Vince & Rachael's recommendations
Hackney Wick / Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Area
One of a few remaining warehouse districts in London, Hackney Wick is a creative and artsy district with warehouses, canals, plenty of street art and lots of hidden spots. Definitely worth checking out! I've added a few places you can visit if you decide to explore the neighbourhood :-)
Here's another hidden gem. This one is right next to CRATE Brewery. It has more variety in terms of beers, and the space is slightly bigger if you're trying to find a table. In terms of food, there's a great BBQ joint in Howling Hops as well as some other snacks you can get. Definitely worth the visit!
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Howling Hops
Unit 9A White Post LnHere's another hidden gem. This one is right next to CRATE Brewery. It has more variety in terms of beers, and the space is slightly bigger if you're trying to find a table. In terms of food, there's a great BBQ joint in Howling Hops as well as some other snacks you can get. Definitely worth the visit!
Number 90 is a bar / restaurant that transforms into a night club by night. It's got a great warehouse vibe to it -- tall ceilings and open spaces, but at the same time can feel cozy.
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Number 90 - Bar & Restaurant
94 Wallis RdNumber 90 is a bar / restaurant that transforms into a night club by night. It's got a great warehouse vibe to it -- tall ceilings and open spaces, but at the same time can feel cozy.
Great Italian with views to the canal, what more is there to say? If you're exploring the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this is a lunch spot to consider!
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Gotto Trattoria
27 E Bay LnGreat Italian with views to the canal, what more is there to say? If you're exploring the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, this is a lunch spot to consider!
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick
29 East Bay Lane
Cornerstone by Chef Tom Brown
3 Prince Edward RdBeer Merchants Tap
99 Wallis RdSignorelli bakery-cafe
7 Victory Parade
Fish House
128 Lauriston RdGreat pit stop for a sunny afternoon whilst exploring the olympic park area and surroundings!
La Gelatiera
1 W Park WalkGreat pit stop for a sunny afternoon whilst exploring the olympic park area and surroundings!
Shoreditch & The City
Pizza Pilgrims
11 Dean StreetIn their own words: "Opened early last century by Zoroastrian immigrants from Iran, there were almost four hundred cafés at their peak in the 1960s. Now, fewer than thirty remain. These cafés broke down barriers by bringing people together over food and drink. Bombay was more welcoming, more cosmopolitan, for their existence. Dishoom pays homage to the Irani cafés and the food of all Bombay."
Dishoom is a Bombay café type of restaurant, leveled up to London "food scene" standards. There's actually a few locations. Four in London, but I've added my two favourites in terms of decor and atmosphere: Shoreditch, and Carnaby/Soho.
Definitely get the Black Dal (a Dishoom favourite!) and the Okra fries as starters to share. The menu is mostly tapas-like: small plates to share, so it's best to visit as a couple or a group of friends.
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Dishoom Shoreditch
7 Boundary StIn their own words: "Opened early last century by Zoroastrian immigrants from Iran, there were almost four hundred cafés at their peak in the 1960s. Now, fewer than thirty remain. These cafés broke down barriers by bringing people together over food and drink. Bombay was more welcoming, more cosmopolitan, for their existence. Dishoom pays homage to the Irani cafés and the food of all Bombay."
Dishoom is a Bombay café type of restaurant, leveled up to London "food scene" standards. There's actually a few locations. Four in London, but I've added my two favourites in terms of decor and atmosphere: Shoreditch, and Carnaby/Soho.
Definitely get the Black Dal (a Dishoom favourite!) and the Okra fries as starters to share. The menu is mostly tapas-like: small plates to share, so it's best to visit as a couple or a group of friends.
Cay Tre Hoxton Shoreditch
301 Old StTroy Bar
10 Hoxton StXi'an Biang Biang Noodles
62 Wentworth StQueen of Hoxton
1 Curtain RdBOXPARK Shoreditch
2-10 Bethnal Green RdNedjeljni sajam na Brick Laneu
Brick LaneCHANEL FRAGRANCE & BEAUTY
105a Commercial StPizza East Shoreditch
56 Shoreditch High StAndina Shoreditch
60-62 Commercial StDishoom Shoreditch
7 Boundary StMien Tay
106-108 Kingsland RdSông Quê Café
134 Kingsland RdBrewDog Shoreditch
51 Bethnal Green RdMuch-loved Punjabi restaurant serving aromatic, spicy dishes in a no-frills, contemporary interior. Coal grill and great flavours all round! It's not in exactly in Shoreditch, but it's not too far -- Whitechapel.
