Water Poet and Drunken Monkey
Where can you find a pub named after an eccentric Englishman? Answer: catch the bus or tube to Liverpool street station and 5 minutes walk away is "The Water Poet (www.beerintheevening.com).
The water poet was an Englishman named John Taylor (1580-1647) who had a number of occupations including: river Thames water man, inn keeper; poet, inventor of a language (don't ask) and traveller (he once tried to sail up the Thames in a paper boat - it sank!). At best his poetry has been described as rough hewn wit - God sends meat and the devil sends cooks, is a fine example.
The Water Poet is definitely worth a visit. There are 3 bars, the staff are friendly and on Sundays they have live music with resident jazz diva Cousin Alice back on Sunday afternoons in April. Bohemian and trendy, the drinkers are a mixed bunch, but the atmosphere is superb.
Just around the corner is Spitalfields market (an undercover market was first opened here by Charles II in 1682, just in case your friends ever ask you) famous for its retro furniture, second hand shops and home to some of London's best student fashion designers. Spitalfields is busiest and at its best on Sundays.
There are also plenty of places for food and drink. Have you ever tried a curry? Most people think the English love fish and chips but I think we really go for curry more than any other food. How many fish and chip shops can you think of in the West End? Exactly! So, you must visit Brick Lane too just a couple of streets down from the market.
If you don't want to spend much, then the Aladdin Restaurant is fine pinewood dining. Ask the waiter to play you the tape of Prince Charles mentioning the restaurant. They will wheel out a trolley carrying what looks like something your Granny has in her living room, but is in fact a cassette player. Expect the whole room to erupt in cheers afterwards. If you don't like your food hot then try a Chicken Tikka Masala which has a creamy tomato/charcoal taste.
Brick lane comes alive at night with its deluge of neon signs and restaurant reps imploring you for your custom and promising much in return. My favourite is the Bengal Cuisine Tandoori restaurant (12 Brick Lane) owned by a Mr and Mrs Rashid who know what it's all about.
The Vibe Bar , also in Brick Lane and just past the railway Bridge, is located in part of the old Truman Brewery. Described as 'shabby chic' inside you'll find battered red sofas, plastic and iron chairs and a wall covered with graffiti. Great music and DJs.
If you are looking for something with an urban feel then this is the place to head to. Outside there is a heated courtyard with tables. Right across the road from the Vibe Bar is 93 feet East offering live music and outdoor BBQ in the summer.
Brick lane is home to the 24 hour Beigel Bakery (apparently 'beygls' originate from Poland circ. 1610) and a purveyor of fine coffee - coffee@ 157 Brick Lane. If you like Hookahs then check out Casa Blue - 228 Brick Lane - for a smoke Moroccan style. The Brick Lane Galery is worth a look.
On your way back you may want to stop off at The Drunken Monkey . Named after an oriental martial art, the décor is black and gold with bursts of orange from gently swinging Chinese lanterns. Informal but stylish, this place also has fairly good, affordable Dim Sum starting at L2.50.