Sunday mornings can be dull. They allow you to sleep a bit more, but they remind you of the upcoming Monday morning filled with sighs and sleepiness.
There are many things you can do to make your Sundays seem better. For instance, joining the fun-filled, buzzing Sunday markets at Brick Lane – stuffing yourself with a rich variety of street food, and posing in front of the famous graffiti on the walls by some amazing street artists. It will lift your mood up from boredom to sheer excitement.
First things first – what is Brick Lane? It’s a street in East London which, due to its interesting ethnic mix, is one of the major places in which Anglo-Indian cuisine has developed, and it hosts a variety of other restaurants and market stalls with food ranging from Turkish kebab to Mexican tortillas. Hop on a bus from Euston Station to Shoreditch High Street (alternatively use the tube to get to Old Street) and you will soon find this amazing place. Artists such as The Killers and G-Dragon filmed music videos here, a world-renowned place for graffiti, numerous art workshops and boutiques.
The market stalls, depending on where exactly you are near/on Brick Lane, are capable of suddenly putting anyone in shopping-mode. They have handmade accessories, clothing, vintage books and albums, and everyday items such as cutlery and second hand electronics. All these stalls are surrounded by a layer of small shops selling similar things, along with bigger shops with brand names you might recognize. Plus, you can find food everywhere – during my visit to Brick Lane I had a number of small nibbles including: hand-rolled Chinese noodles, a Burmese meat dish and (surprisingly) a slice of British carrot cake.
However, the number one reason why you should visit this place is this: the artwork is simply mind-blowing. If you enjoy high end art in a quiet, spotless museum, then Brick Lane is not your place. But if you love splashes of bright color and gushes of wind and sunshine constructing the lighting and atmosphere around you – you will enjoy your time here.
So, what are you waiting for?
Check the weather forecast and if the British weather generously allows you a bit of sunshine next Sunday morning, pack your camera and a few pounds, and go visit Brick Lane.