Your guide to living in Hackney
Hackney is a cornerstone of East London, having refined its gritty roots and cemented itself as one of the trendiest areas of London. It’s popular amongst creatives, who enjoy the weekly markets, live music scene and delicious food venues.
Where is it?
The borough of Hackney is located in East London, spanning a vast area that covers Hackney Central, Hackney Downs, Stamford Hill, London Fields, Hackney Wick and Homerton - centring around Mare Street.
How do I get there?
Hackney is entirely accessible by overground and several popular bus routes, although the area is renowned for being popular amongst cyclists. So if you don’t already own a bike, Lime Bike may become your new best friend.
Where do the locals go?
Parks:
You’ll be spoilt for a choice of fabulous parks nearby. Victoria Park is an obvious front-runner, with a food market every Sunday, two pubs (People’s Park Tavern, The Royal Inn) with large beer gardens, two cafes (The HUB, The Pavillion) with an impressive selection of pastries, tennis courts and a large pond with a fountain and pedalo boats.
There’s also Hackney Downs Park and Hackney Marshes, as well as London Fields which is near Broadway Market and even has a lido which is incredible for hot London summers!
Events & Activities:
Hackney Empire has been an institution since 1901 and has hosted the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Houdini, and Julie Andrews. Today it stands as one of the largest theatres in London, hosting everything from comedy to live music, theatre to opera, and everything in between. So if you want to catch Sir Ian McKellen doing a rendition of Shakespeare or have a pint and dance to Mac DeMarco, this venue hosts it all!
Fancy petting some small animals? Well, a trip to Hackney City Farm could be on the cards. While, yes, it’s probably the ideal activity to bring a little one along to, it’s surprisingly fun for adults too. Who doesn’t want to spend an afternoon petting and seeing small animals? On weekday evenings they host drop-in pottery workshops, woodworking, and classes on bike maintenance. Their on-site cafe also has a surprisingly great menu, serving brunch through to dinner, as well as coffee and cakes, so be sure to stop by.
The best restaurants:
Pophams is a restaurant with a neighbourhood vibe. It’s a bakery in the day but operates as an intimate dinner setting in the evening. They offer a handful of pasta dishes, such as their signature doppio ravioli, and small plates designed for sharing. Don’t forget to try one of their unique choices of wine, or handcrafted speciality cocktails.
For the best dumplings in the biz, check out My Neighbours the Dumplings - a Hackney staple. Starting as a weekly pop-up held above a grocery store on Lower Clapton Road, the Chinese dumpling house and Sake bar now has two restaurants; one near Victoria Park and the other in Clapton. They also host regular supper clubs with rotating guest chefs, dumpling-making workshops, and sake-tasting evenings!
If you want a great pizza, you need to try Elliot’s. Made with ingredients from traders in Borough Market as well as some of the best fruit & vegetable growers, fishermen and farmers in Europe - this is pizza like you’ve never had it before. Try their signature woodfired sourdough base with taleggio, sage & brown butter, or opt for crab, and pickled chilli if you’re feeling adventurous! Sit back and wash down each slice with a glass of natural wine.
The best pubs:
Mare Street Market is an integral part of Hackney’s nightlife. This bar is open from 9 am to 1 pm, operating as a cafe, brunch spot, hairdresser, tattooist and florist during the day, and transforming into a bustling dance floor in the evenings. In summer, head next door to Netil360 for East London’s best rooftop bar, or NT loft on a Wednesday for free live Jazz and themed events on the weekend.
There are too many great pubs to cover, so we’ll point you in the direction of a few old reliables; The Adam and Eve is famed for its L-shaped pool table and has the dreamiest fairy-lit nooks to sit in, The Cat and Mutton is a staple of broadway market, offering takeaway pints so you can alternate between the park as you please, then of course there’s
Pub on the Park which is obligatory to swing by after a visit to London Fields - they also do a spectacular Sunday roast. Along the canal of Hackney Wick, there are also plenty of bars and pubs to jump between including CRATE Brewery, All My Friends and Number 90, to name a few.
If you’re in the mood for a boogie, MOTH club should be your first port of call. Its primary-school-esque hall including a stage complete with gold streamers makes it the perfect setting to let loose. They regularly host 80s and pop-themed nights, as well as hosting music and comedy gigs throughout the week. If you’re feeling daring, visit Metropolis. Operating as a strip club Tues-Fri, their Saturday nights operating as a club are like no other.
The best coffee shops:
East London is notorious for its brunch spots - if you haven’t pre-booked or managed to get out of the house before 10 am on the weekend you might struggle to get a seat.
One of Hackney’s best-hidden gems is Well Street Kitchen, tucked away on Well Street in Homerton. They have an amazing selection of bakes at the counter, as well as exceptional coffee. If you want to dine in, secure a table at their sunny front and order from their delicious brunch menu. We recommend trying their Mediterranean eggs and - with whatever you order - their famous homemade hash browns!
E5 Bakehouse is considered one of the best bakeries in East London. Take our word for it, you have to try to believe it! Located a stone’s throw from London Fields in an archway underneath the overground, their bakes are mostly created using their own wheat, grown in Mckinnon’s Suffolk farm. Stand-outs include their cinnamon bun or Kefir pancakes with roasted apricots, ricotta and candied hazelnuts - best enjoyed in their sunny backyard.
Contrary to its name, Bad Coffee is actually pretty good. This speciality coffee roastery and espresso bar in Hackney Wick is female-led and takes its drinks seriously. Grab one of their bags of speciality blends to take home (and nab a free coffee along with your purchase!), or sit in and taste one of their signature brown sugar and cinnamon doughnuts.
What’s it famous for?
Hackney is best known for being a cultural hub of creatives, which explains why it has been home to many celebrities including the likes of Idris Elba, Pete Doherty, Michael Fassbender, Noel Fielding, Colin Firth, and FKA Twigs - to name a few!
Want to know the average room rent for Hackney, and other London postcodes? Check out our latest guide here!