As its name suggests, Old Street’s history dates back to pre-Norman history and might even surpass the Roman occupation of London in age. As far back as the 12th century, Old Street has been known by some derivation of this name and has been used as a road into what it is now London possibly for several millennia now. From their window, guests at hotels near Old Street Station will be able to see the mixture of Victorian-era warehouses, new builds and straight Roman roads that form the entire district of Shoreditch.
With its fascinating history in mind, you might be surprised to know just how innovative the area has become in recent years. With the explosion of technology and media companies in London leading to many startups laying claim to the glitzy offices of Old Street, business is booming in the Shoreditch district. With booming industry comes rejuvenation, and Old Street has seen many new venues, bars and art spaces taking over those in-between spaces, all catering not only to the commuters who spend their weekdays there but to the tourists and guests of hotel packages in London’s East End. This blog will outline some of the best landmarks, attractions and places to go if visiting or staying in the Old Street area.
Dining And Drinking In Old Street
Due to its proximity to offices and businesses, it’s unsurprising that Old Street has slowly gathered a selection of London’s finest afternoon haunts. Whilst the restaurants and bars run by the Montcalm Royal London House on Finsbury Square are well worth a visit, the below selection is well worth exploring the surrounding area for.
Timberyard
For some of the best coffee in East London paired with delightful decor, the spacious outside seating of the Timberyard is matched only by its mind-boggling, multi-coloured interior. With a running theme inside of - you guessed it - timber planks, the expansive menus of teas, artisan coffees and snacks prove that the Timberyard is more than just a pretty face.
Old Fountain Pub
For the best in traditional British pub culture, you can’t go wrong with the Old Fountain and its vast selection of London brewed porters and ales. The Old Fountain spreads out over two sprawling floors on Baldwin Street and has won numerous awards for its selection of beers. What’s more, the Old Fountain has been run by one family since the 1960s’, injecting it with an authentic London atmosphere.
Nights Out
As you’d probably guess, busy commutes make way for bass-thumping nightlife in Old Street.
Bounce Old Street
It might sound novelty but there’s very much a returnability to Bounce in Old Street, a basement bar that incorporates table tennis into late-night partying. Alongside communal competitions and round robins that give you the chance to win free drinks, Bounce’s sprawling mass of ping pong tables are bookable for groups of up to 20 people per table, giving this ping pong a real raucous, refreshingly chaotic feel.
XOYO
XOYO is among the best clubs in London thanks to its two floors of all-encompassing sound systems and inscrutable programming. XOYO is a venue that has seen some of the most cutting edge DJs and performers in the world grace its stages, imbibing Old Street with glamour and allure that still keeps approachable and community-spirited.
