Any right-minded person would agree that Hackney is one of the best places to live in the world.
While it may be within touching distance of the City of London, Hackney is a wellspring of alternative thinking, packed with creativity.
And among the markets, art galleries, coffee shops, design studios and shared-workspace complexes you will find some of the planet’s most exciting eateries and bars.
It’s not all ocean-spanning fusion, bang bang pheasant, and avocado-coffee street food wagons though. You’ll still find boozers which have been part of east London’s heritage for centuries. They may have vastly expanded offerings of ‘nolo’ beers and craft ales brewed with apricot or coal, but the pub is still the pub.
We’ve picked out just six of what we think are among the best in the borough, from a landmark beauty on the edge of one of our green spaces, to prime spots for live music, to possibly the best London location for a pint of Guinness.
Hackney, famously, has no Tube stations but that is no excuse - other rail and bus options are plentiful so get yourself there and you might just find your perfect pint.
While it may be within touching distance of the City of London, Hackney is a wellspring of alternative thinking, packed with creativity.