City Guide: A week in East London with writer Rachael Akhidenor
IMAGE VIA @rachakhidenor/instagram
WORDS BY FASHION JOURNAL
Pubs, wine bars and bookstores.
Here at Fashion Journal, we want to unearth the hidden spots in Australian cities that only the locals know about. There’s no gatekeeping here – this is a breakdown of the best bits of our cities. We want the underrated date spots, favourite restaurants, treasure trove op shops and the bars people will always want to go back to. We also want to sniff out the best spots people find overseas. This week, we’re exploring East London with writer and founder, Rachael Akhidenor.
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According to Rachael, East London has a certain charm, not that dissimilar to Melbourne’s inner north or Sydney’s inner west. “I love the mix of diversity and creativity that makes each suburb so lively and culturally rich,” she says. Nestled to the east of the city of London, its Fitzroy-esque neighbourhoods have some of the best spots to eat, drink and roam.
“For someone who loves Berlin, downtown NYC and Le Marais in Paris, East London is the perfect place to call home – or at the very least, to spend a few days as you’re travelling through.” Consider us convinced.
Eat and drink
Marksman, Bethnal Green
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I love a British pub and I love food. So, of course, Marksman, which was the first London pub to be awarded the Michelin Pub of the Year award, is an absolute favourite. Expect a changing menu of exceptional gastro-pub meals, a strong curation of beers and wines and a lively atmosphere that’s classic, warm and friendly.
Café Cecilia, London Fields
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Café Cecilia is top of the list when it comes to eating and drinking in London – point blank. It’s an understated amalgamation of design, art, fashion and food. Owned and led by Max Rocha (as in, brother of Simone Rocha), this simple but stunning cafe is a must-go. You might even spot a celebrity, artist, or industry person or two.
Bruno, Victoria Park
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I’m a sucker for a quaint neighbourhood wine bar (Napier Quarter and Public Wine Shop are my Melbourne favourites). So naturally, when I first spotted the sign for Bruno at a tiny construction site back in January, I was excited. Months later, Bruno is now a true local spot. In the beautifully quaint village of Victoria Park, you can expect gorgeous European wines (natty and otherwise), a great selection of snacks and food and a relaxed, easy atmosphere.
High Water, Dalston
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For those who know me, you know I love a late-night license and that’s exactly how I came across High Water in Dalston. Looking for a little bar where I could get a well-made nightcap, I was recommended here by the folk at Red Hand (another great spot). With amazing cocktails and a warm atmosphere, it’s easy to chat the night away (or at least until its 3am closing time).
Shop
Artwords Bookshop, London Fields
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My favourite store in London’s East is Artwords Bookshop. If you have a penchant for design and beautifully aesthetic things, then you’ll love the ever-changing window display – and that’s not to mention the curation of magazines and books inside. From contemporary authors to obscure magazines and zines, there’s never a time I visit Artwords and don’t leave without a book in hand.
Date
Little Duck The Picklery, Dalston
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This tiny restaurant and natural wine bar is the perfect setting for a date. It’s intimate inside, with a big table that faces into the kitchen. You’ll be sitting directly next to your date, up at the bar or along the wine-filled wall that runs along the side of the restaurant. With only a couple of round tables for groups in the windows, this is a space ideal for just two.
Indulge
Dalla, Hackney
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I have such fond memories of Dalla, a classic Italian restaurant in Hackney, where I had one of the best dining experiences in London. It’s everything I love in a high-end restaurant – beautiful food, classic wines, chic interiors and white tablecloths.
Shoreditch House, Shoreditch
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If you have a membership or want to indulge and stay at the hotel, Shoreditch House and its iconic rooftop pool is a must-visit. In the summertime, lounge on a plush pool chair and watch the city skyline from the distance. In the wintertime, lounge by the fireplace, dine at the restaurants (there are three inside) or indulge at the spa.
Rachael Akhidenor is a Melbourne and London-based writer, creative director and founder of Bunnies Services and Self Care Originals. She writes weekly about culture, business & creativity on her Substack Step Into My Office. You can follow her here.
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