Lady’s Guide to Spitalfields Restaurants, Pubs, and Markets

Today I want to bring you my guide to the best of Spitalfields, London. If you’re curious to know what’s in this London neighborhood, read on for my top picks for Spitalfields restaurants, pubs, markets, and more.

Spitalfields, London

According to survey results published in the Evening Standard, 20% of Londoners think the UK capital could be its own country.

Now that I have British citizenship and can actually vote, I’m wondering if I would support independence for London, because sometimes the city feels so big it’s overwhelming.

London’s neighborhoods emanate endlessly from the Thames, and each one is so unique that the country of London would have many cities. If that were the case, one of the best would be Spitalfields.

Spitalfields Market

Spitalfields is known for its covered market. Just off Liverpool Street in east London, Old Spitalfields Market is home to chic boutiques like Inspitalfields.

It also has a variety of places to eat, including the Wright Brothers restaurant from the oyster company of the same name. Beyond Spitalfields restaurants, the market has stalls selling all kinds of prepared foods and drinks.

I’m here with a friend exploring the area, and we can’t resist a visit—or the sweet siren call of the Lola’s Bakery kiosk.

Around the kiosk are market halls with stalls selling everything from funky clothing to quirky jewelry, antiques, and an endless supply of vintage treasures to discover.

Brick Lane

But the neighborhood isn’t just famous for Old Spitalfields Market. Over on Brick Lane, we find more markets in the Old Truman Brewery buildings.

The Backyard Market and nearby Sunday Upmarket feature all things arts and crafts, and the Brick Lane Food Hall is a weekend culinary paradise with stalls selling food from all over the world.

And that’s to say nothing of the Brick Lane Vintage Market, which is full of everything from classic rock records to acid washed denim.

Spitalfields Restaurants

In addition to the markets, the Spitalfields restaurants are hard to beat.

Most of the old curry houses on Brick Lane aren’t known for their fantastic quality, and the neighborhood has expanded its culinary offerings over the years to suit Londoners’ increasingly high standards and adventurous taste buds.

Across the street from Old Spitalfields Market, we pop into St. John Bread and Wine. This has long been considered one of the best Spitalfields restaurants.

The place has a no-frills dining room with an open kitchen that prepares some of the neighborhood’s best British food. There’s also an in-house bakery counter that sells amazing bread, and we can’t resist buying a loaf before we leave.

Back over by Brick Lane, there’s an endless supply of Spitalfields restaurants and coffee shops popping up.

From Nude Espresso to High Grade Coffee and The Proper Coffee Co, there’s no shortage of places to get a caffeine fix. The London Coffee Festival even takes place here every year.

And speaking of caffeine, the Dark Sugars chocolate shop on Brick Lane has some of the most mouth-watering confections in the neighborhood.

For meals that consist of more than coffee and chocolate, Brick Lane has some great restaurants.

Chez Elles Bistroquet is a French place that’s both stylish and rustic. And at the Cereal Killer Cafe, you can order your favorite childhood breakfast with flavored milk.

Then there are the food trucks in Ely’s Yard behind the Old Truman Brewery. Their informal space is dominated by street art featuring ever-changing installations atop neighboring buildings. They’re befitting of Spitalfields’ artsy, off-beat vibe.

Spitalfields Pubs and Bars

And speaking of vibes, Bar Tincture on Brick Lane is one of the neighborhood’s famous nightlife spots (of which there are many).

But the pubs in Spitalfields are also great, and one of the best is The Culpeper. Its light, airy ambiance and buzzing bar have made it a neighborhood favorite since it opened.

It’s so crowded that my friend and I have to steady ourselves against the counter as we order.

Another of Spitalfields’ best pubs is The Ten Bells, where we sit for a drink while soaking up the historic atmosphere. It’s right across the street from Old Spitalfields Market, bringing our little neighborhood tour full-circle.

Spitalfields Restaurants, Markets, and More

We’ve covered a lot of ground in just one small part of London, and doing so has heightened my belief that London could be its own country. If one neighborhood has so much to explore, independence is worth considering…right?

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