Home to funky vibes, bohemian wonders and an eclectic mix of restaurants and bars, Hoxton is a prime neighbourhood in London that’s well worth your attention. Next door to Shoreditch, it’s another locale where you will find some of the capital’s most creative minds, so expect to be rubbing shoulders with the innovators of London. If you’re considering living in Hoxton or are thinking about calling the N1 postcode “home”, have a flick through our suggestions for where to go in this trendy neighbourhood.
Places to eat and drink in Hoxton
Hoxton Street Market
The oldest street market in the Borough of Hackney, Hoxton Street Market was first established way back in 1687. And it's still going strong today with its location just behind Hoxton Square. A wander along the market is your opportunity to taste delightful street bites and shop for craft and fashion accessories from a new generation of traders who are making Hoxton Street Market one of the best in the capital.
It's open every Sunday to Monday between 10.30am and 4pm, as well as on Saturday’s from 10am to 4pm. The Saturdays feature also a specialist fashion market that features cutting-edge designs to discover.
Address: Hoxton Street, N1 5JX
Follow: @hoxtonstmarket
Via Emilia by FOOD ROOTS
If you’re living in Hoxton, then down head to Via Emilia. It’s an authentic Italian haunt in the heart of Hoxton where you can chow down on homemade pasta. Relax in interiors that feature white marble and dark stained wood, with aged steel, copper and caged displays that create a modern, yet warm and inviting atmosphere.
Via Emilia is just a five-minute walk from Old Street Tube Station and enjoys a location on Hoxton Square. There’s a selection of meats and wines on the menu, not to mention hand-made pasta from the Emilia-Romagna.
Address: 37a Hoxton Square, N1 6NN
Follow: @viaemilia.restaurant
Colours Hoxton
Dance, create, eat, meet and drink at Colours Hoxton, where colourful interiors light up the local surroundings. The multi-layered arts bar sees itself as the creative heartbeat and soul of East London, and who are we to argue?
It’s open from midday to late seven nights a week. Colours is a lunchtime hangout, creative hub and just about everything in-between — from a live music venue to 300-capacity nightclub. Come for the inspiration. Stay for the community vibes and a thoroughly enjoyable time.
Address: 2-4 Hoxton Square, N1 6NU
Follow: @colourshoxton
CUB
More of an experience than a mere restaurant, CUB features a no-choice menu (meaning you eat what you’re given) that includes small plates and creative cocktails. The sustainable restaurant is mostly plant-based with a smattering of meat options and happens to be one of the most in-demand eateries in the area.
It’s a small space with a vibe more akin to a house party or social gathering than your typical restaurant. CUB is only open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, so it’s best to book before turning up for this unique culinary experience.
Address: 153 Hoxton Street, N1 6PJ
Follow: @lyan.cub
Bun Bun Bun
One of the wonders of Hoxton lies in its eclectic mix of restaurants, and Bun Bun Bun tops the list if you’re into Vietnamese dishes. The modern and minimalist joint is colourful and lively with its interior brick walls that look like they’re half complete; which only adds to the charm.
The menu is nothing but authentic Vietnamese delights, and Bun Bun Bun is the only place in London to serve Bun Cha Hanoi — a Vietnamese dish of grilled pork and noodle straight from the city of Hanoi.
Address: 134B Kingsland Road, E2 8DY
Follow: @bunldn
The Museum of the Home
Formerly the Geffrye Museum, the newly-named Museum of the Home recently closed its doors. But fear not, as this staple of Hoxton reopens in the summer of 2020 with new galleries, learning spaces, a collections study room, and a café.
It means the storied history of this interior design space will long continue, and there will be new exhibitions that display and challenge the way we think about and live around the home.
Find at 136 Kingsland Road, E2 8EA
Follow:@museumofthehome
Queen of Hoxton
There are plenty of places to let loose if you’re living in Hoxton. But perhaps none are as well-known as the iconic Queen of Hoxton. It’s been a staple of the area since 2001. The venue is a jack of all trades, with two floors containing a pub, club, restaurants and just about anything else you can think of that relates to letting your hair down.
DJs pump up the crowd and spin the latest disco and house tracks on the weekend, whilst weekdays are reserved for fringe theatre and film nights. The huge rooftop bar is one of its best attractions, no matter the weather.
Address: 1-5 Curtain Road, EC2A 3JX
Follow: @queenofhoxtonldn
Red Dog Saloon
Red Dog Saloon does BBQ old-school style — the way it’s meant to be done. Grab a few friends and enjoy a slice of Americana with more meat than you can lay your eyes on. The menu features “sharing joints” for groups of 6-9, as well as a selection of BBQ classics.
Pull up for some pulled pork, order brisket and ribs, or choose from one of the many sandwiches and burgers and enjoy in a relaxing, laid-back environment at Red Dog Saloon.
Address: 37 Hoxton Square, N1 6NN
Follow: @reddogsaloon
Things to do in Hoxton
Victoria Miro
You will find Victoria Miro sitting on the border between Hoxton and Islington. This 8,000 sq ft space features galleries and viewings rooms filled with works from established and up-and-coming artists from all over the world. Oh, and there’s an immaculately landscaped garden that overlooks Regent’s Canal and is worth a visit in its own right.
Over the years, works have been specially conceived for a space that includes Grayson Perry’s fifteen-metre-long ‘The Walthamstow Tapestry’. Other notable artists include Yayoi Kusama and Alex Hartley.
Address: 6 Wharf Road, N1 7RW
Follow @victoriamirogallery
Hoxton Hall
Hoxton Hall is located in a Grade II listed Victorian Music Hall and hosts a range of productions. The line-up includes live music, new writing and immersive experiences. This is where London’s newest creative talent goes to hone their skills. And, for those living in Hoxton, it’s your chance to see them first-hand.
You’ll be impressed as soon as you set foot inside Hoxton Hall. Its grand interiors reflect one of only five surviving examples of a salon-style music hall. There are plenty of exciting shows to watch, from music performances to live theatre.
Address: 130 Hoxton Street, N1 6SH
Follow: @hoxtonhall
Living in Hoxton
Hoxton lives and breathes creativity, which is reflected in the many bars, restaurants, cafes, clubs, galleries and performances spaces in the area. Living in Hoxton is your chance to immerse yourself in this thriving neighbourhood and enjoy a place where there’s always something going on.
Have you got a favourite spot in Hoxton that we missed? Share it with us @EssLiving.
