In 1999 Brick Lane was the second target in a bomb campaign against minorities, the first target was Brixton where a large black community had been targeted and the third target was Soho's Old Compton Street that is the gay capital of London.
Brick Lane is best known for one thing - its fabulous curry houses. People come from all over London to sample some of the best Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi cuisine in the capital or simply to enjoy a few beers with some mates. The all night bagel gets particularly busy come dawn with the post-club crowd.
The area has become increasingly trendy, as with much of the East End, and is popular with new media and creatives. On Sundays there is a market selling pretty much anything and everything.