Gulf visitors to the UK capital are increasingly being drawn to the city’s east side – rich with authentic markets, inexpensive and unique museums, and wonderfully entertaining restaurants and eateries.
Under tremendous urban improvement ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games, the East end of London offers a wealth of offerings for Gulf visitors willing to explore and looking for fun, according to Britain’s tourism spokesperson for the region.
Carol Maddison, Manager Middle East, VisitBritain, said: “Don’t wait for London 2012; see East London now. It really has got something for everyone: shopping, museums, and food, glorious food. From Spitalfields to Green Street to Canary Wharf, the East end is London at its contemporary best.”
On a Sunday there are few more fun places to be in the capital than the East London markets – including Columbia Road Flower Market; Brick Lane, for vintage clothing, some great cafes and restaurants, the Old Truman Brewery and Sunday Up market; and Spitalfields. These areas are all within easy reach of each other, also great to visit during the week but really come alive on Sundays, with the markets.
Some of the best individual shops are also in this part of town – check out some of them in the Quirky Shopping Guide to East London. Places like Junky Styling which gives “a new lease of life to old clothes”.
Those looking for the best of Asian design may like to head a bit further east to check out Green Street, a great place to pick up saris, pashminas, costume jewellery, and bespoke clothing at competitive prices.
Culture vultures may head for South Kensington or elsewhere in West London for their fix, but East London has plenty to offer. As well as the Museum in Docklands, there is the Museum of Childhood, heaven for kids – and adults revisiting their childhood. The Geffrye Museum is a haven of peace and green off an urban street. Housed in former almshouses, the Geffrye’s rooms show the décor of middle class houses over the centuries, with period gardens.
The Whitechapel Gallery is one of the most respected of modern art galleries, with an eminent history, some great exhibitions, and recently expanded. Dennis Severs House charges a fee – but is a fascinating time capsule, of a house at the time of the Huguenots (18th century) without electricity –visit on a Sunday afternoon or by candlelit tour on a Monday evening.
Brick Lane is famous for its curries and bagels; Kingsland Road (near the Geffrye Museum) is packed with Vietnamese restaurants; the recently opened Town Hall Hotel has Nuno Mendes’ acclaimed Viajante and more recently Corner Room, while Conran’s Boundary hotel has a restaurant and the more casual AlbionCaff. Canary Wharf alone has a wide range of restaurants – one of the latest being a branch of the Scottish Boisdale – as does the new Spitalfields market. You certainly won’t go hungry in this part of town!
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