London’s east borough certainly has a lot to offer. Amongst Hackney’s wonderful pubs, handfuls of delicious restaurants and generous helpings of edgy things to do, we’ve found 7 seriously good reasons to visit the happening hotspot that’s Hackney.
1. Hang out at CRATE Brewery and Pizzeria
7 Queen’s Yard, London E9 5EN
2. Hide away Behind This Wall
Wander a little ways down Hackney’s Mare Street and you’ll stumble across a small neon lit ‘bar’ sign. Follow the arrow down the seemingly unimportant steps and you’ll find an awesome little gem of a bar hidden away from the busy street. Behind This Wall is a speak-easy style cocktail bar and, with its re-launched cocktail menu, it’s fast becoming a favourite hangout for Hackneyites (let’s pretend this is a word). Behind This Wall also offer the happiest of happy hours with £1 oysters from 6-8pm daily as well as an innovative selection of bar snacks including Hawaiian Poke Bowls! We recommend the Salem Witch Reviver cocktail – an exciting take on the classic espresso martini mixing white rum with coffee and maraska liqueurs and the flavours of maple-candied apples.
411 Mare St, London E8 1HY
3. Stroll through Springfield Park
Springfield Mansion, Springfield, E5 9EF
4. Grab a burger at Oslo
This restaurant, bar and live music venue is as cool as they come and also boasts a lively crowd no matter what day of the week! Carnivorous Londoners will feel particularly at home here with their meaty, cheesy, juicy burgers cooked to perfection and best served with a nice cold pint from their wide selection of beers and ales. If you fancy something a little more adventurous then we suggest the Nagoya burger made with soft Tempura crab and coriander Asian slaw and wasabi mayo. Before you go be sure to check out the various club nights and live music events hosted on weekends and be ready to get your groove on!
1A Amhurst Rd, London E8 1LL
5. Catch a movie at the Hackney Picturehouse
270 Mare St, London E8 1HE
6. Browse the stalls at Broadway Market
Broadway Market, London E8 4QJ
7. Enjoy a cocktail at Ray’s Bar
Quite possibly the Borough of Hackney edgiest area, Dalston is home to many fantastic bars and clubs. One of which is Ray’s Bar. A partnership between the unbelievably tasty Voodoo Rays Pizza and ultra-hip Dalston Super Store sees the birth of this happening basement bar. With it’s cocktail menu separated into ‘Starters,’ ‘Mains,’ and ‘Desserts,’ to guide you through your boozy meal as well as in-house DJs playing Vinyl Records, Ray’s Bar is definitely worth dancing in to. Plus, Voodoo Rays Pizza is located just above the bar offering you cheesy, doughy deliciousness to sober you up; plus everyone knows pizza is the best drunk food anyway!
95 Kingsland High St, London E8 2PB
8. Start (or add to) your plat collection at the Conservatory Archives
Conservatory Archives is a foliage haven on Hackney Road, and it’s an Instagrammer’s dream. Their east London store and showroom is open 6 days a week (Tuesday – Sunday), and staff are always on hand to provide expert advice. So, even if you’re the type who probably shouldn’t be trusted with living things, there’s always something you can take home with you. And don’t visit without a camera or plenty of battery on your phone, because you’ll want to be taking photos from every angle.
493-495 Hackney Road, E2 9ED
If you fancy heading North(er), check out what we have to say about Kentish Town.
Feature Image: [CRATE Brewery]