Five reasons we love Hoxton

When you want to unwind with a long playlist (or podcast), have a wander along the Regent’s Canal towpath, where you can avoid the bustling streets while walking from east to central London. The path itself passes the likes of Little Venice and all its colourful narrowboats, London Zoo’s aviary and the craft stalls of Camden Town. If it’s a classic green space that you’re after, Shoreditch Park is a sprawling 19 acres, with a playground, amphitheatre, beach volleyball court, pitches for football and rugby, ping pong tables, a giant boulder for rock climbing and public art displays. 

The oldest street market in Hackney, Hoxton Street Market is an institution that’s been running since 1687. It’s got classic East End charm, with a vibrant collection of stalls spanning traditional fruits and vegetables, street food and handmade goods from local vendors. Found just a short walk from Shoreditch, it’s played a key role in building a strong community and has recently received a cash injection that’s allowed for new-look stalls.

Did you know? Thanks to FREENOW, the mobility super app, you can book a black cab using just a few taps. No hailing required! 

Museum of the Home (formerly the Geffrye Museum) is a lovely little place set within 18th-century almshouses. There, you can explore domestic history from the 1600s to the present day through original furniture, paintings, textiles and decorative arts, alongside regularly-changing exhibitions. Meanwhile on the border of Islington and Hoxton, Victoria Miro covers two floors and is recognised both as a place for emerging artists and installations by creatives such as Yayoi Kusama. It also represents Turner Prize winners Grayson Perry and Chris Ofili, among others – so you always know you’ll find something exciting here. 

We all know east London is a hotbed for top-tier dining. One of the best places to eat in the area, Rapsa@100 Hoxton is an uber cool spot serving Filipino fusion across weekly specials, grazing plates and a la carte meals. Star dishes include oxtail kare kare croquettes, tiger prawns in XO sauce and salmon kilawin. Meanwhile, Cocotte brings classic rotisserie to the centre of Hoxton, offering bottomless brunch, lunch, desserts and dinner menus showcasing 24-hour marinated chicken slathered in signature herbs and spices. And for something more casual, you have the neighbourhood fave Sodo Pizza. This pop-up kitchen in the George and Vulture pub features sourdough pizza with a focus on seasonal ingredients and flavours. 

How’s this for a quick getaway? On average, your FREENOW private ride is just six minutes away. Nice!

Hoxton is also home to some of the city’s most sought-after bars. Happiness Forgets is a top spot for high-end cocktails, offering a lively atmosphere in a stylishly minimal setting. Oh, and it’s a secret bar too. Oranj is arguably one of the buzziest new bars in London and has quickly accumulated a cult following online for its stylish interiors, natural wines and guest kitchens. It doesn’t matter if you’re just stopping by for one, you’re sure to be impressed by its cool, exclusive vibes. For maximalist vibes, Callooh Callay is an award-winning spot that’ll have you sipping on top-tier cocktails in a plush environment. Think dim lighting, velvet seating and high-end ingredients across the board.