My London: Exploring East London

This summer at Locke, we’re celebrating our home city of London—exciting, vibrant, and bursting with life. From East to West, each area has its own distinctive culture, architecture, and way of life. Photographers, creators, and friends of Locke, Mikko Puttonen and Lukas Ruska Martin, shared their favourite spots in East and West London, and everywhere in between.

Locke at Broken Wharf.

Set on the banks of the River Thames, overlooking London icons such as the Tate Modern and Millennium Bridge, and in the shadow of St Paul’s, Locke at Broken Wharf is a riverside sanctuary. It’s the perfect spot to explore the city and delve into East London’s vibrant cultural scene. Mikko Puttonen and Lukas Ruska Martin spent a weekend staying at Locke at Broken Wharf, exploring what makes East London a hotbed of some of London’s most exciting cultural and gastronomic experiences.

Start your day:

East London boasts some of the city's best coffee and brunch options. Wake up and explore London's most talked-about bakehouses, coffee shops, and brunch spots. Enjoy a perfect coffee at Rosslyn or Ozone, savour delicious fresh bread and pastries at Dusty Knuckle and E5 Bakehouse, and visit Hackney's popular spot, Forno.

Stretch your legs:

With numerous places to explore, both indoors and out, you can enjoy fresh air along the Thames Path, stroll towards St Katherine’s Docks, hire a rowboat at Victoria Park, or walk along the canals, stopping at various cafes and bars along the way. If you fancy a more intense workout, try Frame in Shoreditch or Third Space, located in The City, with its indulgent pool and spa.

Grab a bite to eat:

If you're looking for something quick, easy, and delicious, Spitalfields Market is the place to be. It's bursting with diverse cuisines, market stalls, and new foods to try. Sample from various stalls and find a spot in the central market to enjoy your selections. Grab a sandwich from Dom’s Subs, Rogue Sarnies, or Dal Fiorentino, known for its delicious (and affordable) focaccia sandwiches.

Get cultured:

East London is rich with cultural spots worth exploring. Discover contemporary art at the Whitechapel Gallery, or dive into history at the Museum of London Docklands. Catch the latest movies at Rich Mix or Rio Cinema or catch a gig at EaRTH in Hackney. Make sure not to miss a visit to the iconic Brick Lane, known for its eclectic mix of markets and vintage shops.

Treat yourself:

Home to some of the city's most exciting eateries and bars, East London offers a culinary adventure. Be sure to book yourself into these gems: enjoy the flavours at Brat, experience rotating chef residences at Oranj, savor the innovative dishes at Acme Fire Cult, and indulge in the easygoing atmosphere at Koya.

Explore East London from one of our aparthotels.

Aside from many of London’s best restaurants, there’s plenty to see in the east. From edgy markets to vintage shopping. So naturally, you’re going to need a place to stay.

Enter Locke’s London aparthotels. For business travellers, family sightseers and city visitors. There’s plenty of room to sleep, work and relax.

Head to Kingsland Locke to discover Dalston’s creative vibrance. Or stay in the serene apartments of Buckle Street Studios by Locke in Aldgate. Closeby, there’s also our OG aparthotel, Leman Locke where community events bring you together with locals.

With locations across the city, you can always find a place to be with Locke.