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BUSINESS
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8 Partners in love and in business How five Hackney couples are making it work
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13 The 13 Coolest Businesses of Hackney From online money transfer company to game developers, Hackney’s innovative and entrepreneurial face.
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PARTNERS IN LOVE AND IN BUSINESS
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WHAT’S ON JUNE – JULY – AUGUST
Jazz on The Green
Louis Baker
Exhibition UNTIL SAT 22ND JUNE, 2019
Flower Gallery presents the first major UK solo exhibition by New York-based, Chinese artist Shen Wei. The exhibition brings together works from several series, from 2009 to the present day, incorporating photography and moving image. This exhibition draws connections between the influence of Chinese culture and his own personal process of self-discovery. 82 Kingsland Road, London E2 8DP | flowersgallery.com Free
Play THE CANTERBURY TALES WED 10TH - SAT 13TH JULY AND TUE 16TH - SAT 20TH JULY, 2019
One of the greatest works of English Literature is brought to life by Tower Theatre Company. A diverse group of travellers find themselves sharing their journey to Canterbury. As they each share the tales they have lived, heard, witnessed, or even imagined we realise that despite our differences, stories have the power to bring us together. 4 HACKNEY MAGAZINE
16 Northwold Rd, Clapton, London N16 7HR towertheatre.org.uk | £12 Adv
Talk WED 26TH JUNE, 2019, 19.00-22.00
The Psychedelic Society will host a conversation between three of the UK’s leading thinkers on psychedelics and spirituality: Rupert Sheldrake, Robin Carhart-Harris and Stephen Reid. Expect a generative dialogue on topics likely to include: Theories of consciousness and the interpretation of the mystical/ spiritual-type experience; Ecological crisis and the role of plant psychedelics. 11-17 Stoke Newington Road, London | earthackney.co.uk £16.50
Music TUE 9TH JUL, 2019, 19.30
An American, indie-rock band from Cleveland, Cloud Nothings, found their start in 2009 with “Turning On”. Following that, they’ve continued on strongly bringing out more music in 2018 with “Last Building Burning”. Cloud Nothings will be performing 1 event in London.
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East London Comics & Arts Festival Old Trades Hall, Valette St, London E9 6NU mothclub.co.uk | £14.30 JAZZ ON THE GREEN 12:00PM - 6:00PM
Newington Green Action Group’s annual free festival, Jazz on the Green, returns on Sunday, 7th July 2019. With music from The Basin Street Brawlers, DDJT Quartet, dancing from Swing Patrol, story telling from Emily from, Tales From The Dragonfly, and food and drink stalls from local cafes. Take your blanket, sun cream and your dancing feet! Newington Green, N16 9PU newingtongreen.org THE STOKE NEWINGTON OPERA CABARET
Stoke Newington Midsummer Festival. Seating is at a choice of round tables (10 seats) or banqueting tables (33 seats). The Round Chapel, London, E5 0PU | roundchapel.org | £25
EARLY 20TH CENTURY NEAR EASTERN MUSICS IN NEW YORK
SUN 2ND JUNE, 2019, 17.45, 21.30
TUE 2ND JUL, 2019, 19.30
Opera Cabaret is hosted by the remarkable soprano, Adey Grummet. The Opera Cabaret is a spectacular celebration of music and fun, with superb performances of arias, duets, and ensembles by a group of accomplished singers; many of whom are well established on opera stages. The Cabaret began in 1996 as a small experimental musical production in the
At the height of immigration to the United States 100 years ago, a wave of people from the collapsing Ottoman Empire settled in the U.S. At the same time, the burgeoning record industry in and around New York City radically hastened the dissemination of musical cultures and documented thousands of performances by performers from presentday Turkey, Syria, Armenia, Lebanon, Egypt, and Greece
