Our Neighbourhood
While everything is shut for now, in normal circumstances Year Here is based in leafy London Fields, nestled in one of the world’s hotspots for social business.
Hackney is also said to have over 300 socially-minded enterprises operating in the borough, among some of the best eateries clothing shops and celebrated venues in London.
Like much of the capital, Hackney has undergone radical gentrification in the past few years, but has managed to cement the diverse population’s strong sense of community. This shines through in the borough’s myriad social projects, parks, community centres, dive bars and hole in the wall restaurants.
Just north of Dalston Kingsland station is Circle Collective, home to the best streetwear selection on the high street, and a training programme for young disenfranchised locals. Profits from each pair of trainers or slogan tee are reinvested into ending youth unemployment.
Dusty Knuckle: a bakery, school and café in one. Their loaves serve some of the capital’s finest chefs, while learning to bake helps rehabilitate its young ex-offender trainees.
Dalston Eastern Curve Garden. A hidden urban gem, the disused railway tracks behind Dalston Junction are now part of a flourishing community garden. Run as a social business, anyone can come and go as they please, while the café collects funds to go back into education programmes for the public. Take a laptop for a perfect break from the office, or stay after hours for freshly made pizza and live musicians.
A short bus ride east to Hackney Central and you’ll discover restaurant and club Oslo. Oslo houses some of the best visiting international acts in its stunning 140 year old premises. The Scandi-influenced food and cocktails aren’t bad either.
The 17th century Mermaid Tavern was a favourite haunt of Samuel Pepys, and famous for its freak shows, pleasure gardens and bowling green. It was demolished in 1845 and rebuilt further up the road where it is still home to a great Sunday Roast. Mermaid Fabrics now rests on the historic old site.
Visit Picturehouse in the heart of Hackney for decent burgers, drinks, and thoughtful programming across four screens.
Though much of the course involves getting to know frontline organisations across London, London Lane acts as basecamp to the Year Here team, and many of our alumni ventures. With a light, open plan studio, unlimited coffee and dozens of other social entrepreneurs roaming the floors, it’s no surprise many alumni choose to stay in house.
A visit to London Fields isn’t complete without a dip in the renowned lido. The heated outdoor pool is open year round, with a café and sunbathing deck for basking in the warmer months. The pool is run by Better Gyms, who reinvest their profits back into maintaining beautiful leisure spaces for local communities.
A tiny restaurant with a cheery aesthetic, you’ll often see carnivores and vegans alike queuing down Mare Street to get a taste of the delicious Sichuan fare at Mao Chow. Not only is the food excellently priced, but the communal tables and limited menu make it a jovial, memorable experience.
This Victorian market is home to over 70 independent coffee spots, restaurants, and boutiques. Broadway market has become a stalwart in Londoners’ weekend plans, where stalls populate the narrow streets, and it becomes the destination for second-hand clothes and brunch.
