Hackney is one of the many areas in London that has been subject to regeneration over the past 15 years. Now, the East London borough is home to a diverse culture, great transport links and an abundance of food and drink venues - making it one of the most popular London locations to move to for young professionals and families alike. New to the area, or considering moving to E1 and beyond? You’re going to want the lowdown on the best pubs, restaurants and bars in the area. We’ve asked DesignMyNight to list the must-visit venues for celebratory moving-in drinks or Saturday afternoons with friends.
James Teulon, our Hackney Sales Manager, said:
The popularity of Hackney is ever increasing. From Victorian terraced houses to warehouse and school conversions, the area offers something for everyone. The borough is one of London’s greenest, so you are never too far away from a park, and it also benefits from great transport links with easy access to The City and Central London. Broadway Market in the heart of E8 to the South of London Fields is well established and very popular on weekends. The wider area also boasts Michelin Star restaurants and numerous bars and cafes. Be it a stroll along Regents canal to Victoria Park, a visit to Columbia Flower market or swim at the open air Lido there’s always plenty to do in Hackney.
Restaurants in Hackney
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick
If you haven’t visited the kitsch cafes by The Breakfast Club by now, we really don’t know what to tell you (other than how the hell did you manage that?). Situated in trendy Hackney Wick, The Breakfast Club is about to become your new go-to for sky-high pancake stacks, bacon heavy brekkies, oat milk cappuccinos, cocktails and tea galore. Open from 8am until 4pm from Monday until Sunday, be sure to become friendly with the wait staff, because this spot will become your new favourite place (especially if you’re feeling a little fragile after moving in drinks).
Address: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 29 East Bay Lane Canalside Here East, London E15 2GW
For riverside dining, look no further than Arepa & Co. Situated in the often overlooked area of Haggerston, this Venezuelan-inspired gem sits on the banks of the Regent’s Canal. Alongside the beautiful venue, this cheap and cheerful gem boasts lunch, brunch and dinner menus, showcasing the very best in Venezuelan cuisine. Our top tip? Visit in time for their lunch offer - from 12pm until 3pm Monday to Friday, hungry punters can bag themselves any arepa or small bowl alongside a glass of homemade lemonade for just £8.90, a must have for lunch meetings on sunny days.
Address: 58A De Beauvoir Crescent, London N1 5SB
Caldera
Boasting friendly neighbourhood vibes in the heart of Hackney, this spot is an intimate restaurant specialising in Mexican cuisine. For those looking to broaden their horizons, this is the place to visit. Founder Arya Razi founded Caldera with a mission to challenge the stereotypes surrounding Mexican cuisine and spotlight lesser known Mexican gastronomy. A visit to this place isn’t complete without ordering their shrimp tacos or one of their famous passionfruit and chilli margaritas - considered an E8 delicacy.
Address: 143 Mare Street, Hackney E8 3FW
Bars in Hackney
Barge East
Is your local just not doing it for you anymore? Push the boat out (no pun intended), with a visit to Barge East. This quirky drinking den comes in the form of a 118-year-old Dutch barge, now moored on the River Lee in Hackney Wick. One of London’s prettiest venues for a drink, the floating restaurant and bar boasts a stellar menu as well as a variety of classic and experimental cocktails. Prefer your pint with your feet firmly on dry land? No problem. Barge East is also home to a beautiful riverside garden that sits adjacent to the boat, perfect for more casual get-togethers with family and friends.
Address: 98 White Post Lane, London E9 5EN
The Cocktail Club Bethnal Green
Well known for causing scenes of debauchery across London, The London Cocktail Club is home to an extensive menu of classic cocktails, as well as not so classic cocktails (ever heard of a Kombyakasha? No, us either), as well as an incredible happy hour that’s available all day until 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays. A visit here promises throwback hits, epic sips and dancing on tables in Bethnal Green - so if you’re looking for a big night out with your crew, this is most certainly the place to go.
Address: Arch 253 Paradise Row, London E2 9LE
The Victoria
Music fans must visit The Victoria. Situated in Dalston, the venue has become an integral part of East London’s music scene, having hosted memorable gigs in the area for years. As well as showcasing the very best in musical talent, The Victoria invites guests to sample classic cocktails, continental wines, locally brewed beers and their decadent Sunday roasts. In the mood for a mid-week treat? This place offers 50% off wings on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Address: 451 Queensbridge Rd, London E8 3AS
If you fancy making a night of it, click here for DesignMyNight's pick of Dalston’s best drinking dens.
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick
If you haven’t visited the kitsch cafes by The Breakfast Club by now, we really don’t know what to tell you (other than how the hell did you manage that?). Situated in trendy Hackney Wick, The Breakfast Club is about to become your new go-to for sky-high pancake stacks, bacon heavy brekkies, oat milk cappuccinos, cocktails and tea galore. Open from 8am until 4pm from Monday until Sunday, be sure to become friendly with the wait staff, because this spot will become your new favourite place (especially if you’re feeling a little fragile after moving in drinks).
Address: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 29 East Bay Lane Canalside Here East, London E15 2GW
For riverside dining, look no further than Arepa & Co. Situated in the often overlooked area of Haggerston, this Venezuelan-inspired gem sits on the banks of the Regent’s Canal. Alongside the beautiful venue, this cheap and cheerful gem boasts lunch, brunch and dinner menus, showcasing the very best in Venezuelan cuisine. Our top tip? Visit in time for their lunch offer - from 12pm until 3pm Monday to Friday, hungry punters can bag themselves any arepa or small bowl alongside a glass of homemade lemonade for just £8.90, a must have for lunch meetings on sunny days.
Address: 58A De Beauvoir Crescent, London N1 5SB
Caldera
Boasting friendly neighbourhood vibes in the heart of Hackney, this spot is an intimate restaurant specialising in Mexican cuisine. For those looking to broaden their horizons, this is the place to visit. Founder Arya Razi founded Caldera with a mission to challenge the stereotypes surrounding Mexican cuisine and spotlight lesser known Mexican gastronomy. A visit to this place isn’t complete without ordering their shrimp tacos or one of their famous passionfruit and chilli margaritas - considered an E8 delicacy.
Address: 143 Mare Street, Hackney E8 3FW
Bars in Hackney
Barge East
Is your local just not doing it for you anymore? Push the boat out (no pun intended), with a visit to Barge East. This quirky drinking den comes in the form of a 118-year-old Dutch barge, now moored on the River Lee in Hackney Wick. One of London’s prettiest venues for a drink, the floating restaurant and bar boasts a stellar menu as well as a variety of classic and experimental cocktails. Prefer your pint with your feet firmly on dry land? No problem. Barge East is also home to a beautiful riverside garden that sits adjacent to the boat, perfect for more casual get-togethers with family and friends.
Address: 98 White Post Lane, London E9 5EN
The Cocktail Club Bethnal Green
Well known for causing scenes of debauchery across London, The London Cocktail Club is home to an extensive menu of classic cocktails, as well as not so classic cocktails (ever heard of a Kombyakasha? No, us either), as well as an incredible happy hour that’s available all day until 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays. A visit here promises throwback hits, epic sips and dancing on tables in Bethnal Green - so if you’re looking for a big night out with your crew, this is most certainly the place to go.
Address: Arch 253 Paradise Row, London E2 9LE
The Victoria
Music fans must visit The Victoria. Situated in Dalston, the venue has become an integral part of East London’s music scene, having hosted memorable gigs in the area for years. As well as showcasing the very best in musical talent, The Victoria invites guests to sample classic cocktails, continental wines, locally brewed beers and their decadent Sunday roasts. In the mood for a mid-week treat? This place offers 50% off wings on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Address: 451 Queensbridge Rd, London E8 3AS
If you fancy making a night of it, click here for DesignMyNight's pick of Dalston’s best drinking dens.
If you're considering a Hackney move, learn more about the local market in Hackney and talk to our team of Hackney estate agents. You should also see our guide to the best schools in the area.
Looking for more of the best Hackney restaurants and bars? Visit DesignMyNight and follow them on Instagram and Facebook; @DesignMyNight.
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