Brick Lane - A great (and cheap) date idea in London

We love East London for a day and night out so here's a great recommendation for a great (and cheap) date idea in London.

East London has been on the map for edgy days and nights out for a while now and it certainly has a place in our hearts. When people think of places to go east of the river for a night out, Shoreditch tends to be top of the visit list. Whilst its changed a lot over the years due to gentrification, you'll still find pockets that have retained its rawness and a real London edge.

Brick Lane, we're looking at you…

WHY IS BRICK LANE FAMOUS?

Once known for its slums and Jack the Ripper murders, Brick Lane is a great representation of London and its diversity. During the 19th century it had a thriving Irish and Jewish population and today, you'll find it to be a predominantly Bangladeshi community. Hence, all those authentic and delicious curry houses that line the road.

It’s one of the most popular places to visit in London thanks to its eye-catching street art (which is everywhere!), alternative shopping options, vintage markets, food stalls galore and some of the best curries in the capital, this is one vibrant and exciting road.

ENJOY AN AFTERNOON WANDERING AROUND BRICK LANE

If you're a fan of wandering, then Brick Lane is the place to do it. From people watching to street style spotting, you'll find some seriously stylish folk strutting the streets. If you alight from Aldgate East station and start walking from the bottom of Brick Lane, you'll be able to take in all its charm and quirk.

You'll see all-you-can-eat curry offers and plenty of cafes to grab a coffee. It's also the place to enjoy some inspiring street art. Stop in at Seven Stars Yard on your walk up; it's a little alley that was bombed in the war and never underwent development, it's now an incredibly Instagrammable gallery showcasing works from various artists. It's totally free to enjoy.

You'll find plenty of places to enjoy food and if you decide to visit on a Sunday be warned it will be busy. Why? Because Sunday Upmarket will be on! This is one of London's most exciting and inspiring markets thanks to the array of creative traders you'll find there.

It would be worth your while walking all the way past Truman Brewery up to the top of Brick Lane so you can get your mitts on London's finest beigel. Beigel Bake is a Brick Lane institution and serves up mega tasty beigels with salmon and cream cheese as well as its famous salt beef. It is open 24 hours a day and there's always a queue.

You also have Poppies, a renowned fish and chip shop. As well as the popular Rosa's Thai, both which are near the Spitalfields end of Brick Lane. Spitalfields Market in itself is an afternoon session, as it's a very popular market spot. Here you can find anything from art and fashion to books and food. It deserves its very own post in all honesty, but we'll save that for another day.

GRAB A DELICIOUS SLICE OF PIZZA

Get your arse over to Paradise pizza for a slice of NYC, these large pizza slices are only £3.50 and great to eat in or grab and go as you continue your Brick Lane stroll. They are plenty of meat, veggie and vegan options available.

CATCH A FILM AT THE COMFIEST (AND COOLEST) CINEMA GOING

A trip to this cinema is a great shout to round off your a cheap date day in London.

Genesis  is an arthouse cinema showing blockbusters as well as cool independent films. It dates back to 1848 and offers a luxury film experience thanks to its boutique screens. It costs around £15 to enjoy the latest movies from the comfort of a sofa, with blankets and a foot rest, as well as refreshments from the screen's private bar. It's cheap, beautifully renovated and makes for the perfect date night!

So, if you're after a cheap date idea in London, you can't beat a wander along Brick Lane and the cinema - there's so much to see along this famous road so be sure to take your camera.

Fancy more pizza for another date night idea? We've got just the place, read all about Franco Manca HERE.