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Tayyabs
83-89 Fieldgate StMuch-loved Punjabi restaurant serving aromatic, spicy dishes in a no-frills, contemporary interior. Coal grill and great flavours all round! It's not in exactly in Shoreditch, but it's not too far -- Whitechapel.
Walthamstow
A good local pub with decent food and a decent beer on tap selection. Cozy atmosphere, and a beer garden!
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The Bell
617 Forest RdA good local pub with decent food and a decent beer on tap selection. Cozy atmosphere, and a beer garden!
Probably one of the best pizzas in London. There's also one in Bethnal Green and another in Hoxton. Cozy and not too expensive! Pizzas cost around £10. I also recommend the burrata as a starter to share!
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Sodo Pizza Walthamstow
21 Hatherley MewsProbably one of the best pizzas in London. There's also one in Bethnal Green and another in Hoxton. Cozy and not too expensive! Pizzas cost around £10. I also recommend the burrata as a starter to share!
Sitting area is a bit small, but they do deliveries in the neighbourhood so it's, in my opinion, the best pizza delivery in Walthamstow! Wood fired stone oven and a New York style crust. 🍕👌🏽
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Yard Sale Pizza
105 Lower Clapton RdSitting area is a bit small, but they do deliveries in the neighbourhood so it's, in my opinion, the best pizza delivery in Walthamstow! Wood fired stone oven and a New York style crust. 🍕👌🏽
Neon light paradise. A must see, even if it's just for the Instagram shots!
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Gods Own Junkyard
Shernhall StreetNeon light paradise. A must see, even if it's just for the Instagram shots!
Local gastropub with good food, good drinks, and good atmosphere.
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The Chequers Pub Walthamstow
145 High StLocal gastropub with good food, good drinks, and good atmosphere.
This location was an old cinema, and it still keeps its modernist architecture. It gets busy on weekend nights with locals. Good for cocktails, but also your regular beer. They also serve food!
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Mirth, Marvel and Maud
186 Hoe StThis location was an old cinema, and it still keeps its modernist architecture. It gets busy on weekend nights with locals. Good for cocktails, but also your regular beer. They also serve food!
Gokyuzu Walthamstow
42D Selborne RdMy favourite Turkish restaurant in Walthamstow.
Jamaican cuisine and great rum selection. They also do takeaway (and they're on Deliveroo if you want delivery).
Rhythm Kitchen E17
257 Hoe StJamaican cuisine and great rum selection. They also do takeaway (and they're on Deliveroo if you want delivery).
A local classic pie and mash house that doubles as a cocktail bar at night (the cocktail bar is called The Jellied Eel, and is usually a pop-up during summer and from time to time the rest of the year).
Pie and mash is a traditional working-class food, originating in the East End of London. Pie, mash and eel shops have been in London since the 19th century -- and Manze's is considered to be the oldest pie and mash shop still running. The other is probably F. Cooke in Broadway Market.
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Manzes
76 High StA local classic pie and mash house that doubles as a cocktail bar at night (the cocktail bar is called The Jellied Eel, and is usually a pop-up during summer and from time to time the rest of the year).
Pie and mash is a traditional working-class food, originating in the East End of London. Pie, mash and eel shops have been in London since the 19th century -- and Manze's is considered to be the oldest pie and mash shop still running. The other is probably F. Cooke in Broadway Market.
There are quite a few shops and street food joints here. It's made up of shipping containers and it's mostly outdoor sitting. Worth a visit if the weather is good. I recommend Hanoi Ca Phe (vietnamese) and the Italian Bakery (pizzas and bakes). It's relatively new so the list keeps growing! There's also a small brewery taproom here.
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St James Street station
There are quite a few shops and street food joints here. It's made up of shipping containers and it's mostly outdoor sitting. Worth a visit if the weather is good. I recommend Hanoi Ca Phe (vietnamese) and the Italian Bakery (pizzas and bakes). It's relatively new so the list keeps growing! There's also a small brewery taproom here.
