Located in the east of the city, this neighborhood is a hotbed of restaurants, cafes and shops with sustainable credentials . Base for many artists, designers and creatives in general, the inevitable gentrification that has taken place in the last decade has also brought positive changes, and now it is easier than ever. live the dream sustainable life without leaving the neighborhood . Here we give you an itinerary so you can spend a perfect day discovering all the secrets of Hackney without giving up philosophy slow living.
The bakery E5 Bakehouse It is the best place to start the day with good vibes. From toast with jam and butter to a bacon and egg bun, the sourdough bread and the sweets they make are made with british flours milling on site . A very unusual luxury!
Hoxton Square, in Hackney, a square that is always full of life and where it is worth stopping to rest.
the park of London Fields , located two minutes from the bakery, is the best place to watch life go by and discover the trends to come – especially on weekends, when the concentration of cool people skyrockets. In broadway market On Saturdays there is a market where dozens of artisans sell their products, from homemade mozzarella until hand knitted jumpers , you can always find treasures. And there are also stalls with already cooked food, both sweet and savory. On the same street, it is worth taking a look at the 69b store , which has high-quality clothing and a guarantee of sustainability while the bookstore Broadway Bookshop , with two floors and charm to give and take, has a good selection of books on the environment and nature.
Following this route, it is worth detouring, albeit briefly, to the Canal de Regent's and give a little river walk enjoying the sun, if it accompanies, and the environment in which the natural mixes with memories of another time, such as the sculptural gasholders.
For food there are several options. If you fancy a bit of the rural world in the city, the Italian restaurant frizzing , which is located on the farm Hackney City Farm and what does it use proximity product , is your place. Silo London , in Hackney Wick –you can get there on foot following the canal– defines itself as the first restaurant zero waste , and it is true that everything, from the furniture, all made from recycled material, to its system for recycling and creating its own compost, is designed to create the minimal waste . Another good alternative is lard , which, despite their name, are transforming their menu in the name of sustainability, and now 75% of the menu is vegetarian.
Of course, have lunch at one of the stalls in the broadway flea market It's always a hit, especially if it's a nice day and you can enjoy the take-away with a picnic in London Fields. Gujarati Rasoi , has an exquisite vegan menu: samosas, chutneys Y curries.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to take a bohemian sunset stroll along the River Lea along Regent's Canal.
In the afternoon, a visit to the gallery of whitechapel , which always has groundbreaking events and interesting exhibitions, will serve as an inspiration to continue the day discovering new worlds. For an art route discovering less established galleries, you can detour to Mare Street , a street that a few years ago was known as the death mile due to the level of violence it witnessed and that is now the epicenter of this neighborhood with so much life . There, diverting you to streets like Vynner St. , you will find a succession of spaces of different sizes and concepts dedicated to photo exhibitions, installations, performances , etc.
On Sundays it is celebrated in Columbia Road the flower market more popular of the city, but it is worth visiting that street any day of the week, especially if you like the design . Well, in addition to his victorian charm and how well preserved its classic and humble homes are, you will also be able to discover a dozen independent shops –there is no room for any chain in the whole street– dedicated to offering objects with guarantees of sustainability and respect by the people who produce them. Some examples are A Portuguese Love Affair Y Mason & Painters , and if you go, don't miss the gallery Columbia Road Gallery to see the latest work by indigenous artists.
If hunger is squeezing, in Cub , situated in Hoxton and founded by legendary cocktail expert Ryan Chetiyawardana and the chef Douglas McMaster (founder of Silo ), offer a tasting menu based on the anti-waste concept. For a more informal meal, the The Spread Eagle , the first vegan pub in town , it's a good option.
For sleeping, The Buxtons , a hotel conceived with the sustainability in mind, with a gastropub well known and with roof garden with stunning views.
To find all kinds of ideas about what to do in London and much more, go to VisitBritain.