Set just across the way from the Olympic Park – more on that later – and bordered by the Lea Navigation and Hertford Union Canals, Hackney Wick is an incredibly fashionable spot which has plenty of craft breweries, bars, nightclubs and artist studios dotted about. It’s so fashionable in fact that it was recently ‘crowned the coolest place to live in London’ – so you can see why it’s been featured as a filming location for TV and film behemoths like Bridgerton and James Bond. So, with all that said and done, here’s a rundown of nine of the best things to do in Hackney Wick:
1. Discover the area’s eclectic street art
Anyone going for even the briefest of wanders around Hackney Wick will be very aware of the area’s eclectic art scene – and no wonder. Once a thriving industrial hub, it’s now the epicentre for a large number of artists, musicians and other creatives, some of whom have decorated the area’s network of streets and walls with some intricate street art and graffiti.
While the whole of E9 is decked out in various different murals, we’d recommend heading to Bream Street, Fish Island and Smeed Road in particular, which all have an ever-changing tapestry of exquisite artworks.
2. Grab a pint in the historic Lord Napier Star
Speaking of graffiti, you really can’t miss popping in to the historic Lord Napier Star, which opened once again back in 2021 after a 26-year hiatus. It’s covered – and we mean covered – in graffiti and is a cracking spot to while away a few hours when the sun’s shining.
There’s a fantastic rooftop terrace which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, and they’ve got regular DJs, fine food and cocktails – not to mention pub quizzes to boot too. Plus, it’s dog-friendly, and who doesn’t love a pooch hey?
📍25 White Post Lane, London, E9 5ER.
3. While away the hours at Barge East
Barge East is the epitome of romantic waterside dining, with dreamy fairy lights, delicious food, and a scenic, maritime atmosphere right by the River Lee. Moored at Sweetwater in Hackney Wick, the nearly 120-year-old Dutch barge has been transformed into one of London’s finest outdoor bars and kitchens, serving a seasonal British menu, and drinks throughout the year.
Due to its popularity, Barge East has added an entire garden area to accommodate more guests, and is a perfect date spot both during the day and and night. They’ve also got regular street food pop-ups here, as well as pottery painting workshops too.
📍River Lee, Sweetwater Mooring, White Post Lane, E9 5EN.
4. Party the night away at the Colour Factory
Set within a space formerly known as Mick’s Garage, the Colour Factory is a nightclub, live music venue, street food court and multi-functional events space right by that aforementioned canal. It’s known for its cultural diversity and advocates for highlighting predominantly female, non-binary, and queer artists throughout its shows.
There are a range of different gigs and low-key events throughout the week (including wrestling!), but the weekends are when you can really let your hair down. DJs spin the decks until 4am, and there’s everything here from club nights by Pxssy Palace to trance and techno raves.
📍8 Queen’s Yard, London, E9 5EN.
5. Kayak down to Crate Brewery
Located in the effortlessly-edgy Queen’s Yard just a hop, skip and a jump from the OG station and the Lord Napier Star, CRATE was the first brewery to pop up in the area, and it has been attracting punters in their droves ever since. The entire venue has a delightfully shabby-chic feel to it, with recycled railway sleepers and ladders making up the bar and rusty bed springs transformed into the light fixtures.
Their beer ain’t bad either – they serve up a mean lager, session IPA, stout and pale ale – and their pizzas are some of the best you’ll find in East London. If you fancy something a bit different, why not kayak five kilometres down London’s oldest canal from Limehouse to Crate with Secret Adventures? Along the way, you’ll paddle past warehouses and beautiful scenery and might spot some birdlife too.
📍Unit 7 Queen’s Yard, London, E9 5EN.
6. Channel your inner warrior and go axe throwing
As Skeeters themselves state, ‘nothing smashes through social awkwardness like throwing an axe at a chunky target and with drinks and food’, so what better date venue than this one, hey?! Under the supervision of an expert instructor, you’ll easily be able to hone your skills and will hopefully by the end of the session score yourself a few bullseyes!
You can either opt for your own private lane or you can share with others, so if you’re looking to get social, then this is a good one to choose. They’ve even got club sessions and league nights on Tuesday nights – so you can challenge other punters to a healthy competition – and are named after the legendary George E. ‘Skeeter’ Vaughn – who once threw a knife a whopping 87 feet. See if your throw is half as good!
📍Hamlet Industrial Estate, 96 White Post Lane, London, E9 5EN.
7. Take a stroll around Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
Made famous during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and named after her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth, the Olympic Park offers bucketloads of green space for you to get lost in and be at one with nature.
As well as nature trails and wildlife-rich wetlands, you’ll also be able to explore some of the sporting venues found here such as the Lee Valley VeloPark and the beast that is the London Stadium. Heck you can even go pedaloing here, and don’t forget Abba Voyage either… ‘Voulez-vous’.
📍Stratford, London, E20 2ST.
8. Relax and unwind at Hackney Wick Community Sauna
There are so many incredible health benefits to hitting the spa, and it never has to break the bank (although there are some lovely swanky alternatives in London, granted).
From relieving the aches and pains of city life to stress reduction and mental health benefits, this beloved community spa in Hackney Wick allows you to reclaim all the benefits of saunas and cold plunges without that notoriously hefty price tag. For more information, read our article here.
9. Slide down the world’s longest tunnel slide
Now this one’s for the adrenaline junkies among you and is actually in Olympic Park too. Certainly one of the best things to do in Hackney Wick, the Orbit Slide – which was designed by acclaimed artist Carsten Höller – is the longest and tallest tunnel slide in the entire world and stands at a mighty 178-metres-tall thank you very much.
12 twists and turns add some additional drama to your descent, and some of the 40-second-long chute itself is actually in complete darkness – so this is not one for the faint of heart! So put some ‘wheeeee!’ in your weekend and pop along!
📍5 Thornton Street, Olympic Park, E20 2AD.
10. Get your caffeine fix at Hackney Wick’s best coffee shops
All this Hackney Wick exploration has got us tired—good thing there are so many fantastic coffee shops in and around the area, guaranteed to pick you up from any given afternoon slump. Bad Coffee is undeniably one of our faves for the name alone, but their ethical coffee is also brew-tiful.
Other standout coffeehouses in Hackney Wick that are worth checking out include CoffeeDrop, The Roasting Shed, and Thingy Café.
11. See what’s on at The Yard Theatre
This one is for all the theatre lovers and aspiring thespians in London, as Hackney Wick is home to one of the best independent theatres in the capital. Boasting an incredible lineup of unmissable productions and performances, expect a little bit of everything including drama, comedy, drag, dance, and beyond.
This converted warehouse adds an intimate tone to every performance, and there are even some club nights and special events throughout the year if that’s more your speed. See what’s on by clicking here and heading to their website.
📍Unit 2a Queen’s Yard, London E9 5EN.
So there you have it – a roundup of nine of the best things to do in Hackney Wick. From tucking into pizza and beer at Crate Brewery to boogying on down at a warehouse-style club, there’s something for everyone in this neck of the woods. Better get yourself out East then!