compelling voices to emerge in recent years from New Zealand’s fertile musical landscape. Working with the bare essentials and crafting his work with a deep artistic integrity, Louis has gathered a loyal following that spans the world over. With his latest single, ‘The People’, out now, Louis Baker is set to release his highlyanticipated debut album, Open, on 21st June. He’ll play an exclusive pre-album release show at London’s Servant Jazz Quarters. 10A Bradbury St, N16 8J servantjazzquarters.com | £8
The Stoke Newington Opera Cabaret within the U.S. And then, for a half-century, those recordings were neglected. Who were these musicians? Where did they go? How did their work affect America? Ian Nagoski’s talk andrecord-listening conference illuminates a world-withina-world of a musical culture as it developed over two generations, revelling in the
specific and presenting littleheard masterpieces. 18-22 Ashwin St, Dalston, E8 3DL| cafeoto.co.uk £10 | £8 Adv PLASTIC FREE SUMMER PARTY
sustainable alternatives to plastic cups, straws, bottles and glitter. 29–32 The Oval, E2 9DT ovalspace.co.uk | Early Birds £7 (incl. a £2 cup deposit)
SAT 22ND JUN, 2019, 23.00-06.00
LOUIS BAKER
This June London’s Firstever Plastic Free Party arrives in style with a line up of disco legends, and a host of creative
MON 17TH JUN, 2019, 19.30
Independent soulful singersongwriter, Louis Baker, is inarguably one of the most
FORAGE & FEAST
Join one of the Totally Wild UK professional foraging team to learn the inns and outs of foraging and wild food from the professionals. On the walks and foraging courses, you’ll learn how to identify wild plants (and also the plants you should avoid), and how you can use them in food, drink, medicine, and cocktails. Taste up to five premade tasters whilst learning
Lower Clapton Walk SAT 20TH JUL, 2019, 11.00
The walks are led by Hackney resident, Sean Gubbins, who has researched and devised each walk. Discover the history of Clapton, one of Hackney’s hamlets: visited by revolutionaries and royalty, home to writers, where Garrick performed, and a refuge for orphans. Take
a look inside the Round Chapel. How many times did Lenin get to Clapton? Where was Hackney’s first synagogue? Start: Round Chapel 1d Glenarm Road, E5 0LY End: Sutton House, 2-4 Homerton High St, E9 6JQ walkhackney.co.uk £10, (£8 concessions) - pay on the day
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Baby Loves Disco Mini Road Show the dos and don’ts of foraging, how to correctly identify plants, fungi and seaweeds, whilst in the safe guidance of a professional forager. SAT 17TH AUG, 2019, 10.00 - 15.00 Hackney Marshes E9 SAT 20TH JUL, 2019, SAT 12TH OCT, 2019, 10.00 – 15.00 Lee Valley Country Park Showground, EN9 totallywilduk.co.uk | £50
Festival STOKE NEWINGTON LITERARY FESTIVAL FRI 7TH - SUN 9TH JUNE, 2019
There’s something for everyone at Stoke Newington’s small but perfectly-formed literature festival. At various locations across Stoke Newington. stokenewington literaryfestival.com VISIONS FESTIVAL 2019
Forage & Feast
SAT 3RD AUG, 2019
The Visions Festival is back for a seventh year in 2019, with the one-day music festival returning to Hackney. Visions also offers various non-music events such as the Dog Show, Record and Zine Fair, Punk Rock Karaoke, and the Street Food & Craft Beer Market. Various London Fields venues | visionsfestival.com £30 EAST LONDON COMICS & ARTS FESTIVAL FRI 7TH - SUN 9TH JUNE, 2019
ELCAF will be celebrating 6 HACKNEY MAGAZINE
its eighth edition with its largest programme of talks, workshops, screenings, and masterclasses, carefully curated and delivered by a host of national and international artists, writers and illustrators. Exhibitors are coming from all over the world, including the UK, France, Italy, Germany, USA, Lebanon, Korea, Brazil, and beyond. 1D Glenarm Rd, Clapton, London E5 0LY | elcaf.co.uk 1 Day Pass £5, 1 Day All Access £10, Weekend All Access £20
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East London Comics & Arts Festival
Family / Kids BABY LOVES DISCO MINI ROADSHOW
The original family dance party returns to Shoreditch Town Hall! Baby Loves Disco’s resident club DJs mix feelgood chart floor fillers with nostalgic pop classics from the years before parenthood struck — for parents and babies, toddlers and young children to enjoy together. There are play tents and inflatables, balloons, bubbles, dressing up, arts and crafts, healthy snacks, and dance floor fun with games and giveaways. Age: 0-6 shoreditchtownhall.com | £4 (free entry for non-walking babies, all other attendees require a ticket) LEE VALLEY RIDING CENTRE
