An Insider’s Guide To The Most Stylish Spots In East London
Travel writer and editor Kate Lough shares her favorite haunts around her Hackney home, from alfresco lunches in walled gardens to laid-back natural wine bars and vintage stores.
”I’ve lived in London since my early twenties, and I’ve always loved how each neighborhood feels like its own city within a city. For the last 10 years, I’ve called Victoria Park Village in east London home and now I cannot imagine living anywhere else. There are wide, leafy streets, a beautiful and vast park, weekend markets, and more than my fair share of pubs, restaurants, and bars. It does feel like living in a village in the middle of London.”
For a Morning Coffee...
I love Popham’s, Victoria Park. I often meet my best friend here for a flat white and one of their marmite and leek swirly pastries — and, if it’s sunny, we’ll try and bag one of the suntrap outdoor tables.
For a Long Lunch with Friends...
There is no better spot than Rochelle Canteen in the sunnier months. Set in an old school’s walled garden in Shoreditch, there are few greater pleasures than sitting under the vines, a glass of rose in hand, while you look through Margot Henderson’s seasonal, simple menu.
For an Afternoon at the Pub…
It has to be my local, The Empress. It has lots of outdoor tables overlooking Lauriston Road and towards Victoria Park, a good wine list, and refined pub grub.
For a Relaxed Glass of Wine…
My new favorite spot is Hector’s, a small but perfectly formed wine bar in De Beauvoir. You need to get there soon after opening time to get a spot, then settle in and make your way through its by-the-glass list, as well as all the moreish snacks up on the blackboard that day.
And my old favorite, Sager + Wilde on Hackney Road - especially for the cheese toastie.
For a Romantic Dinner for Two…
It’s always Campania. Tucked away on a cobbled street off Columbia Road, it has charming, candle-lit interiors, the loveliest staff, and delicious Southern Italian cooking. I always order the gnudi, the ragu, and the tiramisu — plus a negroni. In summer, the outdoor tables are perfect for a sun-dappled lunch.
For a Nightcap…
Satan’s Whiskers is always fun. Make sure you ring ahead to make a booking as it’s seated only. There are good tunes, even better cocktails and it stays open late.
For a Bit of Shopping…
I walk along the Regent’s Canal to Broadway Market to mooch around its independent shops or pick up supplies from the food stalls. I always stop at Fin & Flounder to get a few freshly shucked oysters. Sometimes, I might continue onto Redchurch Street, which has more shopping with APC, Aesop, Reformation, and Browns. I’ll fuel up at the Jolene Bakery if I get peckish.
For Vintage…
Vout on Columbia Road is the best, which I tend to visit on non-market days (Columbia Road Flower Market is on Sundays) as it’s quieter. I’ve picked up incredible things here such as a gingham Giorgio Armani waistcoat and Max Mara tailored trousers.
For a Stroll…
On a Sunday, I’ll walk through Victoria Park, stopping off at the Farmer’s Market to pick up a crepe, before following the canal towards Islington. In summer, I’ll stop off at Towpath Cafe, which cooks the most incredible seasonal food right by the water. Heaven.
For Groceries…
Lauriston Road, where I live, is a dream. I pick up wine from Bottle Apostle; fruit and veg from Village Organic; cheeses, sourdough, and deli goods from the Deli Downstairs on the roundabout.
To Stay…
There aren’t many hotels in the area, so I would recommend looking at Plum Guide to find somewhere lovely to stay in Hackney.
Book here
Follow Kate on Instagram @kateloughtravel.
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