Travelling has been almost impossible for the best part of the past year, and while London is one of the greatest cities in the world, sometimes the need to escape still comes creeping in. As travelling will remain difficult for the next few months, the Hackney Post has found some ways to satisfy your wanderlust right here in your own borough.
Bike ride by the canal
Regent’s Canal runs directly through Hackney and is the perfect Sunday cycle route if you fancy pretending you are in Amsterdam. Fear not if you do not own a bike as Hackney has plenty of Santander cycles’ pick-up spots where you can rent one. Start your trip at The Angel in Islington and make your way across Hackney along Regent’s Canal. Stop in Haggerston at one of the canal-side cafés for a coffee and take your time as you ride past the houseboats. The Haggerston stretch includes several pieces of street art to distract you from sore legs – including the famous Haggerston sharks floating on the canal. If you want, you can follow the canal all the way past Victoria Park to the Thames.
Picnic in the park
Nothing says Paris like a French picnic. First of all, head to one of Hackney’s many patisseries, such as Belle Epoque Patisserie for some exquisite French sweet treats, or Fabrique Bakery Hoxton for a fresh loaf of bread. Arm yourself with a blanket, your preferred red wine and some charcuterie and cheese, before making your way to what is arguably Hackney’s most picturesque green space: Springfield Park. Considered by many to be an untouched gem only ever visited by locals, Springfield Park is the perfect place to forget that you are in London. Pick a sunny spot by the river, read a book and enjoy your French goodies. With a little imagination, you might even dream yourself away to the Jardin du Luxembourg.
Stroll down Hackney’s markets in the sunshine
Markets on a sunny day are exactly what is needed to let the mind flow to warmer, southern skies. Just like southern Europe, Hackney boasts several markets with something for everyone. For a farm-to-table experience of fresh fruit, vegetables and animal produce, head to Growing Communities farmers market in Stoke Newington on a Saturday. If you are looking for market hall vibes, like the traditional Spanish markets, Ridley Road Market is the place to be. The market hall is open Monday to Saturday. If you prefer instant gratification, Broadway Market is for you, with many stalls selling everything from doughnuts to scotch eggs to street food. Make sure you pick a sunny day, throw on some sunglasses, and take your time picking out the perfect bits for your weekend lunch table.
Browse foreign supermarkets
There is no denying that food can provide a powerful sense of transporting you to somewhere completely different. Hackney is one of the most diverse boroughs in London, and for that reason plenty of supermarkets showcase products that are anything but traditionally English. East Asian supermarket chain Longdan has two shops in the borough where you can get anything from spices to ready meals for an East Asian spread. TFC Dalston is the place to go for Middle Eastern goods, while Chez Chiyonka in Clapton has everything you need for Afro-Caribbean food. Take your time researching recipes or borrow a family member’s old recipe book before heading to the supermarket. A home-cooked meal could be just the thing to transport you far away from moody England.