Lee Valley Riding Centre is British Horse Society approved; a horse riding and livery stables nearest Clapton station. All ages and levels of skill are catered for, from
Credit Eleanor Bentall
SAT 29TH JUNE, 2019, 10.00
beginners to advanced, and you can book birthday parties with tea thrown in at the centre’s cafe. ‘Own a pony days’ allow children to learn all aspects of horse care, such as grooming, handling, and putting on saddles and bridles. The centre also runs a pony club. 71 Lea Bridge Road, E10 visitleevalley.org.uk From £17.50 per person
Lee Valley Riding Centre WALTHAMSTOW GARDEN PARTY SAT 13TH & SUN 14TH JUL, 2019, 12.00-21.00 (20.00 SUNDAY)
Walthamstow’s Lloyd Park is ready to host a lively weekend of music, dance, spoken word, circus, crafts, theatre, film, and all-over family fun. The festival features four stages full of performances, stalls from local designers and
plenty of street food. This annual community festival is produced by the Barbican, Create London, Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture and local residents. Forest Road, Walthamstow E17 5JW walthamstowgardenparty. com | Free entry.
Open Evening
Forest School encourages outstanding academic progress and personal development, offering single-sex teaching in a co-educational environment for girls and boys aged 4-18yrs. Forest is a city school on the edge of North London with 30 acres of grounds. Forest - Where People Grow
Monday, 24 June 2019 4.30pm - 7.00pm www.forest.org.uk | admissions@forest.org.uk 0208 520 1744 | E17 3PY
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Partners in love and in business Meet 5 couple who have all made working together work By Yasemin Cusack
THE DUKE OF RICHMOND
business, we actually don’t get to see that much of each other.
Engaged couple, Meryl Fernandes and Tom Oldroyd, run their pubs together in Dalston and Islington. Meryl, tell us more…
How do you balance life and work? At the moment we don’t have much balance especially as we have a 2 year old. We work a lot but hopefully one day it will pay off. The hospitality industry is especially tough at the moment so to be honest, we are working more than ever. If we have time off together then we like visiting our parents — to get fed and drink lots of tea!
How did you meet? There was a particular restaurant in Soho that I would eat at on a weekly basis, which Tom was involved with as the chef director for the Polpo group, but we didn’t get to meet properly until at a mutual friend’s 30th birthday party, which was a total coincidence! One thing led to another and within eight months we got engaged to be married whilst on holiday in Austin, Texas. We are still engaged five years later! How did you start working together? Tom had left his job at Polpo, and I had finished four years on EastEnders, so we were both ready for a fresh start. We were on holiday in Spain and couldn’t stop discussing the idea of opening our own restaurant. For eight years, I had a lifestyle & design store on Hackney road, so I knew I could help with the look and design; it felt like a natural collaboration. We then started viewing potential restaurant sites until we found what is now Oldroyd on Upper Street. Tell us more about the business. So, we have a restaurant on Upper Street called Oldroyd, which is an intimate 35-seat restaurant over two floors. Then a year ago, our local pub in Dalston became available and we decided to go for it. The pub is very family-friendly and we have a mum-and-dad-lunch club twice a week. We also 8 HACKNEY MAGAZINE
Your favourite place to spend a day off in Hackney? We could honestly live in Morito, the food is so good. London Fields on a sunny day is pretty fun too! 316 Queensbridge Rd, E8 3NH thedukeofrichmond.com
RUDE ILLUSTRATION & DESIGN STUDIO
Husband and wife team, Rupert Meats and Abi Williams, run an illustration and design studio in Stoke Newington. Abi tells us more…
Meryl Fernandes Tom Oldroyd hosted Drag Queen Story Time, which was a brilliant success where a drag queen read fairy tales to kids.
