Galleries
Hales Gallery
A commercial gallery representing artists from international backgrounds including Tomoko Takahashi, Spencer Tunick, Hew Locke and Hans Op de Beeck. Tea Building, 7 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA, Tel: 020 7033 1938
Anthony Wilkinson Gallery
A great space that shows a range of contemporary work, from painting to video installations, by emerging artists. 242 Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2 9DA, Tel: 020 8980 2662
Chisenhale
Fantastic space dedicated solely to new commissions from emerging talent. 64 Chisenhale Road, London, E3 5QZ, Tel: 020 8981 4518
Space
An arts educational charity that provides affordable studios for visual artists and designers – runs an interesting residency, multimedia and exhibition programme. 129–131 Mare St, London, E8 3RH, Tel: 020 8525 4330
Flowers East
Contemporary art gallery featuring wonderful painting, sculpture and limited edition prints. 82 Kingsland Road, London, E2 8DP, Tel: 020 7920 7777
Seventeen Gallery
For interesting graphic propositions by artists such as Rob Ryan and Graham Dolphin as well as painting, sculpture and installations. 17 Kingsland Road, London, E2 8AA, Tel: 020 7729 5777
Entertainment
Rich Mix
A cross-cultural arts and media centre featuring three fantastic cinema screens. 35–47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA, Tel: 020 7613 7490
Cargo
For a broad range of live music and club nights as well as a relaxed bar and ‘street food’ café. 83 Rivington St, Kingsland Viaduct, London, EC2A 3AY, Tel: 020 7749 7840
Hackney Empire
Designed by celebratd architect Frank Matcham, this wonderful theatre was revived and reopened in 1986. 291 Mare Street, London, E8 1EJ, Tel: 020 8510 4500
Bars and Coffee Shops
Macondo
This cosy café/bar is great for informal meetings or winding down at the end of the day and serves the best hot chocolate. 8 & 9 Hoxton Square, London, N1, Tel: 020 7729 1119
Cocomo
Sandwich bar by day, DJ bar by night – we think the best time to go is at 6–8pm, when they often have happy hour! 323 Old Street, London, EC1V 9LE, Tel: 0871 332 2982
The George & Dragon
This charming old-school pub (with a twist of kitsch clutter) is often the place to spot local artists. In 2005 it was fully reconstructed in the ICA as part of the London in Six Easy Steps art installation. 2 Hackney Road, London, E2 7NS, Tel: 020 7012 1100
Lounge Lovers
For something a little more glamorous, this beautifully eccentric bar serves an extraordinary range of deliciously decadent cocktails. 1 Whitby Street, London, E1 6JU, Tel: 020 7012 1234
Eating Out
Rivington Bar & Grill
Back-to-basics British cooking, in a smart but comfortable loft-style space, dotted with works by local artists. 28–30 Rivington Street, Shoreditch, London, EC2A 3DZ, Tel: 020 7729 7053
Lennie’s
Ramshackle caff by day and Thai eatery by night, it has the friendliest owner who always supplies a bit of neighbourhood gossip. 6 Calvert Avenue, London, E2 7JP, Tel: 020 7739 3628
Bang Kitchen
Great place to grab late-night nosh. Bangers, baguettes and burgers are cooked before your very eyes. 32 Kingsland Road, Shoreditch, London, E2 8DA, Tel: 020 7739 7663
Shopping
ArtWords
Dedicated to contemporary art, this bookshop regularly imports new publications from the European continent, North America and Australia. The staff are really knowledgeable and helpful. 65a Rivington Street, London, EC2A 3QQ, Tel: 020 7729 2000
SCP
Super stylish furniture and quirky gifts, served by friendly staff. 135–139 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3BX, Tel: 020 7739 1869
Hoxton Boutique
Quirky, cutting edge clothing sold in a Studio 54 style setting, complete with neon signs and disco balls. 2 Hoxton Street, Shoreditch, London, N1 6NG, Tel: 020 7684 2083
Food Hall
This fabulous deli and shop sells quality organic fruit and veg and delicious cheeses. It also has tables at the back for anyone wanting to linger and indulge in the produce. 374–378 Old Street, London, EC1V 9LT, Tel: 020 7729 6005
City Beverage Company
Stocks a wide range of world wines, teas and coffees. They offer unpretentious good advice on their range and their Friday night wine tastings are open to anyone. 303 Old Street, London, EC1V 9LA, Tel: 020 7729 2111
Hotels
Hoxton Hotel
The best thing about this new business hotel are the amazingly cheap rates but it is also pretty cool, with nice touches including roaring fires, flat screen TVs, free WiFi, a gym and a swanky bar and restaurant. 81 Great Eastern Street, London, EC2A 3HU, Tel: 020 7550 1000
St Gregory’s Hotel
Modern and comfortable, the hotel also features a rooftop restaurant, cocktail lounge and a fitness suite. The atmosphere is welcoming and suitable for guests on business or leisure. 100 Shoreditch High Street, London, E1 6JQ