Independent Cafés, Bars and Dining: A Foodie’s Guide to Wickside and Hackney Wick

Caffeine fix paradise

The day starts right in Hackney Wick. Simmos serves rich espresso and toasties that feel like a hug, while Bad Coffee offers roasts with real bite in a stripped-back setting. These aren’t chain cafés — they’re part of the community fabric. You’ll quickly discover the regulars, the playlists and the easy going atmosphere that makes mornings feel sociable before you’ve even had a chance to sit down.

Plates Worth Talking About

When it comes to food, Wickside puts you at the centre of a local dining scene that keeps things fresh and original. INIS offers contemporary Irish cooking with flair, while Silo makes sustainability delicious with bold, waste-free plates. Gotto Trattoria’s handmade pasta is perfect for comfort nights, and Randy’s Wing Bar brings fire to the table with flavour-packed recipes. Here, dinner never feels predictable.

Pints and Playlists

Evenings are where Hackney Wick comes into its own. At Crate Brewery, tank-fresh beer is poured just metres from where it’s brewed, while Howling Hops Tank Bar makes a night of it with giant serving tanks and a lively crowd. Number 90 Bar & Kitchen keeps things going with DJs and a dance floor, all spilling onto the canal. Eating, drinking and dancing often roll seamlessly together here.

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