Visit the East End, home to one of the London’s hippest postcodes: Shoreditch.  Before you hit the neighbourhood’s oh-so-cool array of bars, markets and galleries, get in the know with this guide.

The top five reasons to visit Shoreditch.

East End history

Shoreditch wasn’t always London’s trendiest enclave; originally, it was known as Soersditch, a variant on ‘sewer ditch’ because it was divided by an old drain. Not glamorous.

Check it out: Shoreditch Church was built in 1740 – it’s gorgeous and lends a stateliness to a stretch that sometimes threatens to drown in its own bells and whistles.

The Shoreditch scene

Shoreditch has a reputation for being achingly hip and slightly self-regarding; outsiders might snigger at the silly haircuts and outrageously tight trousers, but the Shoreditch crowd love it.

The stereotype of Shoreditch, which is only partially unfair, is that it’s overrun with art students, wanky creatives and people who wear sunglasses at night. Of course, without them the thriving, effervescent nightlife would go under.

Check it out: Tabernacle Street and Charlotte Road are where Shoreditch’s well-heeled party people call home.

London’s creative arts centre

There’s no doubt Shoreditch is one of London’s creative hubs; a beacon for artists, musicians, dancers and everything in between. The area is brimming with galleries, from small pop-ups to those that are more boutique.

Check it out: The Shoreditch festival in mid-July is one of the highlights of East London’s cultural calendar. It showcases an eclectic range of live music and festival acts.

Going out in Shoreditch

It might take a couple of visits to find your niche – some places are too conspicuously cool – but you’re sure to discover a watering hole worth returning to. Be sure to check out the Drunken Monkey on Shoreditch High Street, which fuses dim sum, gastropub fare and New York chic. Or head to Jaguar Shoes on Kingsland Road, which has set itself up as an art, music and fashion centre.

Check it out: At the end of a big night, make your way to Beigel Bake at 159 Brick Lane – it’s open 24 hours and offers a gourmet alternative to a sloppy kebab.

East End market shopping

The East End has a knack for street markets. There’s Old Spitalfields Market, Whitechapel Market and Petticoat Lane Market. If that’s not enough to sate your appetite, you can head a few blocks east to Brick Lane.

Check it out: Spitalfields has been refurbished in an ambitious attempt to make it more accessible and better organised, while retaining its historical appeal.

Pubs and bars in Shoreditch (OK, that makes six reasons!)

Shoreditch crowds are spoiled for choice when it comes to hitting the town. There’s a great mix of quirky pubs, boutique bars and opulent nightclubs. So get out and find a favourite:

GREEN AND RED
» Bethnal Green Rd, E1 6LA 
ANDA DE BRIDGE 
» Kingsland Rd, E2 8DA
WILLIAM IV
» Shepherdess Walk, N1 7QE
TABERNACLE 
» Tabernacle St, EC2A 4AA
THE REDCHURCH
» Redchurch St, E2 7DL
PRAGUE BAR
» Kingsland Rd, E2 8DA
PRINCESS OF SHOREDITCH
» Paul St, EC2A 4NE
THE LEGION
» Old St, EC1V 9NQ
FAVELA CHIC
» Great Eastern St, EC2A 3HZ
THE EAST ROOM
» Tabernacle St, EC2A 4LU 
LOUNGELOVER
» Whitby St, E1 6JU
CATCH
» Kingsland Rd, E2 8DA
OLD BLUE LAST
» Great Eastern St, EC2A 3ES