Trust each others opinions and be open to new ideas in order to keep the business evolving.
How do you find working together as a couple? Even though we discuss most elements of the businesses together, we play out very separate roles that we respect in each other. This means we can disagree but rarely argue. To be honest, there is so much to do, I don’t think we would find the time to argue about our work.
Do you have any rules? We always go with our own personal taste and we don’t have any outside influence. That way for us there are no regrets and it is 100% us.
What’s your advice to achieving success as a couple who works together?
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Best and worst parts of working together? Best part is that we both love what we do — and most of the time it doesn’t feel like work. The worst part is that it’s long hours and it’s hard to switch off at the same time and although we are working in the same
How did you meet? We met at a Graphic Design company in London. We were both disillusioned by the corporate world of graphics and wanted to start an agency where illustration and print making were at the fore. Tell us the proposal story. Rupert proposed to me on my birthday, nine years ago; he had painted a picture of our house (as we were due to move out of it) and written on the back ‘Will you marry me’. The answer was obviously yes. How did you start working together? Whilst working together, Rupert started a t-shirt label
Rupert Meats Abi Williams and I started a design company, building up a graphic client base. The graphic work funded the start up of the label. The label took off and the two sides of the business seemed to merge into one. The work became collaborative and we started working more with fashion clients and retailers. Our design and print collateral made us appear more professional than we actually were; it really helped having a cross over of skills. Tell us more about the business. Since the beginning we’ve had a passion for print, mark making and hand-drawn fonts and applying them to any surface possible. The label morphed into our brand which these days is a creative graphic art business, we work on illustration, animation and mural projects. The style and the ethos are the same but we now do a lot of live art and experiential work, including workshops and murals. I head up mural commissions and animation work while
Rupert draws and creates original artwork. How do you find working together as a couple? We have always worked together and then a few years into running the business we got together and started a family. So, the crossover from business partners to life partners was where we noticed the change. It took a while to find our groove and not be able to escape at the end of the day, but we’ve always really liked being around each other so we adjusted a few things and made it work. What’s your advice to achieving success as a couple who works together? Our vision for Rude and the way we want to live our lives has always been similar; we think that’s crucial. Being creative is the most important thing and then making sure it works financially. We find it helps having a separate place to work, but that’s partially because we have a lot of equipment that needs its own space.
Earning a living from an arts-based business is all about juggling different aspects. Some days we’re animating a well-paid ad for a tv commercial, but the next we could be painting a free mural for charity. It keeps the work varied and with nonpaid work you can push the boundaries, which often leads to commercial commissions. Both are as important as each other. So stability, creativity and constant communication is the success to our work/life relationship.
the school gates or work within 10 minutes. We’ve always tried to be there for the kids when they get home from school, although now the oldest one is 15, it does make life easier, we’re getting more work done.
