There’s something deeply satisfying about spending a full day immersed in one London neighbourhood—especially when that place is as vibrant, layered and as stylish as Spitalfields. As a born and bred Londoner, it is easy to stick to what you know and stay in your zone but with London forever changing, I needed a refresher and to “pretend to be a tourist for the day” so, I recently spent 24 hours in Spitalfields.
Booking into the five-star Andaz London, nestled in a restored Victorian building just moments from Spitalfields, what followed was a beautifully paced day of design, foodie indulgence, aimless mooching and yes—a bath with wine!
From curated boutiques and sleek concept stores to independent food kiosks and standout dining spots, Spitalfields is East London’s gem and makes it easy to slow down and savour the city without the need to zigzag across town. Even for me to travel to, it’s one tube ride to Liverpool Street (but those who know me, will know I caught an uber and used the excuse of it being a Sunday so traffic wouldn’t be bad!).
Here’s a breakdown of my weekend Spitalfields escape:
Check-In at Andaz London
The day begins at Andaz London, a sleek hotel perfectly located to explore East London. Inside, classic heritage details meet modern comfort with art-filled hallways, warm service and all the amenities you’d expect from a five-star stay. It’s the kind of place you’ll be glad to return to after a full day out. I was able to drop off my bag ahead of my room being ready and even had a cheeky glass of bubbles before heading out.
Head to Spitalfields
This area is a haven for independent design, fashion and lifestyle brands. Conveniently walkable with everything in one space. I enjoyed wondering around with no direction and checking out the shops. Here are a few must visit shops to explore:
• Astrid & Miyu – Stackable jewellery designed in London, plus customers can organise a tattoo or piercing here
• On – A Swiss sportswear brand with an interactive shoe comparison table
• RAINS – Functional BUT fashionable outerwear with Scandinavian flair. The raincoats are one of my desired items for this autumn!
• Earl of East – Candles, home goods and fragrances all made sustainably in London
• OMNES – Ethically made womenswear that’s modern, versatile and consciously crafted
Each store offers something different but one of my personal faves is Malin + Goetz for a self-care pit stop. I’ve always been a fan of this brand and I note more hotels are also using their products in house. At this store you can enjoy a complimentary hand massage and scent discovery session using their gender-neutral, cruelty-free skincare. Trust me when I say, you’ll leave with silky hands and perhaps a new favourite scent.
Wandering around the various streets which make up Spitalfields you will also find many independent stalls and sellers for unique items.
Time to eat and rest those feet
After over an hour of scoping out shops and items for my wish list, it was time for some well-earned lunch. I chose to not have a Sunday roast in this instance but instead opted for a taste of Italy and headed to Alfi. This Italian bar and restaurant is tucked within the middle of Spitalfields Market and the reason it is named Alfi is because ‘alfi’ is the middle part of the word Spit-ALFI-elds.
Here, the vibe is relaxed with a menu designed to transport you to the Italian coast. Expect a selection of different regional dishes, made for sharing and paired with an a cool selection of cocktails and biodynamic wines.
With a pizza oven and large seating area (plus a photo booth), Alfi was the right choice for me. I sipped on wine spritz’ s and decided to munch on garlic bread, burrata and a freshly made Vongole. With a happy tummy, I needed to walk it all off in order to make space for something sweet. To my amazement, I stumbled into a dance session in the square which made me feel like I had stepped straight into a live rom-com movie. Watching all the couples and families dance what I think was the tango, was so wholesome. It also gave me the excuse to stop and eat my soft serve ice cream cone, the perfect dessert for me.
Back to the Hotel for happy hour and a bath
I walked, shopped and explored my heart out. I headed back to the Andaz to slip into a robe, pour a glass of wine and run a warm bubble bath. a well-deserved reset and relaxation before heading down to dinner.
The hotel has a few different eateries to choose from. During my stay, we ate at Eastway Brasserie. The brasserie currently has a collaboration running with Argentinian chef Cristian ‘Chino’ González, which showcases his boundless experience and deep roots in Buenos Aires food culture, with a selection of dishes combining classical techniques with raw bar meticulousness, open fire cooking and fermentation knowledge.
The next morning – breakfast and checkout
I slept like a baby that night and started my day ordering brekkie to my room as the last treat before checking out. I thoroughly enjoyed my salmon bagels and fresh fruit from the comfort of bed whilst watching TV. I’ve been to the Andaz a few times now and I forever consider it to be one of the best hotels in London, however this stay I felt I really immersed myself in the culture and surroundings. The cherry on top of staying at the Andaz is the midday check out time. All hotels should adhere to this in my opinion!
Refuelling with lunch at Lamb Street
After a leisurely check out and a small rumble in the belly, it was time for a quick trip to grab lunch at Lamb Street which is also just a small walk away.
Filled with a mix of food kiosks that serve up everything from indulgent bites to something a little healthier, there is something for everyone here. You can wonder around and pick up whatever tickles your fancy from fish and chips to Turkish wraps and rice boxes. Special mention must go to the birria tacos from Dos Mas Tacos. Their juicy tacos are made fresh to order and with a side of guac, they hit the spot!
It safe to say, Spitalfields is a must visit when in London. This itinerary proves that staying in one area doesn’t mean missing out—it means diving deeper. Spitalfields offers an effortless blend of fashion, food, culture and calm with everything you need for a memorable stay. It is ideal whether you’re travelling solo, with a partner or simply in need of a reset.
Review and Images by Zoe Laing @_zozogram_
