Guidebook for London
Shopping
Lots of cafes, restaurants and quirky shops, Saturday farmer's market
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Broadway Market
Broadway MarketLots of cafes, restaurants and quirky shops, Saturday farmer's market
Sunday Flower Market, Independent shops, nice pub
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Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia RoadSunday Flower Market, Independent shops, nice pub
Pavilion Bakery
18 Broadway MarketWe always buy our bread here
The Deli Downstairs
211 Victoria Park RdEverything you could ever want to eat
Don't forget to help yourself to some hand cream from their free sample dispensers
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Aesop
5 Broadway MarketDon't forget to help yourself to some hand cream from their free sample dispensers
Lidl
27 Well StCheap and cheerful, especially the beer and wine
Brazilian Centre HACKNEY
223 Mare StBuy steak, cook it, not too much, eat
Every conceivable kind of fruit, veg, meat and fish at knock down prices. Take a big bag
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Ridley Road Market (Stop P) station
Every conceivable kind of fruit, veg, meat and fish at knock down prices. Take a big bag
Slightly more off the beaten track than Broadway Market, there's always something new popping up here
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Netil Market
13-23 Westgate StSlightly more off the beaten track than Broadway Market, there's always something new popping up here
Key cutting, rat poison, lightbulbs, garden rakes and any other miscellaneous hardware you might need. In the summer old Mr Bradbury still sits outside the shop but it's now run by a very friendly asian family
Bradburys
81-83 Broadway MarketKey cutting, rat poison, lightbulbs, garden rakes and any other miscellaneous hardware you might need. In the summer old Mr Bradbury still sits outside the shop but it's now run by a very friendly asian family
Cowling & Wilcox Limited
112 Shoreditch High StArt supplies
Newmans Stationery
324 Bethnal Green RdStationery
Art books and a big selection of art and design magazibes
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Artwords Bookshop
20-22 Broadway MarketArt books and a big selection of art and design magazibes
Fairly average street market but worth going on a Saturday for 'Shades Caribbean Catering' van which is usually parked near the corner of Falkirk Street. Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat, Rice & Peas and, if you're lucky, Ackee & Saltfish
Hoxton Street Monster Supplies
159 Hoxton StFairly average street market but worth going on a Saturday for 'Shades Caribbean Catering' van which is usually parked near the corner of Falkirk Street. Jerk Chicken, Curry Goat, Rice & Peas and, if you're lucky, Ackee & Saltfish
Chocolate factory and shop. You can take a tour and there's always samples available for tasting
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MAST London
19-29 Redchurch StChocolate factory and shop. You can take a tour and there's always samples available for tasting
Choosing Keeping
21 Tower StBeautiful stationery, gifts, wrapping paper and cards
Sightseeing
Beautiful Museum of home interiors through the ages, in a beautiful building
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Museum of the Home
136 Kingsland RoadBeautiful Museum of home interiors through the ages, in a beautiful building
Dennis Severs’ House at 18 Folgate Street, Spitalfields is more than just a time capsule. It is both a breathtaking and an intimate portrait of the lives of a family of Huguenot silk-weavers from 1724 to the dawn of the 20th Century. As you follow their fortunes through the generations, the sights, smells and sounds of the house take you into their lives. It was Dennis Severs’ intention that as you enter his house it is as if you have passed through the surface of a painting, exploring with your senses and imagination a meticulously crafted 18th Century world.
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Dennis Severs' House
18 Folgate StDennis Severs’ House at 18 Folgate Street, Spitalfields is more than just a time capsule. It is both a breathtaking and an intimate portrait of the lives of a family of Huguenot silk-weavers from 1724 to the dawn of the 20th Century. As you follow their fortunes through the generations, the sights, smells and sounds of the house take you into their lives. It was Dennis Severs’ intention that as you enter his house it is as if you have passed through the surface of a painting, exploring with your senses and imagination a meticulously crafted 18th Century world.