Do you have any rules? No social media at the weekends. Best and worst parts of working together? I suppose that the worst part is that if you do argue you have no where to go, and the best bit is that you’re always together. How do you juggle life and work? We created a local triangle of home, work and school which helps us with the fluidity of family life. It means that we don’t commute and can get to HACKNEYMAGAZINE.COM
What do you do on your days off? We love yoga and also the great open spaces such Hackney Marshes, the Wetlands and all the parks mean that we run a lot too. We love the live music venues such as Earth and the Shacklewell Arms, as well as The Arcola Theatre and indie cinemas like the Rio and the Castle. Oh and we recently went to the Turkish hammam for a spa; that was quite an experience. The Chocolate Factory, Farleigh Place N16 7SX thisisrude.com
DELAMINA EAST RESTAURANT
Husband and wife team, Amir and Limor Chen own Delamina East Restaurant in Shoreditch. How did you meet? We met at school at the
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age of 15. For me, it was love at first sight. We lost touch for a few years after that. But I couldn’t get Limor out of my mind. When I was 18 i mustered enough courage to locate her and make contact again. Luckily, she succumbed to my charm. We’ve have been married for 28 years. How did you start working together? Our kids were leaving home so we felt we had time to embark on a new joint project. I had just sold the business that I developed—The Apostrophe Group of Cafes - and Limor, a practising artist, just finished her Masters in Fine Arts and a major exhibition in Singapore. We had never worked together before; we shared love for food and design. We decided to wet out toes via a short food residency on the fifth floor at Shoreditch House and quickly realised that together we’re stronger, so decided to have a go at making it a permanent fixture. That’s how Delamina East was born. Tell us more about the business. Our passion is to develop restaurants and venues inspired by Limor’s fusion, Middle-Eastern home cooking and upbringing in Tel Aviv. Cooking for family and friends, Limor’s self-taught and intuitive approach, alongside her Middle-Eastern heritage, results in recipes that are nutritious and with a unique flavour combination. We design the spaces to be informal and welcoming, reflecting our love of organic materials and the warm hospitality of our country of origin. How do you find working together as a couple? Initially there was some tension as each of us has a very different style and approach to tackling issues. We’ve learnt to recognise each other’s strengths and weaknesses in the business. We’ve learnt not to duplicate work, Limor is the executive chef and her focus is menu development, working with the chefs, and restaurant design. I’m responsible for finance, front of house and purchasing. 10 HACKNEY MAGAZINE
Amir & Limor Chen
Limor has more emotionallyintuitive approach, while I tend to be more direct. What’s your advice to achieving success as a couple who works together? I think the points raised above are important to achieving success. Do you have any rules? Not really, just trying to be aware that each person is different and has a unique set of strengths and weaknesses. Best and worst parts of working together? Best part of working together is that our objectives are
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completely aligned, and we can share the highs and lows of the business. Worst part is the impact that disagreements at work have on our personal life. How do you balance life and work? Tough question as the two are always together. We’re lucky that we have an amazing team, many of whom have been with us since day one. And who have become an extended family for us. We enjoy the time we spend with them, as well as rely on them fully. This is how we keep our stress levels down. What do you do on your days off?
There’s never really a day off. Even if we’re not at the restaurant, we’re at the other end of the phone and there is always something that requires our attention or input. We do try to go on short city breaks. We find that it’s the best for us to disconnect or just chill out at home. Your favourite place to spend a day off in Hackney? Our son lives in Hackney so we love spending time with him in the local cafes and restaurants. 151-153 Commercial St., Shoreditch, E1 6BJ delaminaeast.co.uk
For years we built up the retail side of the business, selling our own card designs but also other cards and gifts that we bought in. We’ve always sold our designs to other shops but it’s only since we started to have sales agents sell our cards around the country, and since we’ve started to exhibit at trade shows, that the trade side of the business has really started to grow. So apart from our shop on Church Street, customers can also find our designs in Oliver Bonas, Paperchase, Postmark, Scribbler, as well as lots of other independent shops around the country. How do you find working together as a couple? Heidi: I love it! How cringey is that? When it’s your own business I think it’s completely different than if you just worked in the same company. I always figured that I’d chosen to be with Dom, I love being with him, it just made sense to work with him too. It was just never a question that it wouldn’t work. Dominic: It works well because we both know each others strengths and also respect that. Also, we have defined roles. Occasionally they cross over but we are totally aware of what we are both good at. It is effortless actually and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Apart from when she questions my artwork!!