A local pub with live jazz bands on Sunday evenings. They have a patio at the back which is great in the summer months. Very down to earth and unpretentious, good for a relaxed drink.
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The Nags Head
216 Dunmow RdA local pub with live jazz bands on Sunday evenings. They have a patio at the back which is great in the summer months. Very down to earth and unpretentious, good for a relaxed drink.
Do you like craft beer? Clapton Craft is a small independent shop that sells craft beer and a curated selection of wines and spirits.
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Clapton Craft
97 Lower Clapton RdDo you like craft beer? Clapton Craft is a small independent shop that sells craft beer and a curated selection of wines and spirits.
This is a great option for breakfast or brunch and it's just minutes from the flat. Good coffee, toasties, breakfast bowls, and even better sourdough bread in the bakery section! They've also got cakes, quiches, salads and a daily soup on the menu.
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Today Bread — Sourdough Bakery & Cafe
This is a great option for breakfast or brunch and it's just minutes from the flat. Good coffee, toasties, breakfast bowls, and even better sourdough bread in the bakery section! They've also got cakes, quiches, salads and a daily soup on the menu.
Okay, this is not really in Walthamstow, but it's close enough and definitely worth a mention. Some say it's one of the best Thai restaurants in London. This is a real traditional, family run, Thai food restaurant. A local favourite!
It's a bit out of the way, but a good way to fit it into your plans would be to spend the day in central or east London, then take the central line to Leytonstone at the end of your day. There are a few direct buses from Leytonstone to Walthamstow Central, so getting back to the flat after dinner won't be a hassle.
Be sure to call and ask if they have any free tables or make a reservation, as it's quite popular and gets busy!
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Singburi
593 High Rd LeytonstoneOkay, this is not really in Walthamstow, but it's close enough and definitely worth a mention. Some say it's one of the best Thai restaurants in London. This is a real traditional, family run, Thai food restaurant. A local favourite!
It's a bit out of the way, but a good way to fit it into your plans would be to spend the day in central or east London, then take the central line to Leytonstone at the end of your day. There are a few direct buses from Leytonstone to Walthamstow Central, so getting back to the flat after dinner won't be a hassle.
Be sure to call and ask if they have any free tables or make a reservation, as it's quite popular and gets busy!
Hackney
A former industrial hub, East London’s Hackney has undergone huge regeneration in recent years to become the city’s most liveable borough. Home to young creative types, it’s an area with strong community ties and is known for its great food and unmatched nightlife.
Hip, industrial-chic pizzeria with a 'disco ball' oven, for brunch, drinks and Italian small plates. The polenta, when available, is delicious.
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LARDO
201 Richmond RdHip, industrial-chic pizzeria with a 'disco ball' oven, for brunch, drinks and Italian small plates. The polenta, when available, is delicious.
The best burgers in Hackney (and probably in London?). Period.
They have a few other restaurants in central London so, if you're looking for a burger and you're not in Hackney, look them up and find out where your nearest one is!
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Patty & Bun Hackney
205 Richmond RdThe best burgers in Hackney (and probably in London?). Period.
They have a few other restaurants in central London so, if you're looking for a burger and you're not in Hackney, look them up and find out where your nearest one is!
Rooftop bar with great views of East London and The City. Young crowd and lively atmosphere. It might be a hidden secret.
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Netil360
1 Westgate StRooftop bar with great views of East London and The City. Young crowd and lively atmosphere. It might be a hidden secret.
Great cocktails, drinks, and wood fired pizzas. Overall very cool establishment.
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Mare street market
117 Mare StGreat cocktails, drinks, and wood fired pizzas. Overall very cool establishment.
Bohemia Place is right next to Hackney Central Station, but you'll miss it if you're not looking for it. There's quite a few nice bars in this small alley.
I'd probably categorise Night Tales under "nightlife", but to be honest, it's also a good place for a late evening drink. It gets busy and the atmosphere is lively. You're in Hackney, so expect a hip crowd.
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Night Tales
14 Bohemia PlBohemia Place is right next to Hackney Central Station, but you'll miss it if you're not looking for it. There's quite a few nice bars in this small alley.
