Bethnal Green

Bethnal Green has always done things its own way. While its trendier neighbours—Shoreditch and Hoxton—might grab more headlines, this East London enclave has a rich working-class history, a thriving creative scene, and a proper sense of community that keeps it refreshingly down to earth.

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Bow

Bow is packed with history but never stuck in the past. It’s the original home of ‘Cockney’, the birthplace of Bow porcelain, and a key battleground in the Suffragette movement—Sylvia Pankhurst led the fight for women’s rights from here. These days, Bow is a mix of old and new, where historic streets meet creative energy.

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Clapton

Clapton has come a long way from its days as a rural retreat for London’s wealthy. The area’s past is woven into its streets, from grand Victorian terraces to the former tram depot on Chatsworth Road, now a creative hub, it’s now one of Hackney’s most exciting neighbourhoods—full of charm, creativity, and a buzzing community spirit.

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Dalston

Dalston: where old-school East End grit meets neon-lit creativity, and you’re never more than five minutes from an excellent coffee, a killer bao bun, or a warehouse gig that somehow goes on till sunrise. Hard to believe this buzzing cultural hotspot was once all fields and farms, but in the 19th century, as London expanded, Dalston started to urbanise. Fast forward through its post-industrial years, and it’s now a melting pot of artists, musicians, and long-standing working-class communities, all adding to its unique, ever-evolving energy.

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De Beauvoir

Tucked away between Hackney and Islington, De Beauvoir Town feels like a well-kept secret—peaceful, picturesque, and full of character. Its village-like charm comes from its tree-lined streets, elegant Regency-style houses, and a strong sense of community. The area takes its name from the wealthy De Beauvoir family, who once owned much of the land here, but today it’s home to a mix of creatives, families, and long-time locals who love its balance of tranquillity and city life.

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Hackney Central

Hackney Central has a long and fascinating history, evolving from a rural Tudor-era village into a bustling industrial and cultural hub. Back in the 19th century, the railway brought industry, factories, and a whole lot of hustle. Hackney became a powerhouse for textiles, furniture making, and brewing—because even then, East London knew the value of a good pint. Some of the area’s grand old buildings still hint at its prosperous past, but these days, they’re more likely to house cool cafés than corset factories.

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Hackney Wick

Once a marshy landscape, Hackney Wick became an industrial powerhouse in the 19th century, home to chemical plants, paint factories, and even the world’s first synthetic plastic, ‘Parkesine’. It also played a quirky role in food history—Dr. Kellogg’s made Britain’s first dry breakfast cereal here. But by the mid-20th century, factory closures left the area in decline.

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Haggerston

With its mix of Georgian and Victorian terraces, green spaces, and canal-side charm, Haggerston is one of East London’s most effortlessly cool neighbourhoods. The Regent’s Canal runs right through its heart, attracting everything from ducks to narrowboat dwellers, and giving the area a relaxed, waterside feel.

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Homerton

Homerton: where Tudor history, creative energy, and top-tier pub grub come together in one of East London’s most underrated gems. Once a sleepy rural village, Homerton threw itself into silk weaving and manufacturing in the 18th and 19th centuries, helping to dress London’s elite (or at least keep them in fancy curtains). Then came the railway, and boom—urban development took off, transforming the area into a bustling working-class neighbourhood.

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Islington

It’s hard to believe that Islington was once a peaceful countryside retreat, famous for freshwater springs and farmland dating back to the medieval period. These days, the only thing springing up is another fantastic restaurant, indie shop, or buzzing bar. But if you look past the lively streets, you’ll still find plenty of elegant Georgian terraces, Victorian townhouses, and charming squares that hint at its long history.

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Shoreditch

Shoreditch has always been a bit of a rule-breaker. Back in 1576, it was home to The Theatre—England’s first-ever playhouse — where Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet probably made their debuts. When the theatre was dismantled in 1598, its timbers were literally recycled to help build The Globe on the South Bank.

