5 places to check out around Cordwainers Court

Hey! I’m Geena and I’ve spent my first year at UAL living in Cordwainers Court.

Situated in the heart of Hackney, it’s the perfect location for students with tons of cool places right on your doorstep. Here is a run-down of my favourite spots. 





Mare Street is home to many vintage boutiques, from The Pattern to Paper DressVintage. Here you’ll find some of the most amazing designer pieces, dating from back in the 1940s all the way up to the 2000s.

Both shops are independently owned and also provide bespoke alterations. If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, there are plenty of charity shops including SCT, Crisis, and Sense, which are perfect for thrifting. 





East London is one of the cheaper areas to grab a pint or cocktail, and Hackney offers many friendly local pubs. My favourite is Pub on the Park, which is just a five-minute walk from Cordwainers.

There are also a whole host of renowned nightclubs where you can live your best life within walking distance, such as NightTales, Metropolis, Oslo and Moth Club. They offer a huge range of music genres, from techno to classic rock - there truly is something for everyone. 





If you like a more relaxed night out, you’ll find The Hackney Empire just down the road, a traditional theatre with regular listings of comedy shows, music gigs and plays.

Opposite is the brand new Dabbers Bingo, a fun reinvention of the classic game.

Cosy independent cinema are aplenty with Rio, Genesis, Rich Mix and The Castle all within a 30-minute walk. Most of these offer discounted tickets for students, so remember to take your UAL ID! 





You heard it here first: The Barrel Boulangerie on Mare Street is Hackney’s best-kept secret. It serves up fresh artisan baked goods and the best coffee I’ve tasted, all for very reasonable prices.

You can sample a variety of authentic world cuisines without venturing far from your front door, with Thai, Italian, and Vietnamese restaurants all across the street.

A little further towards Bethnal Green is A Portuguese Love Affair, a quaint family-owned cafe that makes the perfect place for a study break. 





Cordwainers Court couldn’t be closer to London Fields, a local park where you can meet friends, have picnics, spot cute dogs, or even go for a swim at the lido.

On weekends it plays host to the charming Broadway market, with stalls selling delicious street food, handmade clothes, records and books.

Around the corner is Victoria Park, which is a beautiful open green space away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can spend whole days exploring its fountains, lakes and art installations.