Hackney Wick: What to do and where to live

Sitting at the southern end of Hackney, Hackney Wick is a small but culturally rich canalside neighbourhood. A heritage of manufacturing, printing and publishing underpins its creative industries today, with startups and co-work spaces jostling for position alongside some of the liveliest bars, restaurants and cafés in East London. We look at some of the best things to see and do in the area and explore the Wick’s highest-rated new homes.

New homes in and around Hackney Wick

Now let’s take a look at some of the stylish new homes in the area. These new developments are part of the reinvention of Hackney Wick as a cultural hub, as well as the extensive regeneration of neighbouring Stratford.

*PLEASE NOTE these rankings take into account how many reviews a scheme has and how recently those reviews have been submitted, so may not match the overall star ratings shown. Buildings with a larger number of more recent reviews are given a greater weighting to reflect current building performance.

Stone Studios, E9

Telford Homes

4.34 (26 reviews)
4.34 (26 reviews)

Area guide to Borough of Hackney

Sitting pretty in the number 1 spot for Hackney Wick is Stone Studios, a development by Telford Homes consisting of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. Stone Studios is a 2-minute walk from Hackney Wick station. Furthermore, Stratford is only 2 minutes and Kings Cross is 20 minutes away by train. Additionally, residents at the development benefit from amenities such as a 12-hour concierge, bike storage, communal courtyards and car parking.

Read reviews and details of Stone Studios, E9

Bagel Factory, E9

Aitch Group

3.14 (14 reviews)
3.14 (14 reviews)

Area guide to Borough of Hackney

Scooping 2nd place it’s Bagel Factory, an Aitch Group development of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, close to Hackney Wick Station. Architects HWO, Hawkins|Brown and Buckley Gray Yeoman were brought in to aid with the creation. Together, the teams have developed an industrial-style set of apartments sitting in the shadow of the famous Victoria Park.

Read reviews and details of Bagel Factory, E9

East Wick + Sweetwater by Places for People, E20

Places for People

3.99 (7 reviews)
3.99 (7 reviews)

Area guide to Stratford

In 3rd, East Wick + Sweetwater will offer over 1800 new homes when fully completed, as well as new schools, nurseries and community spaces.

One happy resident says: “The design on the building and flats are great. Spacious and modern living space. The on-site staff at the building are pleasant and very helpful.”

Read reviews and details of East Wick + Sweetwater by Places for People, E20

Omega Works, E3

London Green

3.58 (14 reviews)
3.58 (14 reviews)

Area guide to Bow

Next up, Omega Works is a popular development sitting on the corner the Hertford Canal and the River Lea, on what is known as Fish Island. Within a stone’s throw from the apartments are popular riverside cafes, bars and restaurants in the heart of Hackney Wick. The development is just a 5-minute walk to Hackney Wick station.

Read reviews and details of Omega Works, E3

Fish Island Village, E3

The Hill Group, Peabody

4.38 (30 reviews)
4.38 (30 reviews)

Area guide to Bow

And finally, we round off the Hackney Wick list with Fish Island Village itself. This is a joint venture development by Hill and Peabody, and comprises a collection of one, two and three apartments. This new community benefits from a concierge and a resident’s gym, which also has bespoke artwork, courtesy of local artist Xenz. There is over 50,000 sq ft of commercial space, all of which will be occupied by social enterprise The Trampery, as a new campus for fashion, innovation and sustainability.

Read reviews and details of Fish Island Village, E3

Hackney Wick pubs, restaurants and cafés

Natura

A classic Italian menu and friendly surroundings make Natura an easy choice for lunch or dinner. Crisp, thin pizzas, rich pasta dishes and the Tarta Della Nonna ‘Grandmother’s Cake’ provide everything you want from an Italian eatery. Fully living up to its slogan of ‘food for life’, Natura is a magnet for local Italians seeking some soul food.

Crate Brewery

The ever-popular Crate Brewery for waterside beers and pizza

If you’ve been to the Wick you’ve probably been to Crate. This is a popular spot thank to its setting beside the River Lea, great pizzas and freshly-brewed beers. Sample the classics with a crisp lager or a bold IPA, or head into uncharted territory with a Citra Sour or a honey-hued Golden beer.

The Roasting Shed

While you’re spoilt for choice for cracking coffee in Hackney Wick, The Roasting Shed is a small batch roastery and cafe that really takes its beans seriously. Drop by for an expertly made long black or creamy macchiato. If you like what you taste, sign up for the company’s subscription service – with different levels for junkies and occasional sippers.

Hackney Wick Entertainment

The Yard Theatre

This Hackney Wick warehouse was converted into The Yard Theatre back in 2011. With an exciting programme of music and theatre events, the venue also works closely with local schools and community centres. Although recently limited by social distancing measures, the performance space and bar are sure to open again soon.

Hackney WickED

This annual art festival brings local artists together for a showcase of the area’s creativity. Studios open their doors to the public and local venues also take part in Hackney WickED, with 45 venues participating in the last festival in 2019. Another victim of the pandemic in 2020, the festival is sure to be revived in the coming years.

The former Lord Napier pub in Hackney Wick

Stour Galleries/Café/Studios

This previously-abandoned building was transformed into the Stour Space in 2009, and has been hosting exhibitions and events ever since. Now split into Stour Galleries, Café and Studios, this creative complex offers a unique view of contemporary London Art, focusing on work connected to the Hackney Wick and Fish Island area.

Queen’s Yard Summer Party

This festival of music, food, arts and culture takes place annually in Hackney Wick’s Queen’s Yard and other venues across the neighbourhood. The festival has become an annual fixture and celebrates the best of local creators, artists and producers.

The Wick’s Open Spaces

Wick Woodland

Wick Woodland is a 20-acre nature reserve located next to the Lea Navigation canal. A picnic spot with bench in the centre of the wood offers a tranquil spot to the escape the city.

Wetlands Walks

There are plenty of scenic walking routes that take in Hackney Wick, Fish Island, the Olympic Park and Hackney Marshes. Ramblers can take in the unique mix of regenerated industrial areas, parkland and wetlands that Hackney offers.

Discover more new homes in the area with our guide to the Top 10 Stratford apartments according to residents. Alternatively, explore our area guide to Hackney below for more info on this sought-after neighbourhood.

Borough of Hackney

Once upon a time, Hackney was topping lists of Britain’s worst places to live. But the borough has had a colossal transformation in recent years. and now, E8 is one of the capital’s most fashionable postcodes. Read on to discover developments that are the Read more about Borough of Hackney

HomeViews is the only independent review platform for residential developments in the UK. Prospective buyers and tenants use it to make an informed decision on where to live based on insights from carefully verified resident reviews. Part of Rightmove since February 2024, we’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to give residents a voice, recognise high performers and to help improve standards across the industry.

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