Springtime in the City: Your Essential Guide to London this Spring
You can feel the shift in the air. The grey finally lifts, evenings stretch out a little longer, and the city’s energy moves from inside cosy pubs to open-air markets and squares.
At The Gate, we are perfectly positioned where the City meets the creative heart of the East End. Staying here means you are part of the neighbourhood’s rhythm—whether that’s catching the first wave of spring blooms, discovering new music in historic venues, or simply finding the perfect spot for a flat white in the sunshine.
Here is how we are embracing the season in East London.
Sunday Rituals at Columbia Road
Forget the manicured lawns, for us, spring means Sunday mornings on Columbia Road. It is a true East London ritual. The air is thick with the scent of lilies and eucalyptus, and the street is packed with everything from towering banana plants to English garden classics. Grab a coffee from one of the independent cafes lining the street, weave through the crowds, and pick up some fresh blooms to brighten up your apartment. It’s vibrant, loud, and undeniably local.
Columbia Road | 20 min walk https://columbiaroadflowermarket.co.uk/
The Sound of the City: Brick Lane Jazz Festival
Towards the end of April, the neighbourhood turns up the volume. The Brick Lane Jazz Festival returns (24th–26th April), taking over the Truman Brewery and scattered venues across the area. It’s a celebration of London’s thriving jazz scene, showcasing everything from nu-jazz to Afrobeat. It’s the perfect example of the area’s creative energy—taking historic industrial spaces and filling them with new talent. If you are a "Cultural Weekender," this is the essential date for your diary.
Brick Lane | 10 min walk https://www.bricklanejazzfestival.com/
Culture on Your Doorstep
Spring 2026 brings a fresh wave of art to the area. The Whitechapel Gallery launches its new season on the 1st of April, headlined by the Veronica Ryan: Multiple Conversations exhibition. It’s a proper slice of East London culture—bold, interesting, and quite literally around the corner from us. It’s an easy, inspiring way to spend an afternoon before heading out for dinner in Shoreditch.
Whitechapel High Street | 3 min walk https://www.whitechapelgallery.org/
The London Marathon Buzz
On Sunday 26th April, the city pauses for the TCS London Marathon, and the atmosphere is electric. Even if you aren't running, the energy on the streets is unmissable. We are in a prime spot to soak it all up. Walk down to Tower Bridge—roughly the halfway point—to cheer on the elite athletes and the charity runners. The local pubs are always packed and friendly afterwards, making it a great day to be out in the community.
Tower Bridge | 15 min walk https://www.tcslondonmarathon.com/
Spring Walks and Independent Coffee
One of the best ways to see the season change is simply to walk. East London is full of pocket parks and green spaces coming into bloom. Take a stroll through the churchyard at Christ Church Spitalfields or head a little further to Weaver’s Fields to catch the spring light. The area is dotted with incredible independent coffee shops—places like Nude Espresso or Exmouth Coffee are local favourites. There is nothing quite like a crisp spring morning walk with a really good coffee in hand.
Spitalfields & Surrounds | 5–10 min walk
The Gate London City is your base in the heart of the action. We know that the best travel experiences come from feeling connected to the place you’re staying. Whether you’re here for the culture, the coffee, or just a change of scene, our apartments offer the freedom of home with the style and service of a boutique hotel.
