Brick Lane, Geffyre Museum & White Cube

I went to wander through parts of the East End, taking in Brick Lane and two small museums in one day.

I have actually been to Brick Lane once before, on the night Jon and I first arrived in London, but I thought I'd explore the place in the day time to see what it was really like. On the North end of Brick Lane, it's a bustling place with cosy cafes, vintage shops, and specialist stores. Quite young and trendy. Then as you progress Southwards, the place is fringed on both sides with restaurants - the Brick Lane I met on my first night. In the day time that area is much less bustling as the touts are not on duty; and the streets are filled mostly with locals going grocery shopping at the local store (which stocks all types of South Asian supplies) or emerging from the mosque after prayers.

The colours of Brick Lane










I had heard that the Brick Lane Beigel Bake had the best bagels in London, so since I was there I had to try it didn't I? I was happily munching away while wandering about the place. But I have to say, I think the best bagels I've had are still those from New York! Mmm...










I then head to the Geffyre Museum which traces the changing styles of interior design in London.







It's like peeping into people's houses cos it's basically a series of spaces decorated in the style of various periods, from 1600s to the present. Fairly interesting to see the change in styles - from simple and functional, to ornate and flowery, then on to minimalist and modern.



















The museum also showed the evolving style of chairs over the centuries.










This chair is, I think, the most comfortable of the lot :) When you sit in it you really melt into the cushion and feel like you've become part of the chair.










The Geffyre is a small museum and quite off-the beaten track. Not really a main attraction for a passing tourist unless they're particularly interested in interior design. So having walked through the entire place without taking too long, I moved on to the last destination for the day, the White Cube. It's a minimalist art space that has changing exhibitions. The day I went there were two photography exhibitions of mild interest. I think there are probably more interesting exhibitions at other times.










Anyway, having covered everything I wanted to during the day I went home feeling mighty pleased with myself :)