Spitalfields; our new neighbourhood. We've been Londoners for decades, and been based in London the entirely of Goodhood's existence, so we know a thing or two about where to hang out in the East End. We break down the best spots surrounding our new home.
WHERE TO SHOP
Goodhood
We can’t write about the best of the best that Spitalfields has to offer in terms of shopping and culture, without talking about ourselves, now that we've moved to our new home on Hanbury Street. In our humble opinion you can’t get much better than Goodhood. If you’re a new customer or you’re not too familiar with us, we’ve been independently ran for 17 years. We create culture, redefine the idea of luxury, and source some of the best brands and product from all over the globe. We love championing newer and smaller brands and introducing you to people and labels you’ve never heard of prior. It’s a lifestyle, baby!
Brick Lane Vintage Market
Home to over 40 independent vintage traders sourcing goods from all over the UK and Europe. Some clothes date as far back as the 1920s, and cover every decade up to the 1990s. Everything from vintage sportswear, fur coats, suits, accessories, everything you could image in a vintage store. Theres a great selection of vintage vinyl too.
Flashback Records
131 Bethnal Green Road, E2 7DG
Speaking of vinyl, Flashback Records is a go-to for crate digging. They've got three stores across London, including one in our new neighborhood at the top of Brick Lane. They've got a dedicated Soul, Jazz and Reggae basement, the Shoreditch branch rivals Islington for depth and breadth of stock. It also hosts regular in-store gigs by both well-known and up and coming artists.
Old Spitalfields Market
A vast range of stalls selling clothes, antique goods and vintage vinyl, to bricks and mortar shops like our friends at Dr. Martens. It's also peppered with a couple of great pubs, and a tonne of reasonably priced street food spots from dumplings to burgers to tacos.
WHERE TO EAT
St. John Bread and Wine
94-96 Commercial Street, E1 6LZ
Founded by Fergus Henderson (previously The French House) and Trevor Gulliver (previously The Fire Station), St. John is nose-to-tail British dining, with seasonal menus, uncomplicated yet hugely satisfying dishes. Excellent food and well-priced considering the outstanding quality. They were awarded a Michelin star in 2009 which they have retained ever since. A round of baked-to-order madeleines at the end of your meal are a must.
Crispin
Pavilion on The Corner, White's Row, E1 7NF
The brainchild of Dominic Hamdy and Oliver Hiam, Crispin is their third venue in the hospitality industry (Scotchtails and Lundenwic), so they're seasoned professionals when it comes to dining. The all-day restaurant, bar and cafe serves seasonal plates, hand-shaken cocktails and a selection of wine. Crispin is the definition of a community hub, one of those sorts of places where you can get chatting to fellow diners on surrounding tables, and it's not weird. One of the biggest positives of Crispin, for us, is their use of locally sourced ingredients, independent growers, small-scale farms and producers.
Bubala
Excellent Middle Eastern small plates, all vegetarian food, a selection of natural wine, all served up in a cosy resturant on Commercial Street. We recommend you try the tasting menu, to get a feel for all that Bubala offer. The amount of plates are generous, so go on an empty stomach for maximum enjoyment. The bread is fantastic and deserves a mention (you can ask them for more and they'll give you extra).
WHERE TO GET COFFEE
Pavilion
The Old Truman Brewery, 12 Dray Walk, E1 6QR
One of our favourite London coffee shops, Pavillion serve breakfast, brunch, croissants and cakes and world-class coffee. The outdoor seating area is a real suntrap in the summer, and a good spot for people watching. You can visit their other coffee shops at Broadway Market, Columbia Road and the Victoria Park.
Climpson & Sons Coffee Bar
Pod 3 Old Spitalfields Market, Commercial Street, E1 6EW
Initially starting off as a stall on Broadway Market in the early noughties, Climpson & Sons now operate from a few bricks and mortar shops, including their coffee bar in Old Spitalfields Market. London’s coffee culture is brilliant and competitive, and Climpson & Sons definitely deserve to be up there at the top. One thing that really sets this coffee shop apart from the rest is their online recipes to perfect coffee and coffee-based cocktails at home.
Jolene
Sitting in the heart of Shoreditch on Redchurch Street, Jolene is a little slice of gold. It’s the bakery and coffee shop version of it’s Newington Green resturant (which we also recommend). Jolene works with regenerative food growers and small producers who hold landcare and animal welfare as their top priority. Freshly baked bread and pastries among daily changing sandwiches and some of the most refreshing iced coffee we’ve ever had. Perfect light breakfast/brunch/lunch takeaway option that you can eat sitting in Arnolds Circus, which is a stones throw away.
WHERE TO DRINK
The Golden Heart
Proper East End boozer. Ran for over four decades by local legend Sandra Esquilant, The Golden Heart is a charming and traditional British pub, situated in a Grade II listed building that was built in 1936. The interior is full is artworks by British Artists/punters like Tracey Emin, Sarah Lucas and Gillian Wearing, there's a jukebox (a rarity now), and photos of the pubs customers, friends and family everywhere. Regulars include anyone from Gilbert & George to the local market workers.
The Pride of Spitalfields
Another old fashioned, traditional pub. Formally known as the Romford Arms, The Pride of Spitalfields has been standing for over 200 years. Situated down a pretty quiet street, the pub tends to be full of locals and Londoners, thanks to it being slightly off the beaten track of Brick Lane. It's small and doesn't have a huge beer selection (but still a very good one), but is friendly and has a warming atmosphere.
Well & Bucket
143 Bethnal Green Road, E2 7DG
A good option if you want food with your drinks, the Well & Bucket has an extensive yet considered menu, and specialises in seafood - particularly oysters. The beer selection is also superb, especially if ale is your thing. Situated on the outskirts of Spitalfields, heading into Bethnal Green, the pub has a good mix of regulars and new faces.