Corporate Accommodation in Hackney
Business travellers choose Hackney as a base as Hackney is a destination in itself. It is minutes from the city and other business districts but it’s also a place from where the corporate world can very much be ‘escaped’.
The fact that Hackney is very much an evening entertainment district and as far removed as possible from the daytime corporate world is one of the things that most appeals to business travellers.
The serviced apartments in Hackney offered by TheSqua.re also offer the perfect solution to the modern demands of business travellers. Even for those who don’t want to go out and sample the delights of Hackney’s night life.
The apartments not only offer plenty in terms of home entertainment, including a modern flat screen TV as standard, they also offer private areas in which to relax in. Difficult to find in traditional hotel accommodation unless it’s amongst other people or in an overpriced suite.
There’s also the added bonus of a fully equipped kitchen. Eating out every night can end up being a tiresome, not to mention expensive process.
All of the serviced apartments in Hackney mentioned above are also close to public transport links, vital for busy corporate travellers.
Holiday Accommodation in Hackney
Hackney might not traditionally have come top of many leisure traveller’s lists regarding places to stay in London. However, as a place which local Londoners seek out in order to have a good time it is fast becoming an in-demand location for the millions of leisure travellers that visit the city every year.
Serviced apartments in Hackney offer many perks to the discerning holidaymaker. First of all there’s the location. Hackney, despite not having an actual tube station itself, is still well immersed in the public transport of London. Easy connections to places such Liverpool Street open up the whole of London and all the famous landmarks, attractions and sights that come with it.
The apartments offered by TheSqua.re are also some of the finest properties in the area. Tastefully decorated, modern, luxurious with all the mod-cons. Gone are the days when leisure travellers were happy to stay at accommodation that offered them much less than their own homes.
Holidays are a time of fun and relaxation. If someone wants to cook a meal or even make their own sandwich for a day out in their accommodation then it should be possible, as standard.
This is where serviced apartments in Hackney from TheSqua.re meets these simple demands where traditional accommodation cannot.
Where to Stay in Hackney
Hackney is sometimes viewed as a place occupied by hipsters and the achingly trendy. This isn’t of course completely true, as with any place there are different areas each with its own unique personality.
In fact, in years gone by some of these would have been their very own little town or village.
Modern Hackney includes places such as Dalston, Homerton, Shacklewell, Kingsland, Upper & Lower Clapton, Hackney Central & Hackney Wick (area around the stations) and South Hackney.
Hackney is very much considered an integral part of East London but interestingly, places like Stamford Hill, De Beauvoir Town and West Hackney are all accepted areas of Hackney, but aren’t always considered as East London.
Facts About Hackney
Everybody knows that London has a rich and varied history, it’s one of the reasons why so many people flock to the city every year. But London is a big place and hasn’t always been one giant metropolis. Towns and villages have been brought together over the years to form what we know as the Capital.
Hackney has its own history and its own facts, here are a few:
- As a whole, Hackney is very much considered part of East London. But North and West Hackney are actually part of North London.
- The accepted centre of Hackney is the area around Mare Street and the church of St John at Hackney.
- The meaning of the name ‘Hackney’ is disputed. One of the favoured suggestions is ‘Island on the Bend’.
- The first record of Hackney is from 1231 when it was referred to as Hakney. In 1242 it was referred to as Hakeneye.
- Many of Alfred Hitchcock’s first films were recorded in Hoxton.
- There are over 1,300 listed buildings in Hackney.
- In the last consensus, the population of Hackney was just under 215,000.
- The London Borough of Hackney is twinned with Oslo, Norway and Bridgetown, Barbados.
Cost of Living in Hackney
One of the downfalls of gentrification is the ultimate rise in the cost of living. In previous years Hackney would easily be classed as one of the areas of London with a low cost of living, in modern times it has risen to be comparable to other locations this close to Central London.
In the last decade Hackney has transformed from one of the least desirable areas in London to one of the most sought after. Increased demand leads to increase in property prices and rentals. However, the people that are generally flooding to the area are coming from more central areas of London so for many, the cost of living is lower in comparison.
Tips for Visiting Hackney
A stay in Hackney means staying somewhere which still has a feel of ‘proper’ London about it. It’s at the heart of London and is a prime example of the melting pot that makes up this most cosmopolitan of all capitals.
For anyone who’s not staying in Hackney during their trip, there’s plenty of reasons to visit as highlighted below. For those that are staying in serviced apartments in Hackney, there’s some tips too.
- Regents Canal on the western side of Victoria Park is perhaps one of the most picturesque walks in London.
- Victoria Park Market on a Sunday is a foodie heaven.
- An Oyster card purchase on arrival will ensure access to the cheapest most efficient way around London.
- Hackney is a haven for artists, as seen by many of the murals on the walls. There are some proper works of art to find, hidden amongst the scribbles.
- The Columbia Flower Market is a highlight, especially in the summer months.
