One of the best things about studying at Queen Mary is that you're already in the heart of East London.
One of the best things about studying at Queen Mary is that you're already in the heart of East London.
With the summer months being quieter for many students, we thought we'd share a guide to spending a day like a true East Londoner... With an hour-by-hour itinerary, all in walking distance from our Mile End and Whitechapel campuses!
10am: Start your day, at Rinkoff Bakery
Are you a fan of the baked goods in our Ground Cafe? Well, let us share a secret... We're stocked by Rinkoff Bakery!
Founded over a century ago, Rinkoff's is a Jewish family business has some of the best pastries and sweet treats in East London! Plus, they're only less than a 15-minute walk away from our Mile End campus – and even closer to those on our Whitechapel campus!
One of their vegan cinnamon buns could be the perfect start to your day, but we won't judge you if you opt for a cookie for breakfast instead...
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday, 7.30am-6pm & Weekends, 8am-6pm
Address: 222-226 Jubilee Street, E13BS
11am: Explore Whitechapel Gallery
Once you've had your breakfast, head over to the Whitechapel Gallery – only a 20-minute walk from Rinkoff Bakery.
If you haven't already visited the Whitechapel Gallery, you must! They work hard to make contemporary art accessible to all with a unique constantly rotating series of exhibitions.
This summer, they're presenting a new commission from Argentinian Lisbon-based artist Gabriel Chaile, entitled Archaeology of Memory (running until 6 September), as well as their 8-week FREE summer arts festival Backyard Biennial: East, which will host various exhibitions, installations, screenings, performances, special events and more between 15 July-September.
And that's not even all their summer programme has in store, check out participatory exhibition The Ropery (15 July-30 August), East of Aldgate Pump (15 July-6 September) and more here.
Opening Hours: Monday, Closed & Tuesday-Sunday, 11am-6pm
Address: 77-82 Whitechapel High Street, E17QX
1pm: Settle the bagel debate on Brick Lane
Walking from Whitechapel Gallery to the iconic bagel spots on Brick Lane will only take you 15 minutes. When you get there, you’ll notice there’s two bagel shops almost next to each other, a yellow ‘Beigel Shop’ and a white ‘Beigel Bake’.
Both shops are open 24/7 and have been around for decades! But do you know the backstory? The yellow shop came first (being traced back to 1855) and in 1974, the white shop was opened after a falling out over the business began a bagel, or beigel, rivalry.
It's an East London rite of passage to try a bagel from both shops and choose your favourite! So, now's your chance to pledge your allegiance to one of Brick Lane's infamous (and for good reason!) bagel shops.
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
Address: 115 & 159 Brick Lane, E16SB
2pm: Vintage shopping and record hunting
While you're on Brick Lane, it would be wrong not to spend some time browsing the area's shops. Whether you're a vintage fashion enthusiast, a record collector, or simply love discovering independent businesses, there's plenty to explore. And, whenever you need a break from shopping 'till you drop – take a wander down a side street and organically discover some of the street art!
The UK's largest vintage market, Brick Lane Vintage Market, is home to a range of individual boutiques selling everything from designer finds to pieces dating back to the 1920s. Even if you're not planning to buy anything, it's worth a wander.
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday, 11am-6.30pm & Weekends 10am-6pm
Address: 85 Brick Lane, E16QL
For music lovers, a stop at Rough Trade East is essential. Rough Trade's flagship UK store is part record shop, part music venue, and part café. Whether you're searching for vinyl, CDs, books, or artist merchandise, you'll find something worth taking home. Before you leave, don't forget to hop into the photobooth for a souvenir of your QMSU-approved East London day out.
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm & Sunday 11am-7pm
Address: Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, E16QL
If books are more your thing, head to Brick Lane Bookshop, an independent bookshop that first opened in 1978. The shop was founded in response to a belief that there was no demand for bookshops in Tower Hamlets. As owner Denise Jones has reflected, "Forty years ago there were no bookshops in Tower Hamlets. When one of the largest high-street bookstores was asked why, their reply was that people in the East End didn't read! Not so."
So, when you buy a book from Brick Lane Bookshop, you're not just supporting an independent business, you're also becoming part of a long-standing challenge to assumptions about literacy, culture, and access to books in East London.
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday, 10am-6pm
Address: 166 Brick Lane, E16RU
5pm: Take a break in a good East London pub
After a busy afternoon of exploring, it's time to slow things down with a drink at one of East London's classic pubs. Whether you're after a sunny beer garden, a cosy historic pub or somewhere in between, Brick Lane and Shoreditch have plenty of options.
The Brick Lane Tap Room is a great choice for craft beer lovers while The Duke of Wellington offers traditional pub charm just off Brick Lane. If you're looking for somewhere with a bit of history, head to the Commercial Tavern, a beautifully restored Victorian pub.
Various venues – make sure you check their opening times!
6pm: Choose one of Brick Lane's curry houses for dinner
No East London day out would be complete without dinner on Brick Lane, with dozens of family-run curry houses down the main road. From classics like chicken tikka masala, biryanis, dals and fresh naan, there's something for everyone. Plus, tons of vegan and vegetarian options!
Many restaurants also have staff outside offering discounts and/or complimentary drinks, so don't be afraid to chat and check out the menus before making your decision on where to go.
Various venues – make sure you check their opening times!
7.30pm: Enjoy some live music
Finish your day with some live music at one of East London's iconic grassroots venues. Just a 10-minute walk from Brick Lane, The Old Blue Last has hosted everyone from Arctic Monkeys to Charli xcx before they became household names.
Today, it's still one of London's best places to discover your next favourite artist, with gigs taking place all week long – many of them are free!
Not seeing anything on their programme that you like the sound of? Shoreditch is packed with live music venues, so there's every chance you'll stumble across your next fave artist.
Opening Hours: Monday-Wednesday, 12.30pm-12am & Thursday, 12.30pm-1am & Friday-Saturday 12.30pm-3am & Sunday 12.30pm-12.30am
Address: 38 Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3E
And just like that, you've experienced some of the very best (and our favourite!) parts of East London, all within easy reach of your QMSU campuses. Who knows where East London will take you next...!
Of course, opening hours are always subject to change, so make sure to double check directly with the outlets themselves.