Make a Day of It in Hackney Wick: Things to Do Near Our Showroom
Visiting our Hackney Wick showroom at Here East? We’re now open on Saturdays, making it even easier to turn your visit into a full day of adventure. From world-class museums and contemporary theatre to canalside walks, craft beers, and cafés, here’s our curated guide to things to do in Hackney Wick and the surrounding area.
1. Art and Culture
Hackney Wick has long been known for its thriving arts and cultural scene, shaped by independent studios, makers, and grassroots creativity. More recently, it has become home to three major new international venues:
- Sadler’s Wells East – A theatre dedicated to dance, offering an inspiring cultural experience and a hub for contemporary performance.
- V&A East Museum – A striking five-storey museum exploring the ideas and voices shaping our world today. Entry is free.
- V&A East Storehouse – A working museum store housing over half a million objects (pictured). Entry is free.
Alongside these new cultural landmarks, Hackney Wick is a street art hotspot, with murals and graffiti across Fish Island, the River Lea, and canalside buildings. Key spots include Queen’s Yard, the Lord Napier Star pub (pictured), and works by artists such as Sweet Toof and Borondo.
2. Explore the Olympic Park
Just a short walk away, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (pictured) is packed with things to do.
- Wetlands Walk – A peaceful stroll through nature and waterways.
- ArcelorMittal Orbit – Ride the lift to the viewing platform for panoramic 360 city views, or brave the world's longest tunnel slide.
- London Aquatics Centre – Take a swim in one of London’s most iconic Olympic venues.
- Lee Valley VeloPark – Try BMX or cycling, or drop in to catch a glimpse of the indoor velodrome from public viewing areas.
- Playgrounds – Explore the Park's unique play areas - from the Tumbling Bay Playground to trying out the climbing wall, a great stop for kids of all ages.
- Water Activities – Cool off in the fountains outside the London Stadium (spring/summer, excluding event days). Take to the canal on a swan pedalo (pictured) or try Moo Canoes for canoes, kayaks and paddle boards.
3. Food & Drink
Here East and the wider Hackney Wick area have plenty of options to refuel:
- Hearth Bakery – A social enterprise sourdough bakery in Hackney Wick serving delicious treats (pictured).
- Randy’s Wings, Breakfast Club, Gotto Trattoria – Canalside bites at Here East, ideal for breakfast or lunch.
- Four Quarters – Pizza, craft beer and retro arcade games at Here East.
- The Lock Inn Pub – A neighbourhood pub at Here East serving cocktails, beers, and home-cooked food.
- Howling Hops – Sample local craft beers poured fresh from the tank — 10 tanks with 10 different beers behind a 10 metre-long bar!
- Barge East – A canalside restaurant and bar serving seasonal dishes in a unique moored barge and seasonal produce gardens.
- CRATE Brewery – Craft beers, pizza, and prime canalside seating (pictured).
4. Explore Hackney Wick
Browse cafés, shops, and street art as you explore the local area:
- Canal Walks – Explore the waterways, street art, and ever-changing industrial landscape.
- Wicked Bikes - Rent a bike from this independent store and take a self-guided tour to explore East London at your own pace.
- Community Sauna Baths – Unwind and relax at The Bath House in Hackney Wick or Lighthouse Gardens in Stratford.
- Hackney Bridge – A canalside hub with food, drink, and independent businesses to explore along the water (pictured).
5. Entertainment Highlights
If your visit coincides with local events, there’s plenty to enjoy. Many of the venues above host regular programming – keep an eye on listings during your visit. You can also check out:
- Everyman Cinema – Catch a daytime screening in a boutique setting at Stratford International.
- Copper Box Arena – Look out for exhibitions, sports, or community events happening during your visit.
- London Stadium – If your visit lines up, you might catch a West Ham match here (pictured). It’s one of the more accessible Premier League tickets in London, especially for less high-profile fixtures.
Book An Appointment
If you’re planning an IKEA kitchen upgrade or plywood kitchen, we’d love to meet you.
We’re now open for Saturday appointments too — perfect for visitors from out of town. Make a day of it, book a visit, and explore our materials, handles, and worktops, and say hello to the team.
