Our guide to Aldgate: the best markets, bars and city skyline views
Our guide to Aldgate includes iconic markets, the best local attractions, and bars and restaurants with unbeatable views.
Of London’s neighbourhoods, Aldgate has witnessed significant evolution throughout its history. Its ties to the City of London trace back to the Roman era, marked by one of the seven historic gates that once fortified the city's defensive wall.
Traditionally recognised as a thriving business district, Aldgate has experienced a notable shift in recent years with a surge in residential development, with particularly catering to renters.
According to research by Knight Frank, the first two months of 2024 saw a 31% increase in tenancies started compared to the same period in 2023, with a 12% rise in letting instructions. This surge can be attributed, in part, to its strategic location straddling the City and edgy East London, appealing to professionals who want to be within striking distance of work and leisure.
The opening of the Elizabeth Line in nearby Whitechapel has further reshaped the area's landscape, significantly reducing travel times to central London to around ten minutes. Even before the Elizabeth Line, Aldgate was exceptionally well-connected, with two Underground stations - Aldgate (Circle, Metropolitan) and Aldgate East (District, Hammersmith & City) - as well as mainline train services from Fenchurch Street to East London and South Essex.
For families contemplating a move to Aldgate, the neighbourhood has excellent schooling options, including The Aldgate School, Mulberry School for Girls, and Bishop Challoner Catholic Collegiate Boys' School. Additionally, London Metropolitan and Coventry Universities have established campuses here.
Aldgate is characterised by its vibrant, bustling atmosphere. Most residential developments have emerged over the past decade, many offering top-notch amenities such as gyms, entertainment rooms and concierge services. Notable high-rises like Goodman’s Fields and City Quarter towards Whitechapel are renowned for their relaxed ambiance and tranquil surroundings. Meanwhile, Wiverton Tower, One Bishopsgate Plaza and The Relay Building above Aldgate East station remain popular choices for those seeking a fast-paced lifestyle.
Alternatively, head towards the eastern edges of Aldgate and you'll find charming period properties ranging from Georgian terraces to apartments housed within converted Victorian warehouses and schools.
Ultimately, Aldgate's appeal lies in its convenience, with an array of London's finest attractions at your fingertips. Our guide leads you through some of Aldgate’s highlights, including iconic skyscrapers, time-honoured markets and acclaimed dining spots.
A bird’s eye view
While the City's skyline is dominated by towering skyscrapers primarily dedicated to business, several offer public spaces for visitors to enjoy. Perhaps the most notable is The Gherkin, the iconic landmark designed by Norman Foster, which gained instant acclaim upon opening in 2004. Its restaurant, Helix, and bar, Iris, exude the same timeless charm as the building itself, drawing patrons to savour its offerings with 360-degree city views.
Similarly, the Sky Garden atop The Fenchurch Building (the Walkie-Talkie to you and me), invites visitors to unwind amidst lush greenery while soaking in panoramic city vistas from its 35th-floor vantage point. Complete with a bar and restaurant, this mini oasis is a serene retreat amidst the city buzz.
Iconic markets
London's markets have long-held an irresistible charm for tourists and locals alike, and those surrounding Aldgate rank among the city's oldest and most cherished. Old Spitalfields Market, with over 350 years of trading history, remains a bustling hub teeming with vendors offering everything from clothing and jewellery to antiques. It serves not only as a marketplace but also as a venue for local events, ranging from 5k runs to art exhibitions and tea dances.
Leadenhall Market, a stunning Victorian marvel hidden amongst the towers in the financial district, is a testament to the area’s evolving architectural grandeur. Stroll along this ornate shopping arcade, and you’ll find establishments ranging from the classic to contemporary, including the iconic Lamb Tavern and the acclaimed skincare boutique, Askinology.
Whitechapel Gallery
A stone's throw away from Aldgate East station, Whitechapel Gallery stands as a cultural beacon in the heart of East London. With nine exhibition spaces showcasing works from globally renowned painters and local artists, the gallery offers a diverse array of artistic expressions on regular rotation. Emphasising accessibility, admission to the gallery is free, and ticketed exhibitions are reasonably priced, inviting locals in for a much-needed burst of creativity.
Spitalfields City Farm
Despite Aldgate's central location, there are pockets of tranquillity offering respite amidst the hustle and bustle. Spitalfields City Farm is a prime example; this small yet vibrant urban farm places a strong emphasis on community engagement. Visitors can enjoy interacting with the friendly animals, participate in creative arts and crafts workshops, or for those with a passion for gardening, volunteer at the allotment supplying a local restaurant kitchen. It's a serene escape where city dwellers can reconnect with nature and community spirit.
Foodie hotspots
While London’s best restaurants are within easy reach, Aldgate itself has an array of excellent dining options. City Social, on the 24th floor of Tower 42, serves up excellent modern British fare courtesy of chef Jason Atherton in an art-deco setting. On street level, Som Saa delights with authentic Thai cuisine in a lively industrial setting. Yuu Kitchen delivers the greatest hits of Asian cuisine (try their Taiwanese steamed bao buns) with exceptional attention to detail. Meanwhile, Townsend, within the Whitechapel Gallery, serves inventive dishes spotlighting seasonal ingredients.
Pubs and bars
Perhaps unsurprisingly, pub culture in Aldgate is also thriving. The Culpeper, located on the corner of Commercial Street, is a mainstay - a triple threat offering an excellent pub experience on the ground floor, a critically acclaimed restaurant on the first floor, and a well-regarded B&B above. For a taste of history, The Hoop & Grapes stands as the area's most historic pub, serving quality drinks for over 400 years. For a unique experience, venture into Discount Suit Company, discreetly concealed beneath an unassuming suit shop on Wentworth Street, offering an authentic speakeasy vibe.
Properties available in Aldgate
