London is a city filled with many diverse and exciting neighbourhoods, each unique and with a distinctive character of its own. One of the joys of spending time in the city is getting to explore them in greater depth, and getting to know first hand the hidden treasures amongst the city’s winding streets, local eateries and fun attractions that make up each part of the capital.
If you’re visiting London and staying in 4 Star hotels Hyde Park, you’re perfectly positioned to explore everything that the city has to offer. One of the most popular areas to head to in the city is the vibrant, energetic and colourful area of Hackney, which has risen to prominence in recent years, and become a buzzing spot of activity.
Read on to find out a little more about Hackney, including what you can discover there and how to get to the area from your accommodation Hyde Park London.
The creative heart of East London
Every part of the city has its own appeal, as you’ll see from your scenic accommodation Hyde Park London and the regal spaces around the area, to the more historic parts of the city towards London Bridge, and elsewhere. Hackney though, has a distinct charm of its own, one that capture a vibrant, creative spirit, with colourful street art, inventive food and drink outlets, and plenty of things to see and do.
For visitors to London, it’s well worth making the trip over from the Grand Park London Hyde Park to explore this pocket of London in more detail. You’ll find great places to eat and hang out, relaxing spots to enjoy the outdoors, and a fantastic and diverse nightlife.
Exploring Hackney
The borough of Hackney covers a wide area of east London, and each district has its own sense of personality. Some of the most well-known neighbourhoods in the borough include Shoreditch, Dalston, Hackney and Hoxton, but it’s also worth getting on the Overground to head out a little further too.
Bustling areas including Stoke Newington, London Fields and Hackney Downs are also well worth a visit, and you’ll find plenty of hidden gems in these areas.
If you’re planning to get to Hackney from the Grand Park London Hyde Park, the most straightforward and quickest way will usually be a combination of the Tube and the Overground. You’ll find Overground trains running to various Hackney stations from Liverpool Street and Highbury and Islington Underground Stations, which are easiest to access from accommodation Hyde Park London.
Explore Hackney’s market scene
Hackney is well known for having a great selection of markets, where you can find all kinds of treasures on sale throughout every week of the year. Packed with local sellers, it’s a great way to get a more personal experience of the city.
Check out the bustling and tempting food markets that take place across the borough, with one of the most well known including Broadway Market, close to London Fields station, where you can find a huge variety of delicious food and drink, as well as vintage clothing, arts and crafts, used books and much more. Once you’re done perusing the market stalls, be sure to pop into some of the neighbouring shops and pubs for a relaxing drink or to find the perfect item for your home.
Another worthwhile market to add to your list of places to visit is the Hackney DIY Art Market in Dalston. Immensely trendy, you’ll find some fantastic pieces of contemporary art from local artists, as well as stylish clothing and accessories to give your wardrobe an undeniably East London edge.
Tuck into Hackney’s delicious food and drink
Hackney has a huge plethora of fantastic eateries, bars and popups of all descriptions, and you’d be hard pressed not to find somewhere that will soon become your favourite place to eat out in London.
Over in London Fields, you’ll find the spacious and stunning Mare Street Market, an indoor hub of great food and drink, filled with a jungle of sprawling plants, antique chandeliers and much more. You’ll also find a record shop, florist and deli tucked away in the corners.
The perfect place to relax and enjoy a drink, catch up with friends over a meal, or simply enjoy a laidback snack, it’s easy to while away long hours here.
If you can’t resist a delicious pastry, then head to the wonderful bakery, Pophams, on Richmond Road. They’re well loved across London for creating inventive and irresistible combinations, include a marmite Danish whirl, bacon maple pastry, and rosemary and sea salt twist. There are also plenty of conventional sweet treats on offer, as well as delicious fresh pasta, if you fancy something a little more substantial.
For those who love a good cup of coffee, Hackney is packed to the brim with artisanal coffee shops, but one of the best to visit is Origin Coffee Roasters. The espresso bar roasts its own coffee beans and supplies them to coffee shops around the city, but if you’re in the neighbourhood, it’s worth trying a cup from the source, and perhaps grabbing a bag of beans to take home.
What to see and do
Hackney is a relaxed and laidback part of the city, perfect for leisurely walks along the canal and talks over food and drink. If you’re craving a little more active fun, head to London Fields lido, a stunning Olympic sized outdoor heated pool that is open all year round. When the weather is dry and clear, London Fields park provides the perfect place to play.
For a taste of culture and history, explore the Museums of the Home, which gives an intimate glimpse into the lives of Londoners over the ages, as well as providing a thought-provoking look at what it means to make a home. You’ll find quirky and character-filled objects and remnants from different eras, as well as some fantastic design classics that sum up different times in London’s rich and varied history.