- In warmer times, Hackney is the king of al fresco dining and drinking.
Things to Do in Hackney
Being as close as it is to Central London, Hackney is in an ideal location to be able to enjoy many of London’s finest sights. It also has a thing or two to go and see itself.
Q. What are the most popular landmarks in Hackney?
Here’s a few of the most popular things in Hackney.
- London Fields Lido.
- Broadway Market.
- Gainsborough Studio Apartments (Hitchcock sculpture and blue plaque mark former usage).
- Rio Cinema.
- Hackney Empire.
Q. What are some free things to do in Hackney?
London can be expensive so free is always good. Here are a few freebies.
- Victoria Park.
- Hackney City Farm.
- Browse in Broadway Bookshop.
- Abney Park Cemetery (nature reserve!).
Q. Are there many excursions to be had from Hackney?
Hackney is situated in an ideal location from which to take excursions to places further afield.
Shoreditch and Dalston are within walking distance and well worth an explore. Both are very upmarket areas of London which have somehow kept their 1990s artistic character too.
The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is close by too. See the place that helped to make the 2012 Olympics in London such a big success.
Q. What are the most family-friendly things to do in Hackney?
There are plenty of things to do with children in Hackney, some already mentioned. There are often family shows on at the Hackney Empire theatre and the Rio Cinema often shows family films.
The Hackney City Farm is a particular favourite with families, it’s free too although donations should be considered. There’s the usual line up of sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits, ducks, goats, donkeys and geese. Plus, there’s a farm shop and a cafe, using produce grown on the farm itself.
Places to Visit in Hackney
Although Hackney isn’t the place to find any of London’s most iconic attractions, it is definitely a great base from which to explore the local area and beyond. Here are some more places to explore in Hackney or the surrounding areas.
- London Fields - play areas, BMX track and wildflower meadow.
- Viktor Wind Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art and Natural History - a jumbled mix of the curious, bizarre and the occult.
- The London Loom - a drop-in weaving studio which is perfect for craft fans.
- Broadway Market - produce, books, flowers, vintage goods and much more.
- Sutton House - National Trust, oldest residential building in the London Borough of Hackney.
- Stamford Hill - home to Europe’s largest community of Haredi Hasedic Jews and therefore the place to find the best kosher supermarkets, delis and bakers.
- West Reservoir Centre - natural peace and quiet, wetlands, nature reserve, swimming and other waterspouts.
Places to Eat in Hackney
Hackney has always been a cosmopolitan and diverse part of London and gentrification has not changed this in terms of the sheer range of things that are available to eat. There’s a seemingly endless range of cultural food to sample, from fairly high-end eateries to hole in the wall takeaways.
It’s not just a case of picking a cuisine either. The Hackney eatery scene caters for all needs, including vegan, gluten free and any other requirement.
Here’s a selection:
- Mao Chow - vegan Chinese takeaway.
- Casa Fofó - highly recommended tasting menu.
- Marksman - British pub grub.
- Scout Bar - seasonal menu, great for cocktails.
- Peg - Japanese bar food.
- Angelina - Italian/Japanese fusion.
- Hill & Szrok - steaks and meats.
- Crate Brewery - beer and pizza.
Shopping in Hackney
People come to London simply for the shopping, drawn to legendary shopping places like Oxford Street, Regent Street, Carnaby Street and Covent Garden. The huge malls of the Westfield name, including Westfield London, the largest covered shopping space in the capital, are also big draws to shopping fans once they’re here.
Hackney isn’t an area for big retail. But choosing one of the serviced apartments in Hackney from TheSqua.re will put shoppers on the doorstep of many of the capitals most famous shopping areas and a few more specialist ones.
- Kingsland Shopping Centre.
- BOXPARK Shoreditch.
- Ridley Road Shopping Village.
- Broadgate Circle.
- Westfield Stratford City.
Transportation in Hackney
Renting a serviced apartment in Hackney from TheSqua.re will guarantee a base which is close to the London Transport network. This in turn opens up all of the major sights and landmarks in London.
Hackney is covered by six rail stations including London Overground and National Rail stations.
- Hackney Central - Overground.
- Hackney Downs - Overground and National Rail.
- Hackney Wick - Overground.
- London Fields - Overground.
- Homerton - Overground.
- Dalston Junction - Overground and bus station.
Hackney is also well covered by London buses. At least twenty buses link the area with the surrounding areas of London during the day, with five night buses operating during the evening.
Weather in Hackney
Hackney follows the same weather patterns as the rest of London and South East England. Which in turn match the weather patterns of Western Europe. Although, as an exposed Atlantic island there are some differences. The most significant of which is the temperatures do not get as hot in summer, and do not drop as far in winter. In other words, there is less of a distinction in seasons when compared to other nearby countries.
August, as Hackney’s sunniest month, is the best time to enjoy the al-fresco dining. October is probably the month where it’s best to seek indoor activities, being as it is the wettest month in Hackney.