Dramatic Hawksmoor church, the surrounding streets have some beautiful Georgian houses, and Old Spitalfields Market is just opposite
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Christ Church Spitalfields
Commercial StreetDramatic Hawksmoor church, the surrounding streets have some beautiful Georgian houses, and Old Spitalfields Market is just opposite
National Trust - Sutton House
2 and 4 Homerton High StLovely house and it's chequered history
Parks & Nature
Regents Canal
14 Orsman RoadNice for a walk, there are some cafes near De Beauvoir
Lovely park with 2 kids playgrounds. In summer they allow BBQs
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London Fields station
Lovely park with 2 kids playgrounds. In summer they allow BBQs
Elaborate new park built around the Olympic Stadium. You can get there from Stratford underground and overground, via the horrendous Westfield Shopping Centre, or you can walk there via Regents Canal, Victoria Park, and the still edgy warehouses of Hackney Wick
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Queen Elizabeth Olympiska Park
Elaborate new park built around the Olympic Stadium. You can get there from Stratford underground and overground, via the horrendous Westfield Shopping Centre, or you can walk there via Regents Canal, Victoria Park, and the still edgy warehouses of Hackney Wick
Entertainment & Activities
Goats, sheep. donkey, chickens, guinea pigs plus a great cafe
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Hackney City Farm
1a Goldsmiths RowGoats, sheep. donkey, chickens, guinea pigs plus a great cafe
V&A:s museum för barn
Cambridge Heath RoadToys, toys, toys
Rich Mix
35-47 Bethnal Green RdCinema and music venue, great world music programme
Created from a gasworks that was bombed in the war this secret park has woods, a pond, playground, hard tennis courts, football pitch and jogging track
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Haggerston Park
Yorkton StreetCreated from a gasworks that was bombed in the war this secret park has woods, a pond, playground, hard tennis courts, football pitch and jogging track
Beautiful, open air, full-sized olympic swimming pool. Open all year round but in summer it fills up with the beautiful people.
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London Fields
London Fields West SideBeautiful, open air, full-sized olympic swimming pool. Open all year round but in summer it fills up with the beautiful people.
Swimming pool, gym and Victorian Turkish baths
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York Hall Leisure Centre
21 Old Ford RoadSwimming pool, gym and Victorian Turkish baths
All the latest releases plus herbal tea, homemade brownies and art house films
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Rio Cinema
107 Kingsland High StreetAll the latest releases plus herbal tea, homemade brownies and art house films
Willow is big fan, even though she's scared of heights
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Mile End Climbing Wall
Haverfield RoadWillow is big fan, even though she's scared of heights
Genesis Bio
93-95 Mile End RdCheap and cheerful cinema
Huge cinema complex that is normally deserted. A good place to see National Theatre Live shows which get booked up early at Hackney Picture House
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Cineworld West India Quay
5 Hertsmere RdHuge cinema complex that is normally deserted. A good place to see National Theatre Live shows which get booked up early at Hackney Picture House
Food Scene
Hurwundeki
242 Cambridge Heath RdGet a cheap haircut and a tasty Korean lunch
Proper East End pub serving amazing food. The chips are special
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Marksman Public House
254 Hackney RdProper East End pub serving amazing food. The chips are special
Mr. Buckley's
277 Hackney RoadGreat cocktails
Poco
129A Pritchard's RdOrganic and seasonal British produce
Buen Ayre
50 Broadway MarketThe best steak
Incredible butcher where you can sit around the chopping block after closing and sample their delicious cuts of meat
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Hill & Szrok Master Butcher & Cookshop
60 Broadway MarketIncredible butcher where you can sit around the chopping block after closing and sample their delicious cuts of meat
In a street of pretentious coffee bars this one takes the biscuit
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Climpson & Sons Café