I'd probably categorise Night Tales under "nightlife", but to be honest, it's also a good place for a late evening drink. It gets busy and the atmosphere is lively. You're in Hackney, so expect a hip crowd.
Gastro pub that houses a night club in the top floor. It's open til late and you'll sometimes need to pay an entry fee if there's an event (usually after 10pm).
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Oslo Hackney
1A Amhurst RdGastro pub that houses a night club in the top floor. It's open til late and you'll sometimes need to pay an entry fee if there's an event (usually after 10pm).
One of the few parks in Hackney to let you have BBQs on weekends. The location is great -- right next to Broadway Market and Mare Street. Walking around the park and the surrounding area is a beautiful way to get to know the borough. A good mix bars and places to grab a bite, intermixed with residential areas. Great for picnics! Sometimes a bit too busy as it's not that big.
If you're looking for a bigger park for a picnic and a local atmosphere, Victoria Park might be what you're looking for!
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London Fields
London Fields West SideOne of the few parks in Hackney to let you have BBQs on weekends. The location is great -- right next to Broadway Market and Mare Street. Walking around the park and the surrounding area is a beautiful way to get to know the borough. A good mix bars and places to grab a bite, intermixed with residential areas. Great for picnics! Sometimes a bit too busy as it's not that big.
If you're looking for a bigger park for a picnic and a local atmosphere, Victoria Park might be what you're looking for!
This one's a great Hackney cafe serving wraps and sandwiches,
sweet and savoury bakes, juices (green and fruits alike), oh and great coffee too. Pacific Social Club is a perfect stop-off point when exploring the area. Their Venezuelan empanadas are great!
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Pacific Social Club
8 Clarence RdThis one's a great Hackney cafe serving wraps and sandwiches,
sweet and savoury bakes, juices (green and fruits alike), oh and great coffee too. Pacific Social Club is a perfect stop-off point when exploring the area. Their Venezuelan empanadas are great!
Dim Sum. Not frozen, not pre-made, but prepared each day by hand. If there's ONE place you visit in Hackney, let it be this. It has a communal touch to it -- long tables and benches, sat next to other guests, which sort of feels great and social. It's a great atmosphere, and even better food.
Ask for the pork belly if they still have some, and check if turnip cakes are on the list. Also look out for the daily specials!
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My Neighbours the Dumplings
165 Lower Clapton RdDim Sum. Not frozen, not pre-made, but prepared each day by hand. If there's ONE place you visit in Hackney, let it be this. It has a communal touch to it -- long tables and benches, sat next to other guests, which sort of feels great and social. It's a great atmosphere, and even better food.
Ask for the pork belly if they still have some, and check if turnip cakes are on the list. Also look out for the daily specials!
Low-lit brasserie with stripped walls and banquettes, for French-inspired menu and cocktails.
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The Elephants Head
43 Lower Clapton RdLow-lit brasserie with stripped walls and banquettes, for French-inspired menu and cocktails.
One of my favourite wine bars in Hackney, but maybe I'm biased because they're Spanish. Great charcuterie and cheeses (and some other nibbles) to accompany an even better wine selection.
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Furanxo
85 Dalston LnOne of my favourite wine bars in Hackney, but maybe I'm biased because they're Spanish. Great charcuterie and cheeses (and some other nibbles) to accompany an even better wine selection.
Arguably London’s hippest market, this Hackney stalwart is a weekend destination for fresh produce, vintage clothes and delicious street food.
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Broadway Market
Broadway MarketArguably London’s hippest market, this Hackney stalwart is a weekend destination for fresh produce, vintage clothes and delicious street food.
My pick for the best Argentinian restaurant in London. They specialise in parrilla char-grilled steaks and red wines. They also have a vegetarian parrilla (with cheese).
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Buen Ayre
50 Broadway MarketMy pick for the best Argentinian restaurant in London. They specialise in parrilla char-grilled steaks and red wines. They also have a vegetarian parrilla (with cheese).
Columbia Road Flower Market is a street market in Bethnal Green. Columbia Road is a road of Victorian shops. The market is open on Sundays only.
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Columbia Road Flower Market
Columbia RoadColumbia Road Flower Market is a street market in Bethnal Green. Columbia Road is a road of Victorian shops. The market is open on Sundays only.