The El Camino Travel Guide to London
Written by Kayla Doris
You need not have visited London to know about its cultural contributions—from the plays at Shakespeare’s Globe, the music made at Abbey Road Studios, and the collections housed within the British Museum—there’s a reason why it’s known as one of the cultural capitals of the world. But did you know it’s also where Black Brits birthed lovers rock, grime, and garage music, where British Bangladeshis started a national penchant for curry, and where 2.5 million people gather each year to celebrate the British West-Indian community?
London is a truly global city that has been heavily influenced by the communities that have settled here. In 1948, the Windrush Generation arrived in London from the Caribbean to fill labor shortages following the end of WW2. Thousands of Caribbean and Indian migrants helped to rebuild the economy by working on the transport network and the National Health Service, changing the political and cultural identity of the city in the process. Migration to London grew rapidly with waves of South Asian, Eastern European, and African migrants arriving over the subsequent decades, creating the multicultural hub that it is today, with over 300 languages spoken every day and 270 nationalities residing here. These cultures have played an important part in shaping London, injecting the city with new foods, music, styles, and slang.
While your average travel guides tend to focus on London’s cultural past, we’re paying homage to the cultures that make up the city today with recommendations for where to eat, drink, and truly experience London’s diversity, not to mention the best indie shops and cozy stays too. This guide was made possible by the contributions of ECT Clubhouse members Kayla D., Kelley M., Jamee S., Yen M., Giorgia M., and friend of ECT, Fozia I.
Eat
Sip on some rum punch and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere at Buster Manti’s, a family-run business in South London named after the first Prime Minister of Jamaica. The vibrant space is a bar and restaurant serving British-Jamaican food and cocktails. Visit on a Thursday to order food from their £6 menu or turn up on a Sunday to enjoy their truly delicious British-Caribbean roast dinner.
Also included in the guide:
A market stand which offers mouth-watering thali, bhajis, and samosas
A Black-owned, sibling-run restaurant that offers Nigerian tapas
A family-run Persian corner shop that also hosts table for dinner, serving mouth-watering vegetarian feasts
Source: Prince of Peckham
Do
Get your culture fix at The Barbican, an arts center in East London that’s known for being one of the city's best examples of Brutalist architecture. Explore the building design in one of their architecture tours, catch the latest exhibition, theater show or movie screening, and enjoy the lakeside terrace on warm evenings. The indoor conservatory is also a sight to behold (pictured right). Entry is free but tickets need to be booked online in advance.
Also included in the guide:
Cooking classes led by migrant chefs who have faced challenges with integration in the city
A tour that shows how Black culture has played a huge role in the history of London and the UK
The best green spaces to escape the city madness during the summer months
Join the ECT Clubhouse—our digital community of well-traveled experts and women—to access the full guide. Get a two-week free trial to get inside and start exploring right away.
Source: Buster Manti’s
Drink
Grab a drink at the Prince of Peckham, a Black-owned pub in South London that stands out by reflecting the diversity of the area. British pub classics—lager, quiz nights, and Sunday lunches—are paired alongside Jamaican food and hip-hop and afrobeats nights. Come for a casual drink and stick around for the great atmosphere.
Also included in the guide:
A small and inclusive venue that throws brilliant Friday and Saturday night parties.
London’s only agaveria, serving 25 different agave spirits and creative cocktails alongside a selection of Mexican dishes
Interesting natural wine bars where the food and interior design are exquisite
