The Old Truman Brewery: From Brewing Giant to Creative Hub on Brick Lane
Historic brewery turned creative hotspot, The Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane pulses with art, markets, and culture in East London’s vibrant heart.
Located at 91 Brick Lane in London, The Old Truman Brewery is a historic site that was once the largest brewery in the world. Founded in 1666, it thrived for over three centuries before closing in 1989. Today, it has been transformed into a vibrant creative and cultural space featuring markets, galleries, shops, event venues, and studios, reflecting the dynamic spirit of East London’s artistic community.
A brief summary to The Truman Brewery
- 91 Brick Ln, London, E1 6QR, GB
- +442077706100
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit on weekdays to enjoy a less crowded atmosphere and explore the galleries and shops at a relaxed pace.
- Check the schedule for special events and markets, which often showcase local designers, artists, and food vendors.
- Look out for the Black Eagle symbols around the site, a nod to the brewery’s historic name and legacy.
- Explore nearby Brick Lane’s diverse food scene, especially its famous curry houses, to complement your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the London Underground to Aldgate East station, approximately a 10-15 minute walk to The Old Truman Brewery. The station is served by the District and Hammersmith & City lines. Note that the walk involves urban streets and may be busy during peak hours. No additional cost beyond standard Tube fare applies.
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Bus
Several London bus routes stop near Brick Lane, including routes 8, 26, 35, and 205. Bus travel times vary between 20-40 minutes depending on starting point and traffic. Buses are frequent but can be affected by congestion. Payment is by Oyster card or contactless payment with standard fares.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber provide direct access to 91 Brick Lane. Travel time from central London is typically 15-30 minutes depending on traffic. Expect fares in the range of £10-£20. Note that traffic congestion can increase travel time during peak periods.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking to The Old Truman Brewery offers a chance to explore the vibrant Brick Lane area. Walking times vary but expect 10-20 minutes from Shoreditch or Spitalfields. The terrain is flat and suitable for most visitors.
The Truman Brewery location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Truman Brewery
Origins and Brewing Legacy
The Old Truman Brewery traces its roots back to 1666, the same year as the Great Fire of London. Joseph Truman joined an existing brewhouse on Brick Lane and Black Eagle Street, eventually taking over the business in 1679. Under his son Benjamin Truman in the 18th century, the brewery expanded rapidly, becoming one of London’s largest producers of porter, a dark, heavily hopped beer that was immensely popular across Britain. By 1748, it was the third largest brewery in London, producing 40,000 barrels annually.The World’s Largest Brewery and Industrial Influence
Throughout the 19th century, the brewery grew to cover six acres and produced 400,000 barrels yearly, making it the largest brewery in the world by 1853. It absorbed surrounding streets such as Monmouth and George Streets, creating a sprawling industrial complex. The brewery was notable not only for its scale but also for its progressive treatment of workers, operating its own cooperage, stables, and delivery fleet. Influential figures associated with the brewery, like Thomas Fowell Buxton, were prominent in politics and social reform.Challenges and Closure
The 20th century brought challenges including the rise of lager, competition from other brewing regions, and corporate mergers. Despite attempts to adapt, Truman’s Brewery closed in 1989 after 323 years of operation. The site was left with vast, decaying buildings that reflected the end of an era in London brewing history.Transformation into a Creative and Cultural Hub
In the 1990s, the site was purchased and gradually restored, reimagined as a vibrant creative space. Today, the Old Truman Brewery hosts a mix of independent shops, galleries, fashion markets, event venues, and creative studios. This transformation played a key role in reshaping Brick Lane’s identity, attracting artists, entrepreneurs, and visitors, and fostering a lively cultural scene.Architectural and Cultural Significance
The site retains historic architectural elements, including the iconic Black Eagle symbol that marks its origins. The brewery’s buildings, streets, and courtyards tell the story of industrial London and its evolution. The venue also supports contemporary cultural events, exhibitions, and markets, blending heritage with modern creativity.Community Impact and Ongoing Legacy
The Old Truman Brewery remains a dynamic hub that contributes to East London’s economy and cultural life. It has been influential in supporting local businesses, tech startups, and the arts community. While its redevelopment has sparked discussions about gentrification, the brewery continues to be a landmark celebrating London’s industrial past and vibrant present.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Arnold Circus
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Northumbria University - London
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St Mary’s, Whitechapel (The White Chapel)
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182 Bishopsgate
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Shoreditch Church
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Travelodge London Central Liverpool Street
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St Christopher's Inn Liverpool Street
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Budget-friendly hostel with a lively pub below, central to London’s financial district and Shoreditch’s creative energy.
