BY KELLY BESWICK
When I first stumbled upon Spitalfields and its distinctive Victorian market nearly 30 years ago now, it wasn’t a place you particularly ventured to, as lovely as its winding cobbled streets and tightly packed Georgian town houses were. Indeed, come the weekends, with the adjacent offices closed and devoid of workers, the area resembled that of a ghost town. But my oh my, how things have changed since undergoing major regeneration work and finally reopening to the public in 2005.
Since then, Spitalfields has built up a reputation as one of the top destinations to visit in the capital. Indeed, on the day of our visit, the place was positively heaving with Londoners, day trippers and tourists alike basking in the late summer sunshine on Bishops Square, while those determined to beat the heat and indulge in a spot of shopping, could be seen flitting in and out of the wonderfully eclectic mix of stores that grace Market Street and Brushfield Street. From global fashion brands such as Coach to quirky, independent boutiques like Glassworks, which started life in a glassworks factory in Shoreditch, so hence the name – fashionistas are certainly well catered for here.
So too are those looking to be pampered or to pamper themselves. Fancy a blow out? Well head to Amazon’s high-tech hair salon – the first of its kind for the American behemoth. Alternatively, enjoy the Zen-like calm of Malin + Goetz, where beauty and design collide to amazing effect and where the perfumes, candles and skincare products are impossible to resist. If you’re lucky, like us, you might even get an in-store scent session with manager Anastasija, who knowledgeably steers us through the range, before we settle on our favourites.
For those looking for quirkier, off-beat finds, go inside the market building itself, a stunning construction dating back to 1876, although a market has been on this site for more than 300 years. Here, under the iconic iron and glass roof, you’ll discover a vibrant selection of traders, craftsmen, artists and artisans touting their wares. If its hand crafted and hard-to-find pieces you’re after, you’ll be sure to find them here.
Of course, Spitalfields isn’t just about the shopping, it is also very much about the food, and here you can find everything from Michelin fine dining to street food served from trucks, depending on your mood and wallet. For the latter, we suggest making your way to Lamb Street, where you’ll find a dazzling array of foodie vendors, offering everything from BBQ meat sandwiches and delicious pizzas to authentic Thai noodles and Turkish kotfes and kebabs.
After a fun-packed day soaking in the unique sights, smells and sounds of Spitalfields, while making a few cheeky purchases along the way, we opt to have an early evening dinner at Alfi, a relatively new and welcome addition to the market’s bustling food scene. This Italian bar and restaurant, with a focus on natural wines and classic cuisine with a modern twist, is the perfect place to sit back and watch the world go by, being slap bang in the heart of the market.
It’s also a great place too if you fancy a game of bocce, the Italian version of boules, with two lanes taking pride of place on the outdoor terrace. Feast on delicious steak, pasta, pizzas – whatever takes your fancy from the comprehensive menu, but rest assured it will all be cooked to the highest standard. To further add to our sense of wellbeing, we share a bottle of the house red, a fine Primitivo from Puglia and raise a glass to our brief but delightful Spitalfields sojourn. Now who wouldn’t drink to that!
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