Living in Hackney

About Hackney

Spend an afternoon browsing Hackney’s bustling markets or relaxing in one of its leafy parks, and it’s hard to imagine that less than a decade ago it was ranked the worst place to live in Britain. Fast forward to today, and Hackney has earned a spot in the Sunday Times Best Places to Live in Britain, a transformation few places can rival.

The reopening of London Fields Lido, the arrival of a Picturehouse cinema and the revival of Hackney Empire have injected fresh energy into the town centre. New bars, restaurants and gastropubs continue to pop up around Hackney Central, adding to the buzz. Surrounding neighbourhoods like Chatsworth Road, Victoria Park Village, Broadway Market and London Fields offer village-like charm, with independent shops and a strong community spirit.

Fact file

• The term hackney coach was first used in 1621, referring to horse-drawn carriages that ferried London’s gentry to Hackney’s royal retreats. Today, the name lives on in London’s iconic black cabs.
• Mermaid Fabrics on Mare Street takes its name from the Mermaid Inn, once home to a bowling green, pleasure garden and freak show. Samuel Pepys was a fan, often escaping to Hackney’s fields, which he “every day grow more and more in love with.”
• Heart of Darkness author Joseph Conrad wrote his masterpiece while recovering from tropical fever at the German Hospital on Dalston Lane.

Architecture and property 

Hackney’s roots stretch back 450 years, when it was a scattering of villages and Tudor mansions surrounded by hunting grounds. While little remains of that era beyond St Augustine’s medieval tower and the Tudor-built Sutton House, Hackney’s architectural story is rich and varied.

Georgian gems can be found around St John’s Church and Clapton Square Conservation Area. The industrial boom of the late 19th century transformed Hackney, with the Lea River linking it to the canal system and drawing in factories. The population soared from under 20,000 to 200,000, and grand homes were divided to house workers. Victorian terraces sprang up for the working middle class.
Built in 1904, the Navarino Mansions are particularly notable. Arts and Crafts tenement blocks were developed to rehouse 300 Jewish artisans from the East End.

Post-war slum clearance and bomb damage led to a surge in council housing, much of which has been significantly improved since the Olympics. Today, Hackney offers a mix of new builds, ex council flats, warehouse conversions, Victorian terraces and spacious Georgian villas. Many multi-occupancy homes have been restored to single dwellings, and there are still plenty of renovation opportunities for those looking to put down roots.

Going out

Hackney’s food scene is diverse and exciting. Mare Street is known for its Vietnamese and Turkish restaurants, while newcomers like Lardo serve up Italian-inspired dishes and pizza. Broadway Market is a hotspot for dining and drinking, with Saturday stalls offering organic produce and the latest street food trends.

Local pubs have had a glow-up. From The Old Ship to the Cat & Mutton, there’s no shortage of spots for a pint or a Sunday roast. The Prince Arthur is a favourite for traditional roasts, while Bar Oslo draws a lively crowd and hosts gigs upstairs.

Hackney Empire is the area’s cultural crown jewel, staging world-class theatre. Fringe venues like The Yard, Hackney Shed and Arcola Theatre add depth to the arts scene. Hackney Picturehouse screens a curated mix of films, and the London College of Fashion is just around the corner.

Local amenities

Hackney Central has a 24-hour Tesco with parking, a Marks & Spencer on Mare Street, and a Lidl on Well Street. For full-scale retail therapy, Westfield Stratford is just 10 minutes away via the Overground.

Locals love the area’s markets with Broadway Market and Chatsworth Road Market are weekend staples. London Fields Lido offers a heated 50m outdoor pool open year-round, while King’s Hall provides a gym, pool and fitness classes. The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is nearby, with premium sports facilities including the London Aquatics Centre.

Outdoor enthusiasts can head to Lee Valley for horse riding, canoeing, kayaking and white water rafting at the White Water Centre. The Lee Valley Ice Centre features an international-sized rink and is a training ground for Dancing on Ice stars.

Green spaces

Hackney is London’s greenest borough, with 815 acres of open space. Victoria Park is the jewel in the crown, with a boating lake, play areas and the Pavilion Café. It hosts festivals like Lovebox and Field Day, but there’s always a quiet spot for a picnic. London Fields is lively on weekends and features a wildflower meadow. Hackney Marshes offers a true escape, with many locals spending the afternoons here walking around and feeling as if they’re miles from the city.