This exciting part of East London is now a highly sought-after area, and has developed a thriving fashion and arts scene. Its close proximity to the City makes it particularly attractive for those looking to buy or rent. The area is of great architectural significance, as there are approximately 1300 listed buildings in Hackney, as well as contemporary new builds, ex-council homes, warehouse conversions, Georgian villas and Victorian terraces.
It’s hard to believe, but it wasn’t that long ago that Hackney featured on the list of ‘worst places to live’. The 2012 Olympics saw massive upgrades in infrastructure, and there has also been considerable investment in other sectors, such as Hackney Walk. All of this has seen the popularity of the area soar and recently Hackney made the Sunday Times ‘Best Places to Live’ list!
Fulfilling your lifestyle aspirations…
Hackney Walk is described as a ‘fashion outlet district’, combining retail, commercial offices and studio space for global and UK fashion brands. Dubbed ‘the fashion hub’, it is currently home to global accessories brand Anya Hindmarch, tailors Gieves & Hawkes and designer Henry Holland’s House of Holland label. The outlet was designed by architect David Adjaye, with many of the stores set within freshly renovated Victorian railway arches. Another place to visit has to be Tiosk, who describe themselves as ‘Modern Merchants of Tea’ and can be found in Broadway Market, where you can sample a wealth of teas – hot and cold – as well as a delicious food menu.
There are several fantastic green spaces in Hackney, including Hackney Downs. The park, which opened in 1884, is a lovely place for a walk or cycle ride, and also offers a wealth of facilities, including a children’s play area, basketball courts, floodlit tennis courts and a football pitch. The Picturehouse cinema is a great place to spend an evening, whether to watch a live screening of a ballet, a performance by the RSC, or to attend one of their many quizzes and events.
Over the years, the Hackney Empire has seen everyone from Charlie Chaplin to Eddie Izzard tread the boards. This Grade II Listed building was one of the first theatres to have electric lights and central heating installed. Today it’s at the heart of the area’s regeneration efforts, and the theatre runs as a charity maintained by local residents. The diverse programme ranges from drama and family productions to cabaret, music and, of course, the annual pantomime.
Getting around
Hackney Central is an Overground station which provides a link to the Victoria Line at Highbury & Islington. There are frequent trains from Hackney Downs station to Liverpool Street, and the area is also served by several bus routes, including the 30, 38, 48, 55, 242 and D6.
Families will love
It doesn’t have to be summer in Hackney to enjoy outdoor swimming. The 50m Olympic-sized heated pool at London Fields Lido is open all year round and offers swimming lessons for all ages. Children can experience farming on their doorstep at Hackney City Farm. Established in 1984, the aim of the farm is to enable local people to get up close to the animals, plant vegetables and learn new skills.
There are many good schools in and around the area, including Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School, London Fields Primary School and Queensbridge Primary School. To discover properties within the catchment area, contact Franklyn James, sales and letting agents Hackney.
