Spitalfields, famous for its market and rambling Victorian lanes, is at the heart of the East End. For centuries it has been home to one of London’s most diverse communities welcoming settlers from all over the globe. Its reputation as a haven for those fleeing persecution began in the 1600’s when the Huguenot community escaped Catholic France. Since then Spitalfields has seen Jewish, Somali and Bangladeshi communities make it their home to name a few. The diversity of peoples and faiths is no better represented than through the building on the corner of Fournier Street and Brick Lane which is now a mosque and has in the past been a Huguenot church, Methodist chapel and Jewish synagogue!

The best way to get a real flavour of Spitalfields is to explore by foot and sample some of the many different cuisines on offer. Brick Lane is famous for its wonderful array of curry houses, and Japanese, Ethiopian and Greek are just a few of the other international foods on offer in the area. The market itself houses a fabulous food hall where dishes from all around the world can be tried.

Spitalfields has always attracted an artistic community and remains a vibrant centre for the arts. Old warehouses are now used as art galleries and fashion houses while the many pubs and bars offer a huge variety of live music from salsa to drum and bass.

Spitalfields is an area steeped in diversity, both in the community it supports and the variety of entertainment it has to offer. There really is something for everyone.