30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
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30 Saint Mary Axe - Swiss Re
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Lloyd's of London
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Bunhill Fields Burial Ground
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Discover Bunhill Fields Burial Ground, a historical cemetery in London, offering a peaceful escape and the final resting place of literary legends.
St Olave's Church, Hart Street
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Threadneedle St
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Historic Threadneedle Street: London’s iconic financial artery, home to the Bank of England and centuries of economic heritage.
Trinity House
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Five centuries of maritime heritage and seafarer welfare in a restored Georgian masterpiece.
Threadneedle St & Royal Exchange
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Explore the vibrant intersection of commerce and culture at Threadneedle St & Royal Exchange in London's financial district.
Unmissable attractions to see
Dray Walk
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Discover East London’s vibrant art scene at Dray Walk Gallery, a dynamic creative space within the iconic Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane.
The Brick Lane Vintage Market
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Explore the UK's largest vintage market in East London, a vibrant hub for retro fashion, unique collectibles, and cultural energy seven days a week.
Backyard Market
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Discover East London's vibrant creative scene at Backyard Market, a weekend hotspot for unique art, fashion, and artisanal treasures in the historic Old Truman Brewery.
The Truman Brewery Markets
0.1 km
A vibrant East London cultural and culinary hotspot blending vintage markets, global street food, and creative community spirit in a historic brewery setting.
Brick Ln
0.1 km
Discover Brick Lane: London's vibrant street filled with rich history, eclectic shops, and tantalizing food from around the world.
Upmarket Brick Lane Food Hall
0.1 km
Discover a lively indoor market in East London offering diverse global street food and a vibrant cultural atmosphere at Brick Lane.
Princelet St
0.2 km
Step back into London’s rich immigrant past on Princelet Street, where Georgian heritage meets vibrant cultural history in Spitalfields.
Brick Lane Mosque
0.2 km
Brick Lane Jamme Masjid: A historic mosque embodying centuries of faith, migration, and community in East London’s vibrant Spitalfields.
Sclater Street Market
0.2 km
Discover eclectic vintage finds, street food delights, and creative energy at Sclater Street Market in London’s dynamic East End.
Christ Church Spitalfields
0.3 km
Discover the architectural marvel and vibrant history of Christ Church Spitalfields, a must-visit Anglican church in the heart of London.
Nomadic community
0.3 km
A hidden creative sanctuary off Brick Lane, blending street art, community spirit, and sustainable urban gardening in East London.
Commercial St
0.3 km
A vibrant East London artery blending historic industry, lively markets, and evolving urban culture between Shoreditch and Whitechapel.
The Cocktail Club - Cocktail Bar in Shoreditch
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Old Spitalfields Market
0.3 km
Discover East London's vibrant blend of history, artisan crafts, and global street food beneath a stunning Victorian glass roof.
Fashion St
0.3 km
Historic Fashion Street in Spitalfields blends East London’s rich past with contemporary creative life and urban renewal.
Essential places to dine
Lyle's
0.4 km
Michelin-starred Lyle's serves innovative, seasonal British cuisine in a minimalist Shoreditch setting with a relaxed, refined atmosphere.
Marugame Udon Middlesex Street
0.6 km
Experience freshly handcrafted Japanese udon and crispy tempura in a lively open kitchen setting at Marugame Udon Middlesex Street, London’s authentic udon destination.
Mattarello Chiodo Bolognese Restaurant
0.7 km
Authentic Bolognese pasta and gluten-free Italian delights in the heart of London’s Middlesex Street.
Barcelona Tapas Bar & Restaurant
0.7 km
Authentic Spanish tapas and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s City since 1991.
