I live with my fiancé in a period conversion maisonette near Rectory Road in west Hackney, spread over two floors with a lovely walled garden.
We bought our home just over a year ago and have completely fallen in love with the area. When we were looking to buy, we knew we liked living in Hackney so searched lots of different areas within the borough, but no property was quite right for our budget.
The process was long and disheartening and I had almost given up on the search. When my partner told me he’d booked a viewing, I really didn’t want to go but as soon as I saw the tree-lined street, stepped into the living room and locked eyes with the marble fireplace, I knew it was the one.
It needs renovating, which is still a work in progress, but I’m enjoying the process. It’s fun and I love designing the rooms from scratch and making it our own.
Best eating and drinking
For breakfast or brunch I go to Bake Street on Evering Road. It serves incredible food including the most delicious crème brûlée cookies. My favourite place for dinner is Rasa on Church Street; a vegetarian south Indian restaurant serving huge home-made masala dosas and the best paneer cheera curry. All of the food is absolutely incredible and to make things even better the entire restaurant is bright pink.
Some great pubs include the Crooked Billet on Upper Clapton Road with a huge beer garden while, The Axe on Northwold Road has a home-like atmosphere and The Auld Shillelagh on Church Street is a cosy Irish pub with the best Guinness in London.
Where I work out
Twice a week, my partner and I box with our local coach, Dom. He lives on the next-door street and we meet on the common next to our house come rain or shine. It’s hard work but we love it, although the next day I can barely walk. Blok gym is also nearby on Upper Clapton Road, offering lots of great classes.
For a culture fix
I have an art studio in Hackney Downs Studios, where I spend most of my working days. There are so many incredibly creative, talented residents there. Lots have exhibited in the gallery. It’s amazing to swing by after work and have a look at other artists’ work; I find it hugely inspiring.
To commune with nature
I often walk my dog around Abney Park, a huge Victorian garden cemetery that is wild and overgrown. You can hear birds singing in the trees as you walk, which makes it feel extremely tranquil and calm. North Millfields Recreation Ground’s park is also a great spot for a long walk. It leads on to the canal where you can join up to either Hackney or
Walthamstow Marshes. You can also keep walking along the canal all the way to Hackney Wick.
Grocery shopping
Londis N16 is a family-run business selling an incredible range of independent products from Willy’s Pies to Mexican hot sauce and organic wine. They also sell delicious home-made curries and chutneys and on Saturdays you can pick up freshly made samosas. Another great place to shop is the weekend farmers market at St Paul’s Church with small, sustainable farmers and growers selling excellent produce.
Getting around
I like to walk to most places. Since the lockdowns I’ve made an effort to use less public transport. I was always taking the bus or Underground. Now I look to see how far the walk is first. If I’ve got the time, it’s good for the step count.
Dream street
Church Street is filled with lots of great independent shops and restaurants. There is also a flea market you can visit at weekends. Clissold Park is at the far end — I often spend an afternoon wandering down the street, popping into different shops, picking up a Turkish gözleme and strolling through the park.
Something you only see in Rectory Road
The smallest miniature dachshund you’ve ever seen: my dog, Crumpet.
What’s the catch?
There is no Tube line meaning trips into central London can be slightly longer.
In three words
Community. Creative. Idyllic.
roseenglandlondon.com, @roseenglandlondon
What it costs
Buying
Average flat price: £512, 340
Average house price: £1,230,940
Renting
Average rent (one-bed): £1,450 pcm
Average rent (three-bed): £2,600 pcm
Source: Hamptons & Land Registry
Schools
Rectory Road has several primary schools nearby rated outstanding or good, including Little Ilford School, St Mary’s CofE Primary School and William Patten Primary School. For secondary education, Brampton Manor Academy is rated outstanding by Ofsted while The Urswick School is deemed good.
