Hackney Wick has the highest concentration of creative practitioners and artist studios anywhere in Europe, which makes it the perfect place for curious urbanites to gatecrash for a day. Bars, shops and restaurants are popping up among the warehouses and beside the canal, so you’ll be rewarded should you make the effort to head out east of East London.
Take the Overground to Hackney Wick Station — or better still, join the Regent’s Canal at Broadway Market and enjoy the 45-minute hike along the towpath (where you can keep a look out for wild terrapins) and into the neighborhood. Largely filled with live/work spaces and studios, the spoils are spread out in Hackney Wick, so it’s worth knowing where you’re going once you’re there.
Start at Counter Café, a relaxed waterside brunch spot to fuel up at. Try the poached eggs, potato cakes and smoked salmon for an alternative to the same-old appeal of Eggs Benedict. Having sampled the salmon, head to the source — the dazzling Forman’s. Located on Fish Island, you’ll find a smokery, restaurant and contemporary art gallery housed within the bright pink complex. You can visit the Smokehouse Gallery on Thursday 5-9pm and 12-5pm on weekends.
For shopping, make for Felstead Street. Visit the ‘world-famous’ (number one account on Discogs) record reseller Vinyl Pimp’s store and then stop in at Skinny Eric’s vintage bike shop for Colnago’s, Cinelli’s, et al. If you’re looking for something beefier on two wheels, the nearby Muff Customs motorcycle shop has got you covered. And even if you’re not in the market for a new hog you can go indulge your Sons of Anarchy side by admiring the machines on display and grabbing a drink in the showroom café.
By late afternoon you’ll want to rest those weary legs, and at this stage, there’s nowhere better to watch the sun go down than beside the canal at Crate Brewery and Pizzeria. Order the Moroccan lamb and pine nut pizza, wash it down with the Crate IPA and salute your day in Hackney Wick.
