Shoreditch and Spitalfield. Immerse into this trendy street art area loaded with vibrant bars, intimate cafés, and independent shops. Stop for snacks from all over the world at one of the backyard street food booths. Shop vintage clothing, modern accessories, or art. Browse the shelfs of numerous record stores around. Dive into the busy atmosphere of Brick Lane and its neighbourhood. And come back in the evening for a live performance in one of the music venues.
Definite highlight of the walk is Columbia Road Flower Market with its lush and colourful scenery. An overwhelming place inmidst of the British capital.
On the way, explore the location of a music video everybody knows and follow its path.
We recommend doing this subTOUR on a Sunday as this is the only day when Columbia Road Flower Market is open. Do not worry, also the record stores and mentioned shops around will be open on Sundays. However, as some of the bars are closed until noon, we prefer starting the tour with a lunch and continue the walk step by step afterwards.
Time for a drink (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Why not start the subTOUR with a lunch snack at Sebright Arms. Apart from beer and burgers, this place is all about music. Definitely one of London’s finest small live music venues. Also known for hosting early shows for now world-famous bands.
Have a look onto the event schedule of this place. Any reason to come back in the evening?
Cosmos Records (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Some steps in the western direction and you will reach Cosmos Records, record store with an impressive collection of vinyl from various genres. Nevertheless, mostly a haven for the Soul-Jazz-minded.
Crypt of the wizard (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Direct neighbor to Cosmos is Crypt of the Wizard. Where Heavy Metal is all over the place. Definitely a store if you are into the darker side of music. Take your time browsing the shelfs or talking to the owner. When around, buy yourself a record souvenir that will remind you of this very special place when back home.
Columbia Road (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Time for some flowers! Unique Columbia Road Flower Market is a beautiful market devoted to selling lush plants, colourful flowers, garden fittings, and gardening equipment. Perfect spot for strolling along, especially when the sun is out.
Columbia Road Flower Market and attached shops are open on Sundays only, from the very morning to the afternoon.
Play vinyl (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Just around is Play Vinyl. If you're more into older stuff, then this lovely little store is the right place for you. The sell vinyl and fully restored record players. Beautiful objects. Specialists in the unusual. As authentic as it gets.
Love vinyl (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Still energy for more records? Love Vinyl is carrying a wide range of music styles and issues. However, with a focus on Dance music.
Relaxed and nice atmosphere, so it's definitely worth the stroll.
Hoxton Street (Google Streetview)
In this neighbourhood, you can also discover a small snippet of Rock music history.
Hoxton Street is the place where the music video for Bittersweet Symphony from The Verve was shot. Lead singer Richard Ashcroft is walking down a busy pavement between Hoxton Street and Falkirk Street, before heading north. Why not follow his path?
Watch the video here.
Venue & bar tips: Hoxton Square Bar, Roadtrip & The Workshop, or The Old Blue Last are just some options for a great time when in Shoreditch. Combining food, drinks, and live music for a little break from shopping and sightseeing. Perhaps you want to come back later in the evening?
Flashback Records (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Head further in the southeastern direction. Flashback Records offers something for any taste offering a broad selection of new vinyl and CDs, whilst also hosting second-hand items. Partly also hosting regular instore gigs by well-known and up and coming artists.
Food tip: Beigel Bake is a Shoreditch institution. Try the salted beef version. A must-eat when around.
Rough Trade (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Follow Brick Lane southbound. Immerse into this trendy street art area loaded with vibrant bars, intimate cafés, and independent shops. Stop for snacks from all over the world at one of the backyard street food booths. Shop vintage clothing, modern accessories, or art. Just dive into the busy atmosphere of Shoreditch and Spitalfield.
Arrive at Rough Trade, a British independent record label established in the 70s. Having successfully promoted and sold records by Punk Rock bands such as The Smiths, The Libertines, or The Strokes, today's genre ranges from Alternative and Punk to New Wave, Psychedelic, Folk, Electronica, and Soul.
Old Spitalfield Markets (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Final destination of this subTOUR is Old Spitalfields Market, one of the finest surviving Victorian Market Halls in the British capital. Where modern fashion meets beautiful antiques and great food. Featuring small producers with local creatives and artisans, original independent retailers, and a few well-known brands under one historic roof.
Situated in the centre of the market are kitchens where contemporary and authentic cooking is showcased offering a truly unique dining experience.
Perfect spot to end the Shoreditch tour.
Camden Town. Where music history has been written. Where the 90s Britpop of Blur, Pulp, and Oasis is rooted. Where the Punk movement started in the 70s. Explore the life and death of Amy Winehouse, legendary singer and songwriter.
This vibrant area has more record stores, street art, and live music venues than you can shake a stick at.
