Commercial Street

Commercial Street is a major thoroughfare in East London’s Tower Hamlets borough, running north to south from Shoreditch High Street to Whitechapel High Street. This stretch of road cuts through the heart of Spitalfields, forming part of the A1202 London Inner Ring Road and marking the eastern boundary of the London Congestion Charge Zone.

Historically, Commercial Street served as a key artery for trade and industry. In the 19th century, it was developed as part of a slum clearance project and quickly became lined with warehouses, workshops, and textile factories—many of which were considered too disruptive for the nearby City of London. Its proximity to Liverpool Street Station and Spitalfields Market made it a hub for merchants and manufacturers operating just outside the City’s strict zoning.

Today, the street maintains its commercial roots while evolving into one of East London’s trendiest corridors. Since the 1990s, Commercial Street has undergone a steady transformation, attracting creative studios, independent retailers, and upscale residential developments. Victorian buildings once home to tradesmen now house design agencies, coffee shops, and boutique clothing stores.

Notable landmarks along the road include the Old Spitalfields Market, Christ Church Spitalfields, and the historic Ten Bells pub—each offering a glimpse into the area’s rich cultural fabric. Despite gentrification, the street retains its edge, blending East End grit with modern energy.

Whether you're walking from Shoreditch to Aldgate or exploring the side streets of Brick Lane, Commercial Street remains a dynamic example of London's ever-changing urban landscape.