South Hackney is something of a well kept secret as far as East Londoners are concerned. As this part of the wider Borough of Hackney doesn’t have an Overground station it’s often overlooked in terms of being a fantastic location in which to live. However, its position within the vicinity some of the best local eating and entertainment, as well as its sought after E9 post code, are quickly changing that. In fact, Vogue has called South Hackney “The New Shoreditch” and a quick wander around this part of East London will show you why.

In the know

• Famous faces who have lived in and around this part of Hackney include Lord Alan Sugar, actor Michael Caine and actress Barbara Windsor.
• The area that is South Hackney is considered somewhat nebulous but is often defined by the two small settlements that constituted South Hackney in Tudor times – one was around Grove and Lauriston Roads and the other where Grove Street and Well Street meet.
• South Hackney is pretty up and coming glamorous now but was once home to many almshouses and a lot of chimney sweeps (the Two Black Boys public house marked the heritage of the area’s sootier residents on the site that now houses Bernie Grant House in Well Street).

Getting there and away

South Hackney has not been blessed by an Overground station, which is one of the reasons why it has remained largely below the radar. However, that doesn’t mean that it is badly connected by any stretch of the imagination. There are multiple Overground stations all around, including London Fields, Homerton and Hackney Wick. The closest access to the London Underground is Bethnal Green, which is an easy stroll from South Hackney. There are also plenty of bus routes that run through the area to all the compass points of London, including six daytime routes, such as the 26, which will take you all the way to Waterloo, and two night time routes.

Gorgeous green spaces

There is no “South Hackney Park” but you certainly won’t be short of gorgeous green spaces if you’re lucky enough to live or stay in this part of London. These are just some of the nearby natural locations to explore:

London Fields. An easy walk from most of South Hackney and a great place for cycling, walking the dog or just sitting in the sun with a coffee or beer. Also the location of the London Fields Lido, essential for cooling off on summer city days.

Victoria Park. With a 170 year heritage, Victoria Park holds a special place in the hearts of Londoners. It has everything, from a boating lake to a bowling green and also forms part of a “green corridor” that runs from the River Thames at Limehouse, along the Regents Canal and through Mile End Park.

Hackney Downs. There are plenty of facilities for locals on Hackney Downs, including a dog free area, basketball courts and a football pitch. Hackney Downs has a Green Flag award, which is the benchmark national standard for parks and green spaces in the UK.

Schooling spots

For such a small area, South Hackney does well in terms of schools with numbers up in double figures – and most are well above average in terms of ratings. There are also several independent schools in the area and access to specialist schools that cater to specific individual need.

South Hackney life

If you believe the Vogue feature on South Hackney it’s really all about multiple coffees and the Columbia Road Flower Market. And this certainly is a particularly rich area if you love your java and your peonies of a weekend. However, there is also more to South Hackney than just somewhere to get a great roast or take photos with cabbage flowers for Instagram.

You can’t walk that far in South Hackney without being tempted in somewhere for coffee – and possibly a cardamom cinnamon bun. However, it’s worth seeking out the coffee truck COFFEE8, which is usually located on Narrow Way in the mornings if you’re looking for a particularly special start to the day. Hackney Fresh is a great place to shop if you’re keen to find fruit and veg at not too hipster prices and Broadway Market has a vast array of options for consumption at any time of the night or day, whether you’re looking for gin or cakes (or both).

Pubs are plentiful here – London Fields’ Pub on the Park is in a great spot and considered fairly reasonably priced by the locals. In the winter, The Chesham Arms is a favourite thanks to the cosy atmosphere and the smoky smells of the log fire. If you’re looking for a more sophisticated drinking spot there are lots to choose from. We love Sager + Wilde for their always surprising wine list and beautiful interior aesthetic (check out the countertop on the bar). Foodies love this area too, whether you’re keen to find the ultimate Sunday roast somewhere like The Marksman or browse everything that’s on offer at Netil Market. Bistrotheque is a must visit, especially for brunch aficionados.

Lifestyles can be shaped in pretty much any way in South Hackney – spend your spare moments at the Hackney Picture House or browsing the designer names at Hackney Walk. Get your daily exercise in at the London Fields Lido or head to any one of the chic yoga studios or on trend gyms that are easy to find in this part of the city. From here you’ve got access to all the amenities, culture, art and nightlife of the wider Borough of Hackney, from the Hackney Empire to the clubs clustered around Shoreditch. Plus, the rest of London is just a short bus, train or taxi ride away.

South Hackney news

South Hackney is contained within the broader Borough of Hackney so the Hackney Gazette is a great source of information. As letting agents in South Hackney Storeys often posts about happenings in the area so you can also keep up to date via our Twitter (@storeys_london).