Brick Lane- London's Most Global Street

 Shaped by centuries of immigration, artisanal influences, and class politics, Brick Lane, in the industrial “East End” of the city, has become the epitome of a melting pot.

 This cobbled street was once among the poorest slums in the capital; it became known for brick and tile production in the 15th century.

Brick Lane has long provided sanctuary to those escaping persecution in other countries. French Huguenots arrived here in the 17th Century, later followed by waves of Jewish refugees – many of whom fled pogroms in mainland Europe – and also Irish settlers. Nowadays, Brick Lane is predominantly associated with the Bangladeshi community, and its street signs are inscribed with both English and Bengali translations.

 One of the ways in which the global identity of this area can be summarized is through its food businesses. Lined with curry houses, infamous rival beigel bakeries, “chippies” (fish-and-chip takeouts), and street-food stalls selling everything from Tibetan momos to Ethiopian injera, you can quite literally eat your way around the world when visiting Brick Lane. 

There is street art everywhere.

 Whether it’s contemporary Pointillist portraits or floating, painted drinks cans, the colorful and diverse urban artwork is what attracts most people to this area. Pieces range from small ‘slaps’ (stickers) on lampposts and stencils on walls to full-blown murals and collages. 

Brick Lane was once the fashion capital of the world (and is still a shopper’s paradise). In the past, the creative crafts of dressmaking, drapery, weaving, and tailoring were brought to east London by its Huguenot and Jewish populations from the continent, which led to a booming fashion and textile industry emerging in this corner of the capital.In current times, it still boasts an impressive catalog of independent designers, alternative clothing outlets,and vintage shops.

Vintage shops, food stalls, and street art are not the only happenings on Brick Lane. In the middle of a mile-long market I found a beret-wearing cigar-smoking man who could have been from a variety of European countries, playing chess against all comers. He was doing it for free.

Norman has been playing chess in Brick Lane Market for more than 8 years. He is Syrian and has lived in London since he was around 20 years old.On sunny Sundays,  Norman will walk for about 20 minutes from his apartment to the market and start his wonderful day......

Visiting Brick Lane is definitely a worth while experience and I suggest if you’re going to visit this London neighborhood on any day, make it a Sunday when the Brick Lane Market is on! The street is jam packed with vintage and antique market stalls and street performers, plus, the Old Truman Brewery at 91 Brick Lane is open for a Sunday market.

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