Whilst many first timers in London will probably be drawn to the major tourist districts of Westminster and the City of London Ceremonial Borough, travelling just a few tube stops further could open up a whole new world to you. Indeed, London is a monolith of a city, spanning 1500 square kilometres and there’s plenty more for guests of hotel deals in Paddington London to sink their teeth into than Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, especially if you want to experience the city like a local does.
One such area is Shoreditch, a part of the borough of Hackney, otherwise known as the “East End”. This district is well known for its tech startup business hubs, art and music scenes and history of multiculturalism. A far cry from the tourist hotspots of central London, Shoreditch is teeming with daily markets, night clubs and left field shopping opportunities. Whilst guests of hotels with breakfast in Paddington London can make a meal of the tourist traps, Shoreditch offers a more authentic introduction to the character of the city.
Brick Lane
Considering all the markets in London, Brick Lane is one of the only market streets to have a novel named after it. Brick Lane’s markets vary in its vendors and themes, but generally speaking, Fridays and Saturdays between 10am and 5pm are when its vintage clothes market appears. Backyard Market takes place on Saturdays around Brick Lane and is broader in its focus with street food, arts, crafts and clothes. Whether you’re planning to shop or not, guests of hotels in Paddington London should soak in the atmosphere of this thriving London community.
Dennis Severs House
For the history buffs, Dennis Severs House is a museum like no other on Folgate Street. Typical of Shoreditch’s off-kilter sensibility, this “still life” museum opened in 1980 and presents tableaus, smells and stories about its inhabitants between 1725 and 1919, literally transporting visitors into the world of migrating Huguenot silk weavers. Each room takes you through a different period of the fictional Jervis family’s history, learning about the history of London’s East End styles, politics and people.
Club Scene Highlights
Whilst guests of accommodation London Paddington may not find anywhere in the centre of the city to party into the early hours, Shoreditch could see you out all night thanks to a stellar selection of nightclubs. XOYO and Village Underground stand out for their programming of titans of electronic and dance music.
If live music is more your thing, then Rough Trade East record store regularly hosts in store shows, whilst The Old Blue Last, The Macbeth and Old Street Records programme everything from jazz, indie and hip hop. Shoreditch then, is definitely one for the night owls.
Active Socialising
From Bounce, a group ping pong bar on Old Street to Junkyard Golf, an indoor crazy golf course and bar near Liverpool Street, Shoreditch is one place you won’t get bored on date night. Game bars are also great choices for group nights out, whether it be for a birthday, work-do or just for tourists to get to know the city’s social scene.
