Hackney Wick: What to do and where to live

Queen's Yard and canal boats in Hackney Wick, London

Sitting at the southern end of Hackney, Hackney Wick is a small but culturally rich canalside neighbourhood. A heritage of manufacturing, printing and publishing underpins its creative industries today, with startups and co-work spaces jostling for position alongside some of the liveliest bars, restaurants and cafés in East London. We look at some of the best things to see and do in the area and explore the Wick’s highest-rated new homes.

Hackney Wick pubs, restaurants and cafés

Natura

A classic Italian menu and friendly surroundings make Natura an easy choice for lunch or dinner. Crisp, thin pizzas, rich pasta dishes and the Tarta Della Nonna ‘Grandmother’s Cake’ provide everything you want from an Italian eatery. Fully living up to its slogan of ‘food for life’, Natura is a magnet for local Italians seeking some soul food.

Crate Brewery

The ever-popular Crate Brewery for waterside beers and pizza

If you’ve been to the Wick you’ve probably been to Crate. This is a popular spot thank to its setting beside the River Lea, great pizzas and freshly-brewed beers. Sample the classics with a crisp lager or a bold IPA, or head into uncharted territory with a Citra Sour or a honey-hued Golden beer.

The Roasting Shed

While you’re spoilt for choice for cracking coffee in Hackney Wick, The Roasting Shed is a small batch roastery and cafe that really takes its beans seriously. Drop by for an expertly made long black or creamy macchiato. If you like what you taste, sign up for the company’s subscription service – with different levels for junkies and occasional sippers.

Hackney Wick Entertainment

The Yard Theatre

This Hackney Wick warehouse was converted into The Yard Theatre back in 2011. With an exciting programme of music and theatre events, the venue also works closely with local schools and community centres. Although recently limited by social distancing measures, the performance space and bar are sure to open again soon.

Hackney WickED

This annual art festival brings local artists together for a showcase of the area’s creativity. Studios open their doors to the public and local venues also take part in Hackney WickED, with 45 venues participating in the last festival in 2019. Another victim of the pandemic in 2020, the festival is sure to be revived in the coming years.

Stour Galleries/Café/Studios

This previously-abandoned building was transformed into the Stour Space in 2009, and has been hosting exhibitions and events ever since. Now split into Stour Galleries, Café and Studios, this creative complex offers a unique view of contemporary London Art, focusing on work connected to the Hackney Wick and Fish Island area.

Queen’s Yard Summer Party

This festival of music, food, arts and culture takes place annually in Hackney Wick’s Queen’s Yard and other venues across the neighbourhood. The festival has become an annual fixture and celebrates the best of local creators, artists and producers.

The Wick’s Open Spaces

Wick Woodland

Wick Woodland is a 20-acre nature reserve located next to the Lea Navigation canal. A picnic spot with bench in the centre of the wood offers a tranquil spot to the escape the city.

Wetlands Walks

There are plenty of scenic walking routes that take in Hackney Wick, Fish Island, the Olympic Park and Hackney Marshes. Ramblers can take in the unique mix of regenerated industrial areas, parkland and wetlands that Hackney offers.

New homes in and around Hackney Wick

Now let’s take a look at some of the stylish new homes in the area. These new developments are part of the reinvention of Hackney Wick as a cultural hub, as well as the extensive regeneration of neighbouring Stratford.

Gunmakers by A2Dominion Rental Only, E3

A2Dominion Rental Only
4.17 (8 reviews) 4.17 (8 reviews)
Area guide to Bow
Image of Gunmakers by A2Dominion Rental Only, E3
Located on the banks of the canal by Victoria Park, Gunmakers is a residential development by A2Dominion Rental Only. It features a range of family homes as well as a mix of studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments. The development is only moments away from Victoria Park and only a 20-minute walk away from Hackney […] Read reviews and details of Gunmakers by A2Dominion Rental Only, E3

Bagel Factory, E9

Aitch Group
3.14 (14 reviews) 3.14 (14 reviews)
Area guide to Borough of Hackney
Image of Bagel Factory, E9
Bagel Factory is an Aitch Group development of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, close to Hackney Wick Station. Architects HWO, Hawkins|Brown and Buckley Gray Yeoman were brought in to aid with the creation. Together, the teams have developed an industrial-style set of apartments sitting in the shadow of the famous Victoria Park. Read reviews and details of Bagel Factory, E9

Omega Works, E3

London Green
3.58 (14 reviews) 3.58 (14 reviews)
Area guide to Bow
Image of Omega Works, E3
Omega Works is a popular development sitting on the corner the Hertford Canal and the River Lea, on what is known as Fish Island. Within a stone’s throw from the apartments are popular riverside cafes, bars and restaurants in the heart of Hackney Wick. The development is just a 5-minute walk to Hackney Wick station, […] Read reviews and details of Omega Works, E3

Fish Island Village, E3

The Hill Group, Peabody
4.30 (26 reviews) 4.30 (26 reviews)
Area guide to Bow
Image of Fish Island Village, E3
Fish Island Village is a joint venture development by Hill and Peabody, and comprises a collection of one, two and three apartments. Located conveniently between the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Victoria Park, the development is less than a twenty-minute walk away from Westfield Stratford Shopping Centre as well as being only a twelve-minute walk […] Read reviews and details of Fish Island Village, E3

The Foundry, E3

Weston Homes
3.50 (11 reviews) 3.50 (11 reviews)
Area guide to Bow
Image of The Foundry, E3
The Foundry is a new-build residential development featuring 121 apartments on Monier Road in Fish Island, Hackney Wick, developed by Weston Homes Plc. The property’s one, two and three-bed apartments are less than a 20-minute walk from Hackney Wick train station, while Stratford station is walkable in around 25 minutes. Crossrail will improve transport links […] Read reviews and details of The Foundry, E3

Discover more new homes in the area with our guide to the Top 10 Stratford apartments according to residents. Alternatively, explore our area guide to Hackney for more info on this sought-after neighbourhood.

The former Lord Napier pub in Hackney Wick

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written by

Jan Moys

A residential property expert with over 15 years’ experience creating content... Read all

A residential property expert with ov... Read all