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Stoke Newington

“Stokey” as locals affectionately call it, is one of North London’s most charming and character-filled neighbourhoods. With its leafy streets, independent shops, and relaxed ‘villagey’ feel, it’s the perfect blend of city buzz and neighbourhood warmth.

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Victoria Park

“Vicky Park” to just about everyone who loves it—is more than just a green space; it’s a London institution. Opened in 1845 after a whopping 30,000 residents petitioned for it, it was designed as the “People’s Park”—a much-needed escape for Eastenders looking for fresh air and open space. Inspired by Regent’s Park, it quickly became a hub of leisure, political rallies, and even Victorian bathing ponds.

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Welcome to Hackney

Hackney is the pulsating heart of London’s creative community. Close to the City geographically (if not culturally) there’s always something going on. It’s fast-paced, lively and constantly reinventing itself. Despite its trendy urban credentials, there’s plenty of green space nearby including Victoria Park and London Fields.

Where do you start with Hackney? It can feel like it’s all been said before, but, of course, it can’t have been because the area is constantly evolving, which is what keeps it so fresh. It’s just what happens when a neighbourhood has such a high population of creative innovators.

Even fans of Hackney’s scruffier edges love the imaginative ways that the area has been regenerated, with thoughtfully-designed stores, bars and coffee shops sitting comfortably alongside sleek architecture and beloved institutions such as Ridley Road Market.

Despite all this urban buzz, the area has a surprisingly large amount of green space, including Hackney Wick, Victoria Park and London Fields, which fill up with a mix of visitors and locals at weekends. Whether they go on to have food at a Michelin-starred restaurant, a pint in The Talbot or a swim in the lido, they’re all united in their love of this most unique community.

A word from our Hackney area expert…

I feel right at home in Hackney, although I’m originally from Greece. You can be anyone, wear whatever you like and always feel welcome. The multiculturalism here comes across in the diversity of the cafés, restaurants, shops and bars. From specialty coffee shops and Michelin star restaurants to beautiful parks and art galleries, Hackney has something for everyone.

Weekends at Victoria Park or Broadway market are filled with great community energy, international delicacies and local artisan creations. For dog lovers, the marshes are beautiful for afternoon and weekend walks with your four-legged friends. And while you’re there, you can stop by the river Lea at the Princess of Wales for a Sunday roast, Here East for brunch, or Crate Brewery for pizza and a local beer.

Properties in the area vary from characterful Victorian and Georgian houses to charming local authority red-brick blocks and beautifully designed modern developments with communal roof terraces.

I have found my home in Hackney and it holds a very special place in my heart.

Eva Bouzaki
Hackney Sales Manager
+ E8 Resident

Hackney ’s
Places + Wonders

If you enjoy a night out, Hackney is the place for you. Our local team worked tirelessly into the early hours to cherry pick some of the area’s world-class clubs, bars and music venues.

Hackney ’s
Features + Perks

Vibrant nightlife

Breweries, eclectic clubs, intimate bars, warehouse parties, world-class music venues… The only thing you probably shouldn’t expect if you visit Hackney late in the day is an early night. This part of east London attracts visitors from across the globe, but residents get to enjoy it without the dash for a night bus home.

Great Pubs

Great British pub culture is alive and well in Hackney. In fact, according to CAMRA, it’s the only London borough where the number of pubs has risen this century. With everything from traditional old boozers to gastropubs, favourites include The Victoria, The Hemingway and The Talbot.

Plenty of period property

Thanks to a property boom in London during and after the reign of Queen Victoria, the borough of Hackney has one of the highest concentrations of Victorian and Edwardian housing. Today you’ll find everything from Victorian flat conversions near Victoria Park to grand Grade II listed Georgian homes around London Fields.

Easy access to the City

City workers living in Hackney not only make a big saving on travel, they’ve got an extra push to keep fit. Although the borough covers a large area, almost all of it is a walk, jog or peddle from Liverpool Street and Bank. If that’s not possible, there are plenty of bus and train routes.