67 Broadway MarketIn a street of pretentious coffee bars this one takes the biscuit
Tre Viet Hackney
245-249 Mare StHigh quality vietnamese grub, no frills, busy
Anatolia Restaurant
251-253 Mare StKebabs done properly
I've been going to this curry house since the 80s and it is now run by the son of the original owner, Mo
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Al-Amin
483 Cambridge Heath RdI've been going to this curry house since the 80s and it is now run by the son of the original owner, Mo
OMBRA
1 Vyner StSimple but original italian food, busy
We try to get here every Friday for freshly cooked fish and chips
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Fish House
128 Lauriston RdWe try to get here every Friday for freshly cooked fish and chips
Nando's
1A Romford RdIf you must
The lobby of this stylish hotel is a great place to nurture a coffee for a couple of hours while you use their wifi
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Ace Hotel London
100 Shoreditch High StThe lobby of this stylish hotel is a great place to nurture a coffee for a couple of hours while you use their wifi
Typing Room
Patriot SquareAnother classy joint for a special night out
Great breakfasts, chilled vibe, very close, Tiko, the owner is an old friend
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Little Georgia Hackney
87 Goldsmiths RowGreat breakfasts, chilled vibe, very close, Tiko, the owner is an old friend
The best curry in London. Our wedding feast was the first non-asian wedding they had ever done. Be prepared to queue
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Tayyabs
83-89 Fieldgate StThe best curry in London. Our wedding feast was the first non-asian wedding they had ever done. Be prepared to queue
There's a very minimal sign but it's worth finding this place
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Hackney Bureau
3 Mare StThere's a very minimal sign but it's worth finding this place
stylish and elegant, yet still retains a hint of grubbiness that suggests an authentic air and an underlying wild nature lurking behind the glimmer
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Wringer and Mangle
Sidworth Streetstylish and elegant, yet still retains a hint of grubbiness that suggests an authentic air and an underlying wild nature lurking behind the glimmer
Cafe featured in countless movies, plenty of East End colour
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E Pellicci
332 Bethnal Green RdCafe featured in countless movies, plenty of East End colour
Franco Manca
52 Broadway MarketPizza
Wonderfully creative, sparkling fresh and delightfully simple cuisine
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Ellory - Hackney, London
1 Westgate StreetWonderfully creative, sparkling fresh and delightfully simple cuisine
Whether you go for a smoked salmon and cream cheese beigel or salt beef beigel you can be sure of a cheap and cheerful 24 hour snack. Popular with tourists, tramps, nightclubbers, taxi drivers and shift workers
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Beigel Bake
159 Brick LnWhether you go for a smoked salmon and cream cheese beigel or salt beef beigel you can be sure of a cheap and cheerful 24 hour snack. Popular with tourists, tramps, nightclubbers, taxi drivers and shift workers
E5 Bakehouse
396 Mentmore TerraceTry the 'Hackney Wild'
Cereal Killer Cafe
192a Brick LnHonestly, breakfast cereal
Authentic Chinese food served by authentically grump waiters. If you like tripe, tendons, pigs ears, huge portions and lots of chillies, this the place for you. They will deliver free to Star of the East if you're feeling really lazy. We have a takeaway menu.
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My Old Place
261 Bethnal Green RoadAuthentic Chinese food served by authentically grump waiters. If you like tripe, tendons, pigs ears, huge portions and lots of chillies, this the place for you. They will deliver free to Star of the East if you're feeling really lazy. We have a takeaway menu.
One of the Bethnal Green originals, this is a great place to go after a busy First Thursday in Vyner Street (see culture)
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Bistrotheque
23-27 Wadeson StOne of the Bethnal Green originals, this is a great place to go after a busy First Thursday in Vyner Street (see culture)
Drinks & Nightlife
Sager + Wilde Wine Bar
193 Hackney RdClassy joint
Dove Arms
24-28 Broadway MarketThe best selection of Belgian and other beers, sausages, moules, frites, heaven.
