunter on down to Blitz and get lost in the aisles while you marvel over their incomparable collection of vintage. A two-storey Victorian warehouse,
Blitz packs amazing vintage fashions, lifestyle and second-hand housewares. Next, get your creative juices going with a visit to maximalist heaven, House of Hackney. The inimitable print-based brand was founded in 2010 by husband and wife team Javvy M Royle and Frieda Gormley. Their eclectic product range includes everything from clothing and upholstery, to dressing screens, fine bone china and lampshades. Lastly, no trip to Shoreditch would be complete without a visit to Boxpark. Nestled underneath the Shoreditch Overground station, refitted shipping containers make up this cutting-edge shopping center. Opened in 2011, the world’s very first pop-up mall is a mix of unique fashions, quirky lifestyle and mouth-watering cuisine.
PS. Not sponsored just sharing the love :)
XO J