Hackney’s best alfresco dining
We’ve been eating our way around Hackney’s pub and restaurant gardens to find you the best outside spots and the yummiest foods this summer.
The pretty walled garden of Andi’s in Stoke Newington Church Street is one of our favourites - gorgeous wisteria lines the walls, the floor has gorgeous painted tiles and there’s an outside heater in case the sun goes in. The food, produced by Great British Menu judge Andi Oliver and her business partner Kelly Miles is outstanding – think black quinoa with sautéed greens, grilled shrimp and a pomegranate vinaigrette and, in the evening, beef tartare with egg yolk and Marmite soldiers.
Another firm favourite is The People’s Park Tavern in Victoria Park, which was voted one of the best beer gardens in London by the Evening Standard and Time Out magazine. It has cosy little cabins, which are sheltered from the elements in case of a summer shower.
If you’re happy with hubbub and a good-dose of people-watching, we love the outside dining at Clicia and El Olivo in Stoke Newington Church Street. You can watch the world go by while eating delicious mezze food.
The Red Lion also boasts a lovely, secluded garden and they sell brilliant local beers and great pizzas and Stoke Newington Tea House also has a good garden.
One pub which has seen a big transformation this year is the Clissold Park Tavern (on Green Lanes, opposite Clissold Park. The garden is a fantastic and large space with picnic tables and umbrellas and a lounging area with fake grass and beanbags.
Few businesses can match The White Heart on Stoke Newington’s High Street for garden-size. This is a safe bet on a sunny day and the food (think burger and chips) is pretty good too.
We’re hoping the threat of development will steer clear of the Dalston Eastern Curve Garden. This sprawling garden has been tended with care and eating here feels a little like visiting your favourite aunty in the country. Food includes homemade bread and soup and amazing cakes. Somewhat incredibly they don’t even mind if you bring your own picnic (but they hope you’ll make a little donation for the garden’s upkeep).
Lizzie’s on Newington Green is also a lovely spot, though outside spaces are limited, the food is delicious (home-made quiches and fishfinger butties) and, being slap-bang in the middle of the park means you can sit and eat anywhere.
Or head to Broadway Market, pick up some locally made delicacies and enjoy a picnic in London Fields.
What do you think? Join the conversation at https://www.facebook.com/localbuyersclubhackney/ to tell us your favourite outside eating spots.
* Picture credits: Andi's, Stoke Newington, Dalston Garden Instagram, People's Park Tavern Instagram