Discover the unique atmosphere of independence and revolution in these streets and stalls.
When in London don't miss this place marking music history like no other: Abbey Road. Iconic and legendary recording studio from where world-famous tapes changed the history of music. Also a synonym for The Beatles and their album Abbey Road. With its cover featuring the band members walking across the zebra crossing in front of the studio. Is there a better place to take a souvenir picture of your London trip?
Also explore the spot that marks another great Rock band and one of its hit singles: Coldplay's Violet Hill.
Knightsbridge, Kensington, Hyde Park - names that are directly connected with noble housing, elegant restaurants, and leisure time in green surroundings. Take a bike to explore these streets. From famous shopping temple Harrods to live venue Royal Albert Hall and royal Kensington Palace - this is London at its best.
Nevertheless, this area also provides places telling Rock 'n' Roll history beyond the obvious:
visit the Sticky Fingers restaurant owned by former Rolling Stones member Bill Wyman for a deep dive into the world of music memorabilia. Then learn about Elton John and the life and death of legendary Queen singer Freddie Mercury.
Chelsea, Belgravia and around: the best from the best on bike. Start at London Eye with its spectacular views upon the city.
Afterwards, scratch Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street as well as Big Ben & Houses of Parliament from your bucket list. Iconic Hard Rock Hotel & Café is next.
When in Chelsea, discover Rock 'n' Roll history beyond the walls of rather unimpressive buildings. Learn about The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Both inextricably linked to London.
Want to explore a true Punk place? Legendary World's End is telling music tales from the 60s until today.
Soho. Heart of London. Boasting with Rock 'n' Roll history from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones and from Punk to Heavy Metal. Former legendary night clubs meet today's vibrant bar scene and independent records stores. Where famous album covers from Oasis to David Bowie have been shot. Where myths were born on live music stages, on rooftops or in recording studios. Still today, numerous plaques tell of Soho's rich music history.
Soho #1 reveals iconic music places from The Beatles and The Bee Gees to The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd. Not to forget legendary Jimi Hendrix.
Soho. Heart of London. Boasting with Rock 'n' Roll history from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones and from Punk to Heavy Metal. Former legendary night clubs meet today's vibrant bar scene and independent records stores. Where famous album covers from Oasis to David Bowie have been shot. Where myths were born on live music stages, on rooftops or in recording studios. Still today, numerous plaques tell of Soho's rich music history.
Soho #2 reveals the famous album cover from Oasis' (What's The Story) Morning Glory? On your way, take your time to discover the countless record shops in the district. It's time for some vinyl shopping!
Soho. Heart of London. Boasting with Rock 'n' Roll history from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones and from Punk to Heavy Metal. Former legendary night clubs meet today's vibrant bar scene and independent records stores. Where famous album covers from Oasis to David Bowie have been shot. Where myths were born on live music stages, on rooftops or in recording studios. Still today, numerous plaques tell of Soho's rich music history.
Soho #3 reveals famous album covers from The Beatles and David Bowie. Discover a recording studio that has been the birthplace to legendary songs and albums. Also explore live music venues where Rock history has been written. Finally, check out the location of a legendary Fab Four rooftop performance.
Islington. Probably not on top of your London bucket list. But full of music history that just cannot be ignored.
Discover places that are inextricably linked to British superstars Pink Floyd. In Islington, the Punk movement with legendary The Sex Pistols and The Clash evolved in the 70s.
Finally, also learn about a men's prison and its famous inhabitants, when around here.
Notting Hill. Known from all those love story movies. An idyllic and colourful place and characteristic part of today's London. Enjoy its lush greens, combined with small streets, intimate cafés, and independent shops. Famous Portobello Market is just around the corner. For all the lovers of vintage clothing, old furniture, and lots more antiques.
Don't forget to discover the musical importance of this area. Discover Samarkand Hotel, the place where legendary American artist Jimi Hendrix spent the last hours of his short life.
Global success made in London
A leading figure in music
Founders of Punk Rock
Lemmy’s legendary Heavy Metal
Once performing at Woodstock
Legendary Heavy Metal with Eddie
Key player in British Punk Rock
London Pop Rock superstars
Legendary Freddie Mercury
Britpop at its best
The one and only Rock stars
Formed in 1965 in London
British Rock with Sting
With origins in Blues music
Named from Shepherd’s Bush
Indie Rock since 1998
Indie from Southern London
From London to worldwide success
From the 60s until today
Alternative Rock from outsiders for outsiders
One of the Britpop giants
Just legendary
Part of Genesis or as solo artist
An 80s icon
Iconic Camden artist
Pop Rock meets Wave and Gothic
Legends from the 60s
Mark Knopfler and his fellows
Britpop meets Psychedelic