GUI D E London
3. Randy’s Wing Bar
Night Tales: a stylish Hackney hangout with a Japanese flavour
Inspired by a food tasting trip to the US, Richard and Andy (= Randy) decided to bring buffalo-style wings to their home town. In 2016, they opened a restaurant by the canal, where they serve free-range chicken wings in five different styles, from Kansas to Gangnam. Here East, The Press Centre, 8 East Bay Lane, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London E15 2GW; randyswingbar.co.uk
4. Night Tales
Occupying two railway arches and a 4,000 sq ft terrace in a Japanese cherry timber style, with beds and private booths, pop-up veteran Night Tales made quite an impression with its new home near Hackney Central station. Staying true to its street-food vendor vibe, the 300-capacity venue offers izakayastyle Japanese grill and a pizza parlour (helmed by Sons of Slices) and 9m cocktail bar with a waterfall backdrop. At night, the arches play host to the finest DJs. 14 Bohemia Place, 13-15 The Arches, London E8 1DU; nighttales.co.uk
MOVE ON TO… 5. Oslo
NICHOLAS WORLEY
FLORIAN OBKIRCHER
TOM NOON
Located in a 140-year-old former railway station, this 300-capacity venue is one of east London’s hottest spots to catch indie bands before their big break. Fortify yourself first with a pølse (chargrilled sausage) in the Scandi-style restaurant downstairs. 1a Amhurst Road, London E8 1LL; oslohackney.com
THE RED BULLETIN
6. Moth Club
With its golden glitter stage décor, there's a Lynchian vibe to this place. The programming is a bit leftfield, too: from Ru Paul’s Drag Race quiz to ABBA tribute nights as well as live gigs, Moth Club is a bit more than your typical nightclub. Old Trades Hall, Valette Street, London E9 6NU; mothclub.co.uk
7. Paper Dress Vintage
In spite of its location across the road from Hackney Central train station, this vintage boutique with a music venue attached has remained a
hidden gem for 10 years. Considering the venue’s living-room vibe – bands play with their back to the shop window – this doesn’t need to change. 352a Mare St, London E8 1HR; paperdressvintage.co.uk
LET DOWN YOUR HAIR AT… 8. Lumiere
The insider tip of insider tips: behind an inconspicuous shop window lies a mysterious basement with a lavishly decorated party bathroom, a stone cave and a velvet booth. Parties often happen unannounced, so just stop by if you’re in the area – it’s worth it. 88 Chatsworth Rd, London E5 0LS; lumierelondon.blogspot.com
9. The Glove That Fits
After the beloved Shapes was shut down in 2016, Seb Glover’s team sprang back up with this comparatively cosy spot. In the 80-capacity basement (with upstairs bar/café) DJs spin quality house and disco on a top-end sound system. 179 Morning Lane, London E9 6LH; facebook.com/glovethatfits
10. Bloc
The people behind the iconic Bloc festival in Minehead, Somerset, have found a permanent London home. Keeping the industrial interior, the focus is entirely on the music: house and techno from the biggest names in the underground scene, until 6am. Unit 3, Autumn Yard, Autumn Street, London E3 2TT; blocorganisation.com Find out more about Hackney's coolest spots – and locate those in your town – with Keys To Your City; redbull.co.uk/keystoyourcity 85