Heidi & Dominic Early
EARLYBIRD DESIGNS
Husband and wife, Heidi and Dominic Early, run Earlybird Designs on Stoke Newington Church Street. Heidi and Dominic tell us their story… How did you meet? Heidi: So we met in halls of residence in 1995. Dom was studying illustration at Central St Martins and I was studying journalism at the London College of Printing. I wasn’t that fussed when I first met him. I thought he was funny but a bit of a show off, with really long scruffy hair! Then he got it cut and the rest is history! Tell us the proposal story…
We were together for 10 years before Dom finally proposed. It was just after Christmas and I thought he was acting really strange. I was even starting to worry. Anyway, we had gone for a walk in our local woods and he made me sit on a damp log. I was really protesting and then turned around and he was down on one knee! I was completely taken aback and thought he was joking at first. How did you start working together? When we graduated Dom was working night shifts in UPS in Kings Cross so he could illustrate in the day and run a stall at Old Spitalfields Market
selling some card designs he made. I worked on various magazines and then the crash hit. I was made redundant just before Christmas but then a small shop unit became available in the market. When the site owners redeveloped Spitalfields, we looked at moving shops and someone who we used to supply with Dom’s card designs was moving out of their shop unit in Stoke Newington. We knew the area well because Dom’s brother and wife had set up the Blue Legume cafe on Church Street. So we went for it. Tell us about Earlybird Designs. HACKNEYMAGAZINE.COM
What’s your advice to achieving success as a couple who works together? Heidi: Respect and hard work! It works having separate roles and strengths. But nothing is set in stone, our roles are fluid and we both discuss each aspect of the business constantly. But without a doubt, learning to respect each other in a working situation, respect the other person’s decisions and trusting those decisions even if you don’t always agree has been key. Do you have any rules? Heidi: What I love abut working for ourselves is that there are no rules. But I guess my one thing is to not talk about work before going to
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sleep, otherwise I really can’t switch off. Best and worst parts of working together? The best part for me is the trust. I wholeheartedly trust Dom. And whether I’m having a good day or a bad day, it’s all OK. And it’s amazing to have created something together, and we can change and develop it how we want. We always have things to talk about.The worst part is probably switching off. Time away from the business is really important to give everything a fresh perspective, but we probably don’t do that enough because it costs a lot. How do you juggle life and work? Heidi: It’s hard. But you have to learn to let things give. Not everything can have 100 percent of you all the time and that’s OK. I love having the flexibility to be at the children’s school events, but it does mean work has to take a back seat sometimes. My mum lives a couple of hours away, but she comes up about every six weeks, and also looks after the children when we’re away on business. What do you do on your days off? Spend time together as a family, cook, see friends, go for longer dog walks. Your favourite place to spend a day off in Hackney? Clissold park and in one of the many amazing cafes on Church Street. 3 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0NX earlybirddesigns.co.uk
ARANCINI BROTHERS
Husband and wife, Bruna Oliveira and Dave Arkin, have been together for 11 years. The couple own Arancini Brothers restaurants. Bruna tells us their story… How did you meet? We worked together at a cafe in central London, 11 years ago. How did you start working together? We’ve always had an interest in food and found that together 12 HACKNEY MAGAZINE
Bruna Oliveira Dave Arkin we formed a great team and ventured into a partnership beyond our personal life. Tell us more about the business Our main business is Arancini Brothers, a plantbased takeaway eatery, based in several locations around London. We have both turned vegan a couple of years ago, and through the business we try to spread a message of health and balance. I’m a life coach, studied Nutrition Therapy and teach how to live a healthy plantbased lifestyle through private and group classes, which I teach regularly throughout the UK, while Dave spends his time now growing the Arancini Brothers brand through events, franchising and wholesale.
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How do you find working together as a couple? As a family with young children, living in a city like London, takes a lot of planning, organisation and patience, which we both have plenty of. But sometimes it all catches up and shows us the importance of taking some time off and valuing the simple things.
The worst part is that a lot of time conversations lead back to work. And the best part is being together.
What’s your advice to achieving success as a couple who works together? Patience, the ability to give and take, and finding time for personal space.
What do you do on your days off? Meet friends and enjoy a good cup of coffee.
Do you have any rules? Once we are home with the children, we try to leave work outside the house. est and worst parts of B working together?
