Boundary arguments are common in East London and Haggerston seems to be one of the most controversial topics. Although few are entirely sure where the limits of this lively area are, everyone knows that it’s an essential part of the London Borough of Hackney and one of the best locations in London to eat off menus from around the world. Haggerston is surrounded by Dalston, Bethnal Green and Hoxton so you may have accidentally already visited without realising. However, if that’s the case we’d recommend that you make a more intentional trip next time around, as this is a part of London with plenty to offer, for locals and beyond.

Haggerston in facts

• It’s often considered an up and coming area but Haggerston is mentioned in the Domesday book – back then it was known as Hergotestane.
• Haggerston has been home to some highbrow residents who have achieved some pretty impressive feats in life. Among them are William Randal Cremer, who was once the local MP, and won the Nobel Peace Prize, as well as Rachel Whiteread, a sculptor and Edmond Halley (of Halley’s Comet fame) was born here.
• Haggerston has its own Riviera on the Regents Canal. Here you’ll find a range of cafes, galleries and social enterprises – all independent – between Kingsland Road and south of De Beauvoir Town.

All about the Overground

Haggerston has an Overground station and it was the arrival of this development that really began to open up the area to anyone living and working in central London. It’s possible to walk to the City or from Haggerston, or even Canary Wharf if you’re fit, but a train journey with a change at Canada Water is much quicker. Haggerston station also has trains that will take you to Dalston, Highbury & Islington, Crystal Palace and Clapham Junction. For walkers and cyclists, Haggerston offers easy access to the Regents Canal towpath, which goes out to Victoria Park in one direction and Islington in another. The best place to pick up buses in the area is Haggerston Station – from there you can jump on the 242 to Homerton Hospital or the 149, which goes towards London Bridge.

An urban environment?

Despite its relatively small size, Haggerston has its own park and the BMX track here is incredibly popular. This is also where you’ll find the Hackney City Farm, which is an oasis of nature and wildlife right in the heart of the city. London Fields is just a short stroll from the centre of Haggerston, home to the iconic brewery as well as the legendary Lido.

Family friendly?

There is some debate about whether Haggerston has up and come enough yet to be the most family friendly area. Certainly, the contingent of yummy mummies here is small-ish – for now. Part of this is the perceived lack of options when it comes to schools in the area. However, Haggerston actually has three primary schools rated “outstanding” by Ofsted, including Holy Trinity in Richmond Road. There are also three state comprehensive schools here and, in terms of private education, the top performing City of London School and City of London School for Girls are not that far away.

Foodie friendly for sure

There’s an air of the undiscovered in Haggerston, as this part of East London hasn’t yet had quite the exposure of the likes of Dalston and Shoreditch. So, if you’re a food fan looking to be first to the new finds you’ll love what’s on offer here. If you’re looking to sample different cuisines, the Venezuelan fare at Arepa & Co hits all the right notes of salty and fried. You’ll also find excellent ramen in Haggerston (see Tonkotsu East) and flavours from the Middle East, North Africa and across the Ottoman at Berber and Q.

Haggerston also excels at brunch and coffee spots, including the Haggerston Espresso Room. We’d recommend the vege breakfast at Long White Cloud, complete with mouth-watering halloumi, or the Shakshuka at The Barge House.

Broadway Market also deserves a mention in terms of foodie options in Haggerston (although the debate about whether it’s actually in the area still rages). This street is a hub of culinary delights, from the stalls themselves to the stores that surround them. You’ll find everything from olive focaccia to antipodean coffee and exceptional donuts here.

Essential culture and nightlife

Going out in Haggerston can be an eclectic experience – if you pick your locations carefully. As well as being a hot breakfast spot, the Barge House is an idyllic place to stop for a beer, especially in the warmer months and is pretty popular with the after work crowd. There’s no doubt that The Geffrye Museum on Kingsland Road is a Haggerston hot spot when it comes to culture. You’ll also find a wide range of art and movement at the TripSpace Projects experimental studio space.

Haggerston fitness

Momentum Training is located on Stean Street in Haggerston and the aforementioned TripSpace offers a range of dance and yoga classes. Thanks to its prime East London location, so close to Dalston and Shoreditch you’re really only ever a short walk from the training schedule of your dreams, whether that’s some sort of salsa, boxing or traditional weight training.

Haggerston – the latest

If you’re looking for news and updates on the area, it falls within the wider borough of Hackney so the Hackney Gazette is a great source of information. As letting agents in Haggerston Storeys often posts about happenings in the area so you can also keep up to date via our Twitter (@storeys_london).