'''Whitechapel''' is in the area of East London that runs from the edge of Bishopsgate in the West to Cavell Street in the East, and from Commercial Road in the South moving far into Brick Lane in the North. It became particularly notorious in 19th Century for the gruesome murders of Jack the Ripper (once known as 'Whitechapel Murderer'), in the days when poverty and prostitution were common in this area. It is still a largely working class area but has since attracted a large Bangaledshi community that has made Brick Lane what it is today, plus many aspiring artists who moved here for the cheaper rents and central location. Tracey Emin (one of the not so Young British Artists (YBAs) of the 1990s) has a studio in this area, and can be seen wandering around in the day. The Royal London Hospital gazes across at Whitechapel tube and is famous for nursing Joseph Carey Merrick (the 'Elephant Man') in his final years.
Get in
For the west side of Whitechapel get off at Aldgate East tube (Hammersmith & City & District Lines), to take you directly to the Whitechapel Art Gallery and near the bottom of Brick Lane or Whitechapel tube (Hammersmith & City & District Lines) will take you to the east side of Whitechapel Road. Liverpool Street Rail and Tube station is a 15 minute walk away from Aldgate East.
See
'''Whitechapel Art Gallery''', 80-82 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX, 020 7522 7888, [http://www.whitechapel.org]. Tue-Sun 11am-6pm, Thur 11am-9pm, closed Mondays. Whitechapel has been a champion of Modern Art since 1901, and has held exhibitions of greats such as Picasso, Pollock and Frida Kahlo and supported British Artists such as Gilbert & George and Lucian Freud. The space continues to hold regular new exhibtions with additional linked events on Thursday evenings. There is a cafe and a small art bookshop. Free entry. There are excellent facilities for disabled people (visual, hearing and physical). Nearest Tube, Aldgate East.
Do
'''Jack the Ripper Tour''' [http://www.jack-the-ripper-walk.co.uk]. For those of you with a morbid fascination with this 19th century murderer, this will hopefully feed your curiosity. Approx 2 hours. __6 per person. Book through website.
Buy
'''Whitechapel Market''', by the Whitechapel tube station, [http://www.eastlondonmarkets.com/Whitechapel%20Market.htm]. Open Mon-Sat 8am-6pm. A small street market selling food and spices, clothing, jewellery, carpets and the odd dodgy stereo.
The Whitechapel end of '''Brick Lane''' are filled with South Asian (mainly Bangladeshi) shops and restaurants, selling music, spices, tasty sweets and sari material.
Eat
Wander up Brick Lane, and you will be pounced on by countless touts trying to persuade you to enter their client's restaurant. Try to go on a recommendation if you can, otherwise take pot luck. See the Brick Lane section for more details.
Arguably the best South Asian restaurant in the Whitechapel area is the long established '''New Tayyabs''' (83-89, Fieldgate St. London E1 1JU). Located between the East London Mosque and The Royal London Hospital, it serves traditional food in a pleasant if slightly frenetic atmosphere. Outstandly good value and with fast efficient service, this reaturant is head and shoulders above any rival in nearby Brick Lane. Particularly recommended are: the mixed grills to share and the delicious mango or banana lassi drinks which are similar to milkshakes.
Finally, when you've finished your delicious meal, the bill will always leave you with a smile on your face!
'''Attention:''' Book and/or arrive early on Friday or Saturday as the restaurant is so popular you may have to queue.
Sleep
'''City Hotel''', 12 Osborn St, E1 6TE ''(Osborn Street leads directly to Brick Lane from Whitechapel High Street)''. A fairly average 2 star hotel at typical London prices, however the rooms are clean and provide the basic facilities you need. The area isn't pretty but you are close to where all the action is. Roughly __60/night for a double/twin.
Contact