Introduction to Hackney
If you want to see the power of regeneration when it comes to budget stays and experiences, then take a look at Hackney in the Capital’s East End.
Hackney, the land of the Hipster, is huge. It runs from Samford Hill to Stoke Newington, Clapton, London fields and then into the area of Hackney-proper itself. It can be a bit mind-boggling for newbies to navigate, but once you do, you’ll quickly learn why so many young, creative people love it.
Once one of London’s least popular suburbs where flats could be picked up without stressing your bank account too much, today it’s not unusual for apartments and houses to hit the £1 million mark – especially in the centre of Hackney and in London Fields.
This has all happened over the past 20 years, and the result is the growth of independent designer shops, upmarket restaurants and the designer outlet district, Morning Lane.
There is also an incredibly diverse community, with a lot of Jewish, Turkish and Kurdish influence – and an impressive choice when it comes to dining out.
Amenities in Hackney
The area has a new cultural quarter, of which the renovated Hackney Empire takes centre stage. Add in the Picturehouse multiplex cinema and a brand, spanking new library and well, you’re looking at a very different Hackney to that of the 1990s.
And what about the 64 different parks and areas of greenery to relax in? Few will forget the starring role Hackney Marshes played in the London Olympics, for starters.
And it’s got an excellent cycle culture too – being consistently ranked as one of London’s best bike boroughs.
Certainly, today Hackney is much-loved by a young, trendy crowd – and that’s exactly who you will find living or visiting here.
Where to stay in Hackney
Clapton Square conservation area and London Fields (Mapledene conservation area) offer period properties, with many vacation rentals available. Monohaus in the London Fields district has a development containing one to three-bedroom flats and commercial premises. Both The Fisheries and Gardsden Avenue are also mixed-use developments.
One of the latest new developments in the area, Hackney Corner, sits adjacent to the 200-year-old Regents Canal. It offers 16 two and three-bedroom apartments with balconies, access to a roof terrace and cycle storage.
New developments include London Lane and The Garrett at Mettle & Poise in nearby Haggerston. The latter is the converted Queen Elizabeth Children’s Hospital.
Travel to and from Hackney
Hackney does not has its own tube station, nor is it served by any underground lines. Instead, it has two very handy rail stations that are easily accessible via the overground and a lightning-fast service from Liverpool Street, making it a great place for the morning commute. And with one straight road running into London’s financial centre, you will soon see why the area boasts so many bicycle shops!
The overground train takes you from Hackney Central to Shoreditch High Street then into the City. There are two stations in Hackney – both of which take commuters to Liverpool Street in under 15 minutes.
The overground service to Hackney also runs all night, making it perfect for those who love to party. Plus, if you tend to favour the bus over the rails, there’s a host of transport options both to and from the surrounding areas, from Old Street and Shoreditch to Tottenham and Stoke Newington.
Buses are plentiful and take residents into London Bridge, Oxford Circus, Whitechapel and Canary Wharf – and that’s just for starters.
Those who prefer to get into the City on their own steam will appreciate the network of quiet cycling routes.
Things to do in Hackney
If you are a confirmed fashion lover, then head down to Broadway Market for some serious vintage finds as well as books, pubs and fun street food on the weekend.
The Hackney Empire is an incredible venue to visit if you like cultural outings in the form of contemporary theatre and plays that explore timely issues. Oh, and did we mention that the building itself is Grade II listed and seriously snap-able for your Instagram account.
For a true excursion into the weird and wonderful, definitely take a trip to the The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History. The downstairs area of this amazing little bar is packed full of taxidermy and curiosities, odd artworks and even a gold-plated hippo skull which used to belong to Pablo Escobar!
Things to eat in Hackney
Poached eggs, avocados and endless brunches is Hackney to a tee. Head to Palm Vaults if you don’t mind a long queue whose waiting for your ebidle-flower laden brunch as well as a killer coffee.
Hackney is big with vegans. One place that worth a visit is Dough Society, serving vegan doughnuts in a galaxy of flavours that are sure to put a smile on your face.
There’s even some solid Chinese available in the area, like the delicious Dim Sum at My Neighbours The Dumplings. Theirs are hand rolled every single day and truly not to be missed. For something a little less subtle, jump on your fixie bike and cycle down to Pacific Social Club for some mouth-watering diner-style grilled cheese sandwiches and 90’s throwback nostalgia. The pizza at Yard Sale has also been making waves of late, thanks to their delicious bases slow-cooked sauces and punchy dips!
Things to drink
One of the most iconic Hackney venues is Oslo, which combines light bites, beers and Nordic-themed decor during the daylight hours to multiple floors of DJs and a serious party atmosphere when the sun goes down. It’s also just opposite Hackney Central overground too, so you won’t have to worry about drunkenly navigating the night bus.
The People’s Park Tavern is also a local institution, offering a slightly more village-like vibe and a massive pub garden that you’ll never find empty when the sun is out.
And another thing…
The famous black London cab, known as the Hackney Carriage, was developed here. In the 17th century though it really was a carriage, pulled by horses and used to take residents from the then-wealthy Hackney to other areas of London.
Is Hackney a safe area?
Overall Hackney is just as safe as any other East London area, however crime rate in Hackney is slightly above London’s average with bicycle theft and anti-social behavior being most common crimes.