Satan's Whiskers
343 Cambridge Heath Rdoriginal cocktails, alternative ambience
A great place to see breaking bands before they are famous, plus occasionally some better known ones doing showcase gigs
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Sebright Arms
31-35 Coate StA great place to see breaking bands before they are famous, plus occasionally some better known ones doing showcase gigs
21 beers on tap and plenty more in the fridges that line the whole of one side of this railway arch
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Mother Kelly's
251 Paradise Row21 beers on tap and plenty more in the fridges that line the whole of one side of this railway arch
The Albion in Goldsmiths Row was one of the first football pubs in East London, and though named after West Bromwich Albion it attracts supporters from all over the country and overseas. It is a football pub for real football supporters!
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The Albion
94 Goldsmiths RowThe Albion in Goldsmiths Row was one of the first football pubs in East London, and though named after West Bromwich Albion it attracts supporters from all over the country and overseas. It is a football pub for real football supporters!
Amazing little karaoke room upstairs. Every song you can imagine
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The Star of Bethnal Green
359 Bethnal Green RoadAmazing little karaoke room upstairs. Every song you can imagine
Apparently they have an amazing sound system, but I've only been to their very chilled roof terrace which has great views of the Gasometers
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Oval Space
32 The OvalApparently they have an amazing sound system, but I've only been to their very chilled roof terrace which has great views of the Gasometers
The Pickle Factory
13-14 The OvalArt film screenings and other random events
This place is very popular with artists and there's often something strange going on
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Bethnal Green Working Men's Club
42-46 Pollard RowThis place is very popular with artists and there's often something strange going on
This grade II listed pub is a fairly seedy strip joint by day but hosts Rock-a-billy nights every Saturday night from 12pm until 6am Sunday morning
Ye Olde Axe
69 Hackney RdThis grade II listed pub is a fairly seedy strip joint by day but hosts Rock-a-billy nights every Saturday night from 12pm until 6am Sunday morning
The Royal Oak
73 Columbia RdProper pub with hearty food and good ales and wines
Arts & Culture
Cinema with all the latest releases plus other one-off events
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Hackney Picturehouse
270 Mare StCinema with all the latest releases plus other one-off events
We go to the pantomime every year but there's comedy, drama and music too
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Hackney Empire
291 Mare StWe go to the pantomime every year but there's comedy, drama and music too
You can get here by walking along the canal. Huge beautiful warehouse space showing the best of Modern Art. Check out the canal side terrace at the back. Closed Sundays
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Victoria Miro Gallery
16 Wharf RdYou can get here by walking along the canal. Huge beautiful warehouse space showing the best of Modern Art. Check out the canal side terrace at the back. Closed Sundays
Interesting shows. You can combine with a walk along the canal and a visit to Victoria Miro next door. Open Sundays
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Parasol unit foundation for contemporary art
32 Fitzroy SquareInteresting shows. You can combine with a walk along the canal and a visit to Victoria Miro next door. Open Sundays
1960's modernist school building designed by Ernő Goldfinger. Our son North goes here.
Haggerston School
Weymouth Terrace1960's modernist school building designed by Ernő Goldfinger. Our son North goes here.
Grade II listed block of flats designed by Denys Lasdun and completed in 1957 as a cluster of 4 blocks of maisonettes arranged around a central service tower. Originally council flats, they were sold to developers in the 1990's and are now 'luxury apartments'
Keeling House
Claredale StreetGrade II listed block of flats designed by Denys Lasdun and completed in 1957 as a cluster of 4 blocks of maisonettes arranged around a central service tower. Originally council flats, they were sold to developers in the 1990's and are now 'luxury apartments'
The first London County Council social housing scheme, this charming group of Arts & Crafts buildings is clustered around a circus with bandstand. It replaced a notorious slum known as The Old Nichol Rookery. The “evil” reputation of the Old Nichol owed a lot to Arthur Morrison’s fictionalised account of it in A Child of the Jago.
