The Flâneur

The Flaneur: A Guide To Hackney

Whether you’re a day tripper or a local, many would regard Hackney as the unofficial centre of the East. Bordered by the leafy Clapton to the north and the grittier Bethnal Green to the south, the past few decades have seen a vast resurgence in the area’s fortunes. For a neighbourhood that is constantly evolving, the borough has a high concentration of historic property, from warehouse conversions, Georgian villas and Victorian terraces aplenty. Scattered amongst the housing stock are bountiful pockets of green, boasting the title of London’s greenest borough, Hackney has no less than 50 parks and public gardens for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Here is our guide to the must-see spots in the neighbourhood.

The Flaneur: A Guide To Hackney

01.

Claire de Rouen

260 Globe Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 0JD

 

A London institution at 260 Globe Road in Bethnal Green, Claire de Rouen offers a carefully curated selection of books and magazines that define the current interplay between art, fashion, and photography. Whilst you are in the area, pop over to the London Buddhist Centre opened in 1978 in an ornate, vernacular redbrick former Victorian fire station.

02.

Keeling House

Claredale St, London E2 6PG

Keeling House is a 16-storey brutalist block situated in Bethnal Green – right between our studio and our frequently visited lunch spot Ozone. This iconic building was designed by architect Sir Denys Lasdun, who is commonly known for being the man behind the Royal National Theatre – on London’s South Bank. The building was completed in 1957 as a cluster of four blocks of maisonettes arranged around a central service tower.

The Flaneur: A Guide To Hackney

03.

Well Heeled

443 Bethnal Green Rd, London E2 9QH

 

“Well Heeled” is one of Bethnal Green Road’s originals, manned by true East Enders, ready to fix your broken heels and cut your keys in no time at all with charm and finesse. Make sure to support your local independent heroes and keep the local community alive and diverse. 

The Flaneur: A Guide To Hackney

04.

Yuki Bar

426 Reading Ln, London E8 1DS

Tucked away in a surprising location in London Fields is one of London’s newest and most interesting natural wine bars. Yuki Bar is named after its owner, Yukiyasu Kaneko, who has experience working in natural wine hot spots Noma and P. Franco. 

Serving mainly Japanese influenced courses, with a small kitchen situated in the middle of the room, with bar seating around this is a lovely place to share small courses and wines by bottles or glass. They also do a good Negroni (!)

The Flaneur: A Guide To Hackney

05.

Wilton Way Deli

63 Wilton Way, London E8 1BG

 

Wilton Way Deli, a must-stop for fresh pasta, homemade lasagne to take home, and wine from quality Italian vineyards. Their neighbours along Wilton Way include homewares and pottery shop Momosan, trendy bakery spot Violet, and the recently opened Fran’s.

The Flaneur: A Guide To Hackney

06.

Yorkton Workshop

1-3 Yorkton Street, London E2 8NH

Nestled off Hackney Road on Yorkston Street lies Yorkton Workshops, the London design studio of Pearson Lloyd. The building’s conversion from a motley collection of dilapidated Victorian stables is the result of a collaboration with Cassion Castle Architects. Retaining its historic industrial aesthetic, the versatile gallery and event space is available to hire for a whole host of activities from photography shoots and exhibitions, to private meetings and product launches.

The Flaneur: A Guide To Hackney

07.

Two's Care

75a Regent Studios, London E8 4QN

 

Founded by Josh Cook, Two’s Care is a vintage treasure trove. The store is hidden on one of the top floors of the industrial building, Regent’s Studio, overlooking the Regents Canal. It has a great view of London’s high rises. 

Here you will find a well-curated vintage selection of Japanese and Italian brands, deadstock military pieces, perfectly worn denim as well as a selection of well-produced knitwear by the local brand Cecile Tulkins. 

The Flaneur: A Guide To Hackney

08.

Tokobo Pottery

Unit 74 Regent Studios, 8 Andrews Road, London E8 4QN

 

Run by Japanese ceramicist, Mizuyo Yamashita, TOKOBO Pottery studios look out onto the bustling Broadway Market. As well as providing a working studio space for Mizuyo, TOKOBO Pottery offers classes for both the intermediate and beginner potter, whether you’re looking to level up your skills on the potter’s wheel or simply get your hands dirty throwing a pot.

The Flaneur: A Guide To Hackney