The MASAJ Guide: 10 Creative Places to Explore in Shoreditch
15th April 2022
Our MASAJ Goods Assistant, Radka is a Brick Lane local with a real passion for independent businesses, design, and being part of East London’s creative community.
A tattoo artist, illustrator and designer by trade, Radka’s keen aesthetic eye and love of London life leads to the best recommendations for exploring all that Shoreditch has to offer.
Here, she’s rounded up her top tips for creative spots to visit around Brick Lane, before or after your visit to MASAJ this spring:
1. Common Counter at Glass House
“An exciting new LGBTQIA+ multidisciplinary venue led by Glass House Projects. Their three spaces Common Press (bookshop café), The Commons (multimedia events space) and Common Counter (bar) offer a hub for London's diverse creatives and community to thrive. I love this place, as you can meet a lot of locals and really feel the vibe of Brick Lane. Their inclusive values really align with MASAJ and it’s a great addition to the neighbourhood.”
2. The Brick Lane Gallery
“The Brick Lane Gallery is a great small commercial gallery which showcases the work of artists from all around the world. The team there are very friendly and always have the time to share the stories of the background to the art, which makes the whole experience feel more personal.”
3. The Secret Art Gallery
“Another amazing gallery is The Secret Art Gallery, which focuses on contemporary artworks. They’re constantly showing new works, so it’s a great space to swing by, you’re sure to catch something new each time you visit.”
4. StolenSpace Gallery
“If you’re into Street Art and Underground Art then StolenSpace Gallery is the place to visit. A truly important space for artists since 2005, StolenSpace is absolutely one of the best places to see up and coming urban art in London.”
5. The Truman Brewery
“Such an important local space, The Truman Brewery is home to many creative businesses, shops, exhibitions and events - including The London Design Fair and Graduate Fashion Week. Pop by at the weekends for vintage clothes markets and record stall browsing, too.”
6. Allen Gardens
“Allen Gardens is one of Hackney’s more unusual green spaces, with every available concrete surface absolutely packed with street art. If you’re lucky you can visit during the summer, and you’ll see the teams of artists changing the walls each Sunday. This is a space where you can truly feel the creative vibe of Brick Lane, and is a great place to chill on a sunny day to soak up the atmosphere.”
7. The London Tea Exchange
“If you’re getting tired from gallery-hopping, The London Tea Exchange is the perfect spot to find a moment of calm. The staff are super friendly and always helpful if you don’t know what tea to choose - there are plenty of options! The ideal spot after a visit to MASAJ.”
8. Brick Lane Book Shop
“Whether you’re looking for art books or fiction, The Brick Lane Book Shop has so much to offer. Their staff are really nice and always help me to find what I’m looking for!”
9. Monty’s Bar
“At the end of your day of Shoreditch exploring, if you’re in the mood for cocktails (alcoholic or non) then Monty’s Bar is my favourite place to visit. The drinks are very well balanced, and it’s the ideal space to soak up the underground atmosphere of the area. Every inch of the bar is covered with art from local artists, and if you’re lucky you might end up meeting some too - this is definitely the favourite local haunt of some of Brick Lane’s most exciting up and coming creatives.”
10. The Brick Lane Sunday Market
“The very best way to sample all the Brick Lane has to offer is to visit on a Sunday - try delicious food, shop for vintage clothes and decorations, and soak up the atmosphere of this creative hub. Open Sunday from 10am-5pm, you can spend hours wandering Brick Lane and the small surrounding streets - a truly immersive experience.”
My best advice? Allow yourself to get lost in this amazing area. Explore the streets, making sure to keep your eyes open, looking up always to spot the best new street art! This area is full of amazing art and amazing people - you will definitely leave full of new experiences and probably new friends as well.