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Arnold Circus
Arnold CircusThe first London County Council social housing scheme, this charming group of Arts & Crafts buildings is clustered around a circus with bandstand. It replaced a notorious slum known as The Old Nichol Rookery. The “evil” reputation of the Old Nichol owed a lot to Arthur Morrison’s fictionalised account of it in A Child of the Jago.
London Buddhist Centre
51 Roman RdFree meditation and Yoga classes
Beautifully preserved Victorian Music Hall. Check the website for performances
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Wiltons musiksal
1 Graces AlyBeautifully preserved Victorian Music Hall. Check the website for performances
Hoxton Hall
130 Hoxton StVictorian Music hall with events, shows and activities
Balfron Tower was designed by architect Ernő Goldfinger and is associated with the Brutalist style of 1960's architecture. Goldfinger himself was pleased with the design and moved into flat 130, on the 25th floor, for two months in 1968. He and his wife threw champagne parties to find out what the residents liked and disliked about his design. He applied what he learnt to his design for the similar and more famous Trellick Tower in West London.
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Balfron Tower
82 Saint Leonards RoadBalfron Tower was designed by architect Ernő Goldfinger and is associated with the Brutalist style of 1960's architecture. Goldfinger himself was pleased with the design and moved into flat 130, on the 25th floor, for two months in 1968. He and his wife threw champagne parties to find out what the residents liked and disliked about his design. He applied what he learnt to his design for the similar and more famous Trellick Tower in West London.
Robin Hood Gardens was completed in 1972 in Poplar, east London, by the Smithsons, who had already established themselves as two of the key protagonists of the so-called New Brutalism. Based on the concept of "streets in the sky", the estate comprises two concrete slab blocks arranged around a garden made of up raised mounds. Unlike nearby Balfon Tower Robin Hood Gardens is not listed and is scheduled for demolition imminently
Robin Hood Gardens
Woolmore StreetRobin Hood Gardens was completed in 1972 in Poplar, east London, by the Smithsons, who had already established themselves as two of the key protagonists of the so-called New Brutalism. Based on the concept of "streets in the sky", the estate comprises two concrete slab blocks arranged around a garden made of up raised mounds. Unlike nearby Balfon Tower Robin Hood Gardens is not listed and is scheduled for demolition imminently
Round Chapel
1D Glenarm RdEverything from Primary School Carol concerts, ballet and bike workshops to rock bands
Hidden behind this Georgian house is the remains of an amazing Victorian Synagogue. Unfortunately opening hours are very random
19 Princelet St
19 Princelet StreetHidden behind this Georgian house is the remains of an amazing Victorian Synagogue. Unfortunately opening hours are very random
Small selling gallery specialising in prints by Graffiti artists. Alternatively, you could just take a walk around the area with your camera
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Nelly Duff
156 Columbia RdSmall selling gallery specialising in prints by Graffiti artists. Alternatively, you could just take a walk around the area with your camera
Interesting modern art shows if you can persuade the grumpy curators to open the door for you. There are 3 other galleries in this street and one just around the corner on Cambridge Heath Road, so if you time it right it makes for worthwhile trip
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Maureen Paley
60 Three Colts LnInteresting modern art shows if you can persuade the grumpy curators to open the door for you. There are 3 other galleries in this street and one just around the corner on Cambridge Heath Road, so if you time it right it makes for worthwhile trip
Nice gallery with consistently good exhibitions just around the corner from Herald Street where there are 4 other small galleries
Campoli Presti
223 Cambridge Heath RdNice gallery with consistently good exhibitions just around the corner from Herald Street where there are 4 other small galleries
Laura Bartlett Gallery
4 Herald StreetWe always try to visit all the galleries in this street in one go
On the first Thursday of every month all the independent galleries in London hold special events and openings. Vyner Street is always particularly busy
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Vyner Street
Vyner StreetOn the first Thursday of every month all the independent galleries in London hold special events and openings. Vyner Street is always particularly busy