The Clove Club
0.8 km
Two Michelin stars meet innovative modern British cuisine in a historic Shoreditch Town Hall setting with a unique urban garden.
Nest Restaurant Old Street
0.8 km
Intimate Shoreditch gem offering creative British seasonal tasting menus in a cozy, historic setting with a sustainable ethos.
Brawn
0.9 km
Seasonal Mediterranean small plates and natural wines in a lively, vintage-inspired Shoreditch setting on Columbia Road.
14 Hills
1.2 km
Experience modern British cuisine in a lush, sky-high garden with breathtaking panoramic views over London’s iconic skyline.
La Dame de Pic London
1.3 km
Discover refined French gastronomy and elegant dining in a historic London landmark with two Michelin stars and innovative cuisine.
Da Terra Restaurant
1.5 km
Experience innovative two-Michelin-star Modern European cuisine with vibrant Brazilian influences in the heart of East London’s historic Bethnal Green.
Madison
1.8 km
Stylish rooftop dining and cocktails with breathtaking views of St Paul’s Cathedral and London’s skyline.
St. John
2.0 km
Experience authentic British nose-to-tail dining in the heart of London’s Barbican at St. John, where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.
Dans le Noir ? London Restaurant
2.1 km
Experience dining like never before in total darkness, guided by visually impaired waitstaff in a sensory adventure at Dans le Noir ? London.
Restaurant Story
2.1 km
Experience a two Michelin-starred culinary journey where storytelling meets British fine dining in the heart of London Bridge.
Behind Restaurant
2.2 km
An intimate Michelin-starred fish tasting restaurant in London Fields offering immersive chef-served seasonal menus in an open kitchen setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
DPUS Designer Outlet
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Authentic designer fashion outlet in Shoreditch’s historic Old Truman Brewery, blending luxury style with urban culture and unbeatable prices.
Brick Lane Souvenirs
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Discover affordable, stylish London souvenirs and gifts in the heart of Brick Lane’s vibrant cultural scene.
Luna & Curious
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Discover Shoreditch’s curated boutique of British craftsmanship, quirky design, and independent retail at Luna & Curious.
Middlesex Textiles
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Discover London’s premier West African fabric store offering vibrant, high-quality textiles with unmatched variety and service since 1969.
Hoxton Street Monster Supplies
1.3 km
Explore the enchanting Hoxton Street Monster Supplies, a whimsical gift shop in London filled with unique monster-themed treasures and delightful surprises.
The Royal Exchange
1.4 km
A majestic neoclassical landmark blending 450 years of London’s trading history with luxury shopping in the City’s financial heart.
Traders Gate
1.4 km
A long-standing family-run gift shop on Tower Hill, offering classic London souvenirs and local charm just steps from the Tower of London.
Barbican Shop
1.5 km
Discover curated art, design, music, and unique gifts at the Barbican Shop, a creative retail haven within London’s iconic Barbican Centre.
Tower of London Shop
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1 Poultry
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One New Change
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Broadway Market
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Hay's Galleria
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Tower Bridge - Engine Rooms and Official Gift Shop
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69b Boutique Sustainable Style
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Cocktail Trading Co. Shoreditch
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Apples & Pears Cocktail Bar
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Discount Suit Company
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The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town
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The Astronomer, EC1
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Dirty Dicks
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The Bell
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Ballie Ballerson London
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The Alchemist Bevis Marks
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Nikkis Bar - Shoreditch
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Tonight Josephine - Shoreditch
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TT
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Aviary
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Happiness Forgets
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Alcotraz London: Cell Block Two-One-Two
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Basing House - Shoreditch
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XOYO LONDON
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E1
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The Steel Yard
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London Best Night Clubs
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Ministry of Sound
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Carwash Nightclub
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Proud Late
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Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
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Corsica Studios
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Cirque Du Soul
3.7 km
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We Are Waterloo
3.7 km
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STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
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The Roxy
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Comedy Carnival Covent Garden
3.8 km
London's premier stand-up comedy venue showcasing bold, award-winning international comedians in vibrant Covent Garden.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Lively
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly