How to Eat, Drink, and Explore Your Way Through Hackney

Posted on 20/10/2025

How to Eat, Drink, and Explore Your Way Through Hackney

Hackney, a vibrant borough nestled in the heart of East London, is renowned for its eclectic mix of cultures, innovative food scene, lively nightlife, and striking creativity. Whether you're a visitor seeking hidden gems or a Londoner craving new adventures, Hackney offers a wealth of opportunities to satiate your curiosity--and your palate!

In this comprehensive guide, we'll show you exactly how to eat, drink, and explore your way through Hackney. Unearth must-visit restaurants and cafes, quirky bars and pubs, and unforgettable things to do--all wrapped up in the borough's signature cool. From buzzing markets and hipster coffee shops to green spaces and street art, discover how to make the most of every minute in Hackney.

Why Hackney Should Be Top Of Your London List

Ask any Londoner where the pulse of creativity beats strongest, and chances are they'll send you east--straight to Hackney. Over the past decade, this historic neighbourhood has transformed into one of the city's most dynamic areas, attracting foodies, artists, musicians, and trendsetters from all over the world. Its streets are alive with independent businesses, innovative venues, and a diversity that makes every visit unique.

Accessibility: Well-connected by Overground, buses, and cycle lanes
Diversity: Home to communities from across the globe, fuelling a world-class food scene
Cultural hotspots: From live music clubs to theatre pop-ups and iconic markets
Green escapes: Hackney Marshes, London Fields, and secret gardens

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Where to Eat in Hackney: Gastronomic Delights Await

Craving authentic global flavours? Or perhaps a plant-based feast in a stylish setting? Hackney's restaurants cater to every taste and budget.

1. Broadway Market: A Food Lover's Paradise

Every Saturday, Broadway Market transforms into a bustling foodie hub, lined with over 100 stalls. Whether you're after Ethiopian injera, Neapolitan pizza, or freshly baked sourdough, you'll find it here!

Bread & Brew: Grab artisan pastries and specialty coffee to start your adventure.
Deeney's: Try their cult-favourite Macbeth haggis toasties (in vegan or meaty).
The Colombian Coffee Company: Sip an expertly roasted espresso and watch the world go by.
Tips: Arrive early (before 11am) to avoid the crowds and get the freshest bites.

2. Must-Try Hackney Restaurants

From Michelin Bib Gourmand winners to creative pop-ups, Hackney restaurants offer extraordinary dining experiences:

Pidgin: This neighbourhood gem delivers modern British tasting menus with playful twists and ever-changing dishes. Reservations essential!
Morito: A sister restaurant to Exmouth Market's classic, serving Moorish and Spanish small plates. Don't miss the fried aubergine with whipped feta.
Ombra: This canalside Italian is beloved for fresh pasta, natural wines, and a laid-back, romantic vibe.
Andu Cafe: Family-run, vegan Ethiopian cafe with unbeatable value. Try the mixed platter for two!
Snackbar: Hackney's top brunch spot--famous for innovative Asian-leaning dishes and house-made ferments.

3. The Best Cafes in Hackney

Coffee culture is thriving in East London, and Hackney's cafes lead the charge with expertly brewed espresso, baked goods, and cozy corners to unwind.

Climpson & Sons: Broadway Market's original coffee pioneers, still roasting some of the best beans in the city.
Mare Street Market: Rustic elegance, excellent food and drink, plus a florist and record shop under one roof.
Paper Dress Vintage: Enjoy coffee (and cocktails) surrounded by rails of vintage clothes with live music at night.
STUDIO 1.1: Contemporary art gallery with pop-up cafe--perfect for pairing caffeine with culture.

Where to Drink in Hackney: Pubs, Bars, and Hidden Gems

Whether you're craving a classic pint or innovative cocktails, drinking in Hackney is always an adventure. The borough's historic pubs and avant-garde bars ensure every night out is memorable.

1. Historic Hackney Pubs

The Chesham Arms: Frequently named one of East London's best locals. Relax in the sunny beer garden or by the open fire.
The Prince George: Lively, welcoming, and famed for its broad vegan pub menu and lovingly kept ales.
The Pembury Tavern: A must for beer aficionados, serving crafty favourites by Five Points Brewery on tap.

2. Trendy Cocktail Bars and Nightlife

Nightjar Carnaby: For live jazz, speakeasy vibes, and world-class cocktails (newly opened sister venue to Shoreditch's icon).
The Institute of Light: An eclectic bar-cinema and restaurant under the railway arches, perfect for date nights or relaxed evenings.
Behind This Wall: Unmarked door, subterranean space, exquisite drinks--an essential Hackney cocktail experience.
Martello Hall: Rooftop terrace for Aperol spritzes, pizzas, and late-night dancing.

3. Hackney's Unique Drinking Experiences

Crate Brewery: Hip canal-side brewery serving pizza, craft beer, and open mic nights on sunny Hackney Wick afternoons.
Mother Kelly's: Sample an ever-changing line-up of 20+ craft brews from around the world, with generous outdoor seating.
Satan's Whiskers: Hackney's answer to a New York-style cocktail den, with inventive drinks and hip-hop playlists.

Looking for something alcohol-free? Hackney also boasts creative mocktail menus, cold-brew sodas, and late-night coffee bars for teetotal fun.

Explore Hackney: Culture, Markets, Art, and Outdoors

Eating and drinking aside, exploring Hackney offers a deep dive into London's coolest neighbourhood. Here's how to see the borough like a local:

1. Visit Hackney's Iconic Markets

Columbia Road Flower Market: Every Sunday, this street blooms with vibrant flower stalls, indie boutiques, buskers, and charming cafes.
Netil Market: Street eats, craft stalls, rooftop bars--this small market is a hipster favourite with regular pop-up events.
Chatsworth Road Market: Loved by locals for its food trucks, antiques, and community focus (Sundays, 11am-4pm).

2. Dive into Street Art and Galleries

Hackney's thriving street art scene is ever-evolving--spot iconic murals around Shoreditch, Hackney Wick, and London Fields. For gallery buffs:

Hackney Museum: Explore the area's history and culture through interactive exhibits and local stories.
The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities: Eccentric, macabre, and utterly unique--step into a world of oddities and magic.
Transition Gallery and Banner Repeater: Pioneering spaces for contemporary art and new media.

3. Enjoy Hackney's Green Spaces

London Fields: Lush parkland, public lido (outdoor swimming pool), and picnic-perfect lawns. An essential stop year-round.
Victoria Park: One of London's finest parks--think boating lakes, rose gardens, and lively festivals.
Hackney Marshes: A sprawling expanse perfect for cycling, running, and riverside wildlife spotting.
Haggerston Park: Quiet, leafy, with sports facilities and a cute city farm.

Seasonal Experiences: When Is Best to Visit Hackney?

Hackney's energy varies throughout the year, so if you're wondering when to visit, consider these highlights:

Spring: Watch Columbia Road explode in colour; join locals at Broadway Market for blooms and fresh produce.
Summer: Open-air cinema, park picnics, and pop-up street food on Hackney Wick's canal paths.
Autumn: Cosy up in pubs with Sunday roast; catch the London Fields fireworks for Bonfire Night.
Winter: Christmas lights, festive markets, and mulled wine at atmospheric historic pubs.

Off-the-Beaten-Track: Unusual Things to Do in Hackney

If you want to go beyond the obvious, Hackney always delivers the unexpected. *Dare to explore the more eccentric edges of the borough:*

Abney Park Cemetery: Creep through an overgrown Victorian graveyard-turned-nature reserve.
Canoe on the River Lea: See Hackney from the water with local boat clubs or kayak rentals.
Secret Cinema Events: Immersive theatre meets blockbuster films in mysterious locations (book ahead).
The Hackney City Farm: Hang out with goats and chickens right in the heart of the city--for free!

Plan Your Hackney Adventure: Practical Tips

Getting There: Hackney is best reached by London Overground (stations: Hackney Central, Hackney Wick, London Fields), numerous bus routes, or cycling routes that pass through parks and scenic backstreets.
Payment: Most places are cashless, so bring a card or digital payments.
Dress Code: Anything goes! Hackney style is relaxed, creative, and individual.
Safety: The borough is friendly and lively, but as with any busy city, stay aware, especially late at night.
Booking: Popular spots may require reservations, particularly at weekends--check ahead online.

Final Thoughts: Hackney Has Something for Everyone

If you want to eat, drink, and explore your way through Hackney, the options are as diverse as the locals themselves. From world-class dining, indie cafes, market feasts, and inventive cocktails, to outdoor adventures, creative encounters, and hidden hideaways--every day offers new inspiration.

Whether you're sipping espresso on Broadway Market, sampling sourdough pizza by the canal, catching live jazz after sunset, or discovering community gardens and outlandish museums--Hackney invites you to taste, toast, and treasure it all.

Ready to begin your Hackney journey? Pack your curiosity, bring your appetite, and prepare for London's most exciting borough to steal your heart--and your tastebuds. Enjoy eating, drinking, and exploring Hackney--one adventure at a time!