Brick Lane and Spitalfields Tour

The history of silk weaving and garment making in London is dramatic, impressive, sometimes painful, and deeply moving. Waves of immigrants have shaped this industry over the centuries, from the eighteenth-century French Huguenots, to Irish and Eastern European Jewish communities in the nineteenth century, and later Bangladeshi and Pakistani workers in the late twentieth century. Traces of all these groups remain visible today, from the thriving textile trades to the vibrant culture of the East End, including the ever-popular curry houses that reflect this rich multicultural heritage.

On this tour, we blend history with hands-on experiences at shops and market stalls. One moment you may find yourself debating whether to buy a 1970s tweed jacket, and the next you might be imagining how a new floral motif on a 1770s silk dress could have made a grand lady look perfectly fashionable. The past constantly weaves into the present—not just in the clothing, but in the buildings, smells, graffiti, and fascinating characters we encounter along the way. Their stories become part of your own unique journey through London’s East End, making the experience both immersive and unforgettable.