A Guide to London's Hackney

Jo lives in Dalston, arguably the coolest part of Hackney, East London. She’s originally from Lancashire in Northern England but loves this part of the capital for its relaxed vibe and the fact that you can find everything you need here, in abundance. When she’s not at work as a fashion talent director – basically getting people their dream jobs – she’s hitting up her neighborhood’s best cafes and stores.

Part of our Five Reasons series, here you’ll find the most local of tips – from unique hotels to small businesses and secret spots (we trust you to keep these on the DL). Because we firmly believe there’s no better way to get to know a place than when guided by someone who knows it best.

Read on for Jo’s favorite places to eat, drink, stay, and shop in Hackney, East London.

Name: Jo Gilmour

Home: Hackney, East London

From: Lancashire, Up North

Job: Talent Director at Talent Atelier, placing the world’s best talent from fashion, lifestyle, and DTC into dreamy jobs

Five reasons to visit Hackney, East London

The food

First, Casa Fofō – it’s right on my street and has an awesome and very accessible tasting menu with a killer wine list. I also spend a lot of time in Del74, for the best tacos in London, along with amazing pitchers of margaritas. Also, Pophams Bakery is a real gem in Hackney –  I’d travel across town for their marmite, cheese, and spring onion pastry is one of the most delicious things I’ve ever eaten; they also flip into a pasta restaurant in the evening.

The hotel

Just beyond Hackney (if we’re being strict about it), The Hoxton, Shoreditch is the original in the hotel group. I take clients for breakfast, which I love because I can take my dog, too. They also have an amazing rooftop restaurant that’s great in summer.

The store

Blue Mountain School. It’s beyond a store – it’s an exhibition space, you can find mind-blowing fragrances, get bespoke furniture and buy one-off pieces.

The thing to do

Work out with Hackney’s most hench at Barbers Gym. It’s the ultimate combination of specialist and accessible. If you want to learn how to lift weights, this is your place.

The culture

I love Victoria Miro Gallery, for the exhibitions, and also the building – it’s in one of Hackney’s former furniture factories, which makes for a great space to showcase art.

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