With Old Street to the north and the City of London creeping up on the South, it seems all roads in East London lead to Spitalfields. Famed for its 350 year old market, it now stands as the perfect symbol of modern life in the capital, celebrating diverse cultures and enticing crowds with its charm, cheek and quirk. From chic cocktail bars to some of the most wonderfully bizarre pop ups London's ever hosted, the area's a constant hive of activity and is sure to have you humming along to its usual beat in no time.
WM Barker & Co.
Of course, every area guide we feature has to have strong cocktail game. Spitalfields is no exception. A favourite among city workers and young couples, WM Barker & Co is arguably Spitalfield's best kept secret. The bar is hidden underground and can only be identified by the neon blue sign that hangs delicately above the descending entrance. The bar is wonderfully rustic. Washed with deep mahogany overtones and framed by unfinished surfaces, it's the line-up of cocktails the steal the show. The classic collection of drinks are delightful, but the bar staff also serve an array of their own quirky concoctions, named after Mr Barker's famous English friends. Why not try a few Princess Dianas, or maybe delve deep in a tall glass of Rowan Atkinson.
Alluring and cloaked with a thin veil of mystery, WM Barker & Co certainly doesn't lack character or style.
The Hawksmoor Bar
We have a theory that if you say the words 'Spitalfield' and 'restaurant' to a Londoner, the Hawksmoor would be one of the first things in their mind. Renowned across London for its stunning steaks and amazing sides, the venue's cocktail bar is often over-shadowed by the kitchen. A travesty, we know. The team of expert mixologists are never afraid to push boundaries with their flavours and have created their own fair share of eyebrow raising concoctions over the years. Not to mention, much of the restaurant's delicious burgers, sides and smaller steaks can be purchased at the bar. A true stalwart in Spitalfields' nightlife scene.
Steaks might be their specialty, but the Hawksmoor's bar is certainly no slack when it comes to delivering bold flavours.
Absurd Bird
And when the cocktail get a little too heavy to handle, mouth-watering Southern food is just a few minutes away. Absurd Bird is a name that's growing and growing in stature. The chefs have created a stunning, secret sauce to marinade all their free range chicken in overnight. As with every good Southern spot, the sides are rich in flavour, brilliantly messy to eat and have bags of attitude. We'd recommend the jalapenos Mac N Cheese and the soothing, home-made slaw. The restaurant has plenty of kick and welcomes everyone with a huge embrace; one for all you self-proclaimed chick magnets (please forgive us).
Buttermilk fried chicken, smooth slaw and fiery hot wings rule the roost at Absurd Bird in Spitalfields.
Poppies Fish & Chips
If all else fails, there's always the old faithful. Poppies is an institution that's withstood the test of time. And no matter how many quirky pop ups, stylish bars and contemporary restaurants open, this fish and chip restaurant has always been close to the area's identity. Decorated with bright colours and vintage furnishings, the venue has stuck to its winning formula of serving traditional recipes in a family-friendly setting. Fancy a pickled onion? No problem. Mad for mushy peas? Have an extra spoonful. Poppies remains constant in an ever-changing town, and will always make sure Spitalfields never forgets its history.
British fish and chip, pure and simple; you can't help but smile at everything that Poppies stands for.
