Xiaohongshu
Why East London
East London is one of the most creative and community-driven parts of the city — home to social enterprises, street food pioneers, community gardens and independent makers. After the workshop, explore the neighbourhood, meet inspiring local organisations and discover a side of London most students never see.
Explore Nearby
If you’re already travelling out to Hackney School of Food, why not make a day of it? East London is full of community projects, social enterprises and creative spaces shaping the future of food, sustainability and culture. Here are a few places we love nearby:
Arts, Culture & Creative Spaces:
- Chats Palace - Community Arts & Events space (performances, workshops, talks etc)
- Stour Space - Not-for-profit exhibition and performance space in Hackney Wick
- Yard Theatre - Local theatre to "reflect the stories, cultures, subcultures and communities of East London." (next performances in July 2026)
- Arbeit Studios - Part of the creative hub at Trowbridge Gardens, hosting exhibitions and cultural events.
Food, Cafés & Social Spaces:
- Hearth Bakery - Social Enterprise in Hackney Wick (open 9-3 on weekdays)
- Grow - Food drinks and events space. Committed to balancing environmental impact, social equity, and economic resilience in everything we do, from our energy use to the way we support artists, communities, and local ecosystems. (great mezze platters too)
- Thingy Cafe at Trowbridge Gardens - A relaxed garden café and event space.
Social Enterprises & Community Projects
- Hackney Herbal - Social Enterprise promoting wellbeing through herbs
- Core Clapton - Yoga, pilates and wellness classes and workshops. Through income from these classes, Core Clapton provides low-cost osteopathy and wellness classes to underserved communities, providing drug-free alternatives for managing their pain.
Make a day of it
We will have full use of the HSoF site from 10-5pm during our Cook for Change workshops, so why not enjoy setting up in the Garden Room for some work, sit outside in the gardens and go for a walk in Hackney Marshes (just 1 minute away!).
Our next workshops..
How to get there?
From UCL East, take the London Overground from Stratford to Clapton (10 mins), then walk to Hackney School of Food; from UCL Bloomsbury, take the London Underground to Liverpool Street, then the Overground to Clapton. 🚆
How much are tickets?
Tickets are subsidised at £5 per person. Only 20 places available per session.