The Hackney Series: De Beauvoir Town & Haggerston
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photography by roz alcazar
With a blink of an eye, September is once again upon us. Where did summer go? Some may say it has just arrived to London, whereas others are already thinking about their costumes for Halloween, myself included.
As I return back to my London home, I can’t help myself thinking how lucky I am to call this beautiful and vibrant city home. I know that the moment I step foot in London, there will be something extraordinary waiting for me to explore, and that’s a feeling I like, a feeling that I crave.
Those of you that have been reading my stories may know that Haggerston in Hackney is my home base. What I may not have told you, is how much the area has changed since I moved here more than 5 years ago.
Oldies like myself will tell you that Haggerston was a passersby neighborhood in between Shoreditch and Dalston. Nowadays, it is a destination on its own. Don’t believe me? Then try it for yourself by spending a day (or a few) visiting the area and trying my favorite spots. All you have to do is pick-and-choose from my favorites below. By the end of the day you’ll feel there so much more to explore.
You can thank me later. For now, enjoy the ride.
The perfect day in this East London outpost starts with a coffee, or with coffee and breakfast.
Coffee lovers out there, you have two main options: Shed and Batch Baby.
Shed is located by Haggerston Overground station, whereas Batch Baby is located in the midst of De Beauvoir Town. Both coffee shops are run locally and serve specialty coffee. Shed usually has more of a coffee-on-the go vibe and serves Caravan coffee, whereas Batch Baby is a multi-roaster cafe ser and has more of sit down and enjoy space. If you wish, you can also co-work in both spaces.
Now, if you are looking for a more substantial meal, then you should try out De Beavoir Deli. Here you’ll find coffee, bagels, pastries, and new york style sandwiches and toasties that will fill you up with a smile on your face. After brekkie, you can also splash the cash with some bougie grocery shopping. Perello olives, a charcuterie counter and Dusty Knuckle bread are on offer her. All pleasure to my ears and my palatte.
Both Haggerston and De Beauvoir Town are residential neighborhood with lovely shops and restaurants around. I would say that it is a beautiful area to have walks, but not necessarily to do historical sightseeing, if that is what you are after. However, you can embark yourselves in lovely long paths by the canal and there are two parks where to relax with friends or alone reading a book: Stonebridge Gardens and Haggerston Park.
If you are seeking to do an activity, The Big London Bake offers a unique ‘British Bake Off’ experience. Sooner than you think, you’ll find yourselves competing to make the best cake of the day.
However, if baking isn’t your jam, there are a few more things you could check out on the activity front:
Otherworld, an immersive virtual reality experience you can play alon or with others
Tripspace, a Yoga and Dance space to explore your innerself in a deeper matter
N1 Garden Center, a plant heaven to explore which new creatures you’ll like to take home and take care of
Got your clothes dirty while baking? Check out The Steam Room, a dry-cleaners turn clothing shop only a few meters away from the venue. All I will say is that it is worth a visit, even if you don’t leave any items in the wask.
Is it time to eat yet? A glass of wine or a pint anyone? We heard you.
Not one but THREE favorite pubs: De Beauvoir Arms for its cozy evenings in leather sofas and delicious and affordable steak and wine, Scolt’s Head for a beautiful afternoon in the garden and the Rosemary Branch for a good roast and a theatre night
A glass of wine is always welcome and for that I’d like to introduce Hector’s and Finleys. Excellent selection in a cute little setting.
If you are more of a cocktail animal, then you’ll be in your element at A bar with shapes for a name, which in less than a year has made it to the Top 50 bars in the world. For the tequila lovers, Hacha and its mirror margarita is a must.
Hold on a minute, we went into ‘eating is cheating’ mode? No, no, no. A good meal is a must.
Berber & Q will be my forever love affair with Middle Easter meets African meets Mediterranean food, in a space under the arches that will make you feel like you are ready to party.
Caravel is a romantic restaurant set up in a barge by the canal and it holds a special place in my heart. Certainly a unique, special place serving delicious continental food.
The Sea & The Sea is the new kid in the block and only for those who’d like to splash the cash. If willing, it’s supposed to be incredible good. Seafood menu and chef’s table style. Only seats a very few so it’s definitely one for special ocassions.
The day its advancing and its time for a boogie. We got you covered for pretty much any day of the week: The Jago for unusual music events on a weekday, Brilliant Corners on a Friday for audiophile lovers and renowned DJs, The Glory on a Saturday for the love of queerness and The Haggerston on Sundays for great Jazz sessions.
Not enough? You can wrap up the night with a night cap at the members-club (not so members-club) at The Kings Head.
Bonsoir careless readers, hope you have fun.
TCB xx