Old Truman Brewery

The basics

Following the closure of Truman’s Brewery, its sprawling, 10-acre (4-hectare) facilities on Brick Lane were regenerated into a vibrant hub for arts, culture, dining, and shopping. Today, the creative quarter houses, across its many sites and markets, upwards of 200 independent businesses. Some of its most popular recurring events include the Backyard Market on Saturday and Sundays and the Upmarket on Sundays, while a wide range of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and club nights keep the atmosphere thrilling at all hours.

The Old Truman Brewery is a highlight of Brick Lane walking tours, craft-beer excursions, market explorations, and other cultural itineraries in East London. It’s also easy to plan an independent trip to the art and culture hub

Things to know before you go

• One of the Old Truman Brewery’s best-known residents is Rough Trade East: a record store that hosts free concerts and visiting musicians throughout the week.
• Sample sales and designer pop-up events are regularly held on site; come ready to score a bargain (and bring cash).
• Due to uneven surfaces and the lack of accessible toilets on site, the Old Truman Brewery may be difficult for wheelchair users and others with limited mobility to access.
• The Old Truman Brewery is known as a street-art hub: look out for the ever-changing graffiti murals that adorn the area.

How to get there

The Old Truman Brewery is within a 10-minute walking distance of Liverpool Street station (which is served by mainline trains, the Overground, and the Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines) and Shoreditch High Street station (served by the Overground). It can also be reached by numerous bus lines, on foot, by bike, or by car.

When to get there

The Old Truman Brewery is popular by day and by night, thanks to its mix of galleries, shops, restaurants, bars, and event spaces. Note that it is particularly lively on weekends; visit on a weekday if you’d prefer to avoid the sizable Brick Lane crowds.

Events at the Old Truman Brewery

The Old Truman Brewery is now home to many of London’s most dynamic events and festivals. Annual highlights include Craft Beer Rising, the London Coffee Festival, the Brick Lane Vintage Market, Vegan Nights, and much more. It’s advised to research its events calendar before you visit.

Ways to explore

Count on at least a couple of hours for visiting Brick Lane, including at least an hour at Old Truman Brewery (more if you plan on eating). Most walking tours of East London include a stop there, and many are focused on the neighborhood’s food scene, and may include tastings along the way. Others delve into the history of this lively, multiethnic district. There are also self-guided options for anyone looking for more flexibility than you’d get on a standard guided tour. Old Truman Brewery regularly hosts events and exhibitions, so check the calendar or just wander over and see what’s on.

Accessibility

Event spaces are wheelchair accessible through elevators/lifts and ramps.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Guidebook, camera, umbrella (London weather is famously erratic)

What to wear

Elastic waistlines are recommended—you will not leave Brick Lane hungry.

Not allowed

The neighborhood isn’t big on rules; be respectful and you’ll do just fine.

Amenities

Shops, cafés, food vendors, restaurants, public restrooms (upstairs)

Address

Old Truman Brewery is in the heart of Brick Lane, a trendy neighborhood in East London known for its Bangladeshi communities (hence the area’s name, “Banglatown”) and hipster flair.

Driving

While you could drive to Old Truman Brewery, parking fills up quickly and it takes an experienced London taxi driver to navigate the city. Get a taxi or rideshare to drop you nearby instead.

Public transportation

There are multiple tube and rail stations within a 5- to 15-minute walk from Old Truman Brewery: Shoreditch High Station, Liverpool Street Station (Central, Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith and City Lines), Aldgate East Station (District, Hammersmith and City Lines), and Old Street Station (Northern Line). Plenty of buses also stop nearby.

Best times to visit

Come at lunchtime and grab a savory arepa, or vegan Ethiopian lentils, from UpMarket, Old Truman Brewery’s food marketplace.

Best days to visit

Aim for a weekday for fewer crowds. Weekends are busy, since that’s when Brick Lane hosts a Saturday and Sunday market. (If you come then, arrive early.)

Best months to visit

You’ll find the nicest weather from May through September. On the other hand, if you can brave the London chill, January and February are the least crowded months.

Special events

Every summer, Old Truman Brewery hosts Free Range, an annual creative showcase for London arts graduates. It’s a great place to see the work of emerging artists in person, and admission is free. You can also visit the London Coffee Festival in late spring.