The C&TH Guide to Hackney

The London Borough of Hackney, with parts in East and North London, is where diverse culture meets edgy art; it’s where flavoursome foods and homemade brews live; where eco-conscious millenials brunch and drink and shop and get inspiration. If you haven’t explored it yet, do – use this guide to make a day or weekend of it and experience the best of Hackney. 

The C&TH Guide to Hackney

SHOP

Broadway Market

Running from Hackney Central to Regent’s Canal is Broadway Market, an iconic food market specialising in all food, drinks and ingredients locally sourced, of high quality and of vast varieties. Head there on a Saturday to pick up some multi-cultural taste sensations, whether that be Russian appetisers from Zakuski, Eastern Mediterranean dips from Baba Souks, and fresh vegetables from French delicatessan L’eau à La Bouche before putting all your goodies into a basket from From Afar Crafts, who work with craftspeople in Africa to create their beautiful basket-style bags, encouraging sustainability. Broadway Market (Off Lansdowne Drive, London Fields) E8

E5 Bakehouse

Hugely passionate about baking, pick up a loaf of organic sourdough from E5 Bakehouse before heading home, to take a piece of artisan Hackney away with you. Want to learn how to make it yourself? Check out their workshops and classes here. Arch 395, Mentmore Terrace E8 3PH

Netil Market

Netil Market is a smaller version of Broadway Market, with creative stalls and some street food options. Shop homemade ceramics and eco-friendly soaps, delicate jewellery and glasses before tucking into a vegan pizza and Middle Eastern cuisine. 13 – 23 Westgate Street, London Fields E8 3L

EAT & DRINK

Brunswick East

This ‘hidden’ coffee shop is a great spot for brunch. Order smoothies, coffee, smashed avocado and enjoy the kitsch design-style atmosphere. Unit 3D Stamford Works, Gillett Street, Dalston N16 8JH

Bistrotheque

With white tablecloths and a pianist serenading the restaurant over the weekends, Bistrotheque offers decadent dining ideal for groups. The menus are seasonal, created by head chef Blain Duffy. The quirkily designed menus has elegant and distinct French themes featuring fish, meat and vegetarian and vegan options (think roast cauliflower, salsa verde, garlic and hazelnuts, salmon, miso broth and sea vegetables, and steak tartare, chips and butter leaf salad). 23–27 Wadeson Street, Cambridge Heath E2 9DR

El Ganso

Simple and delicious Spanish tapas in Broadway Market. Well-known Spanish chef Marcelo Sánchez Cabrera sources quality ingredients and gives diners an authentic Spanish dining experience. Choose from the tapas menu with a generous selection of dishes with five sections: Para Picar (olives and nuts), Charcuteria, Vegetarian, Seafood and Meat). Most importantly, churros. 59 Broadway Market (between Haggerston and Cambridge Heath) E8 4PH

The Frog Hoxton

The Frog sits on Hoxton Square and focusses on zero waste and sustainability in their food practices. The menus are frequently changed but their hero dishes remain – cheese doughnuts and chicken butter. After dining here, pop next door to coffee shop Bean & Wheat where The Frog’s left over produce is used to make sandwiches, pickles and pastries. 45-47 Hoxton Square, Hackney N1 6PD

DO

Dalston Roof Park

Open 7 days a week, the Dalston Roof Park boasts a schedule with something for all types – table top games on Mondays, quiz nights and cocktail-making classes on Tuesdays, one-off community and charity focussed events on Wednesdays, and music Thursdays – Sundays. Plus, all profits go to the Bootstrap Charity, supporting young people and their businesses. The Print House, 18-22 Ashwin St, Dalston E8 3DL

Grow

Canalside creative space Grow is a perfectly intimate venue hosting regular events celebrating lots of different music genres, nationalities and interests. The Hackney hub also serves a selection of sustainably sourced drinks including signature cocktails and a middle eastern inspired sharing menu. 98C Main Yard, Wallis Road, Hackney Wick E9 5LN

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