How do you balance life and work? We spend as much time together as a family as possible, take holidays and weekends away.
Your favourite place to spend a day off in Hackney? We love to take walks along the Marshes and visit the many coffee shops popping up all over Hackney. 592 Kingsland Road, E8 4AH arancinibrothers.com
Credit Alun Callender
The 13 Coolest Businesses of Hackney By Mersa Auda
HACKNEYMAGAZINE.COM
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H
ackney is known for its diversity in culture, food, and shopping. But what truly makes it a standout town are the businesses that bring its innovative and entrepreneurial spirit to life. From the first crowdfunded cat cafe in the world to an independent games developer to an artisan globe makers, here are 13 of Hackney’s coolest businesses:
FARM
A project conceived to introduce farming into the city and, in doing so, cut carbon and reduce waste. FARM is the goto company for urban farming of any kind, for businesses and individuals alike. It aims to inspire city dwellers to grow their own food and assist them in that task. farmlondon.weebly.com
HOXTON STREET MONSTER SUPPLIES
A haven for the imagination, this is the first and perhaps only supply store for monsters. Open three days a week, here you can purchase Vague Unease or Escalating Panic in a tin, but all their inventive products are worth checking out. 100 percent of proceeds go to Ministry of Stories, Hackney’s creative-writing charity for children. monstersupplies.org
SEEDRS
An easy, straight-forward way to make investments, Seedrs enables people to discover emerging businesses, invest in the projects they believe in, and then share in their success. Fees are fair and transparent, and only payable when and if profits are made. seedrs.com
TRANSFERWISE
After discovering how expensive sending money abroad can be due to hidden charges, two Estonian friends decided to devise a transparent system that lets people make transfers at the lowest possible cost. Giving users the real exchange rate, TransferWise is simple to use and considerably cheaper than high-street banks. transferwise.com 14 HACKNEY MAGAZINE
WOOL AND THE GANG
Wool and The Gang is a global fashion brand powered by the maker movement, with a unique Fashion In a Kit offering that has gained them thousands of loyal fans worldwide. Knitting and crochet kits for all levels, inspiring fashion lovers to hone their knitting skills. Kits contain everything you need to make scarves, jumpers, bags, and much more, in many different styles. Wool and the Gang has collaborated with Giles Deacon for his LFW show, the British Fashion Council, Mini, Veuve Clicquot, Christopher Raeburn, and many more to date. woolandthegang.com
Draughts
LADY DINAH’S CAT EMPORIUM
Offering one of the quirkiest afternoon-tea experiences in London, High Tea at this venue is enjoyed in the company of some adorable cats. All felines here are rescues and may well be up for playing and cuddling. The first crowdfunded cat cafe in the world, its popularity means that it is usually fully booked for weeks in advance. ladydinahs.com
Bossa Studios
BOSSA STUDIOS
An independent games developer creating original and innovative games, there is a passionate team behind Bossa taking inspiration from the feedback of real players, who are made to feel part of the development process. They strive to make mind-blowing games; that challenge the status quo. bossastudios.com
BELLERBY & CO
Artisan globe makers making personalised, handcrafted pieces in various styles and sizes. All globes are bespoke and one can choose every single detail according to one’s taste, from the shading to the base materials and the finish. Makes for a unique and valuable gift. bellerbyandco.com
Bespoke wedding and birthday cakes made to order - Viennoiseries - French bread - Chocolates - Macaroons
www.belleepoque.co.uk
LIBERATION
This is the UK’s only Fairtrade, farmer-owned nut company. They buy their nuts from the cooperatives of small-scale farmers who own
Newington boutique N16 020 7249 2222
Islington boutique N1 020 8001 8295
Selfridges W1
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a 49% share of the business. Farmers are located all over the world’ may work better and feel empowered to be actively involved in the whole supply chain. chooseliberation.com
GO CARDLESS
A platform used by many known businesses for collecting Direct Debit payments in a hassle-free way. It is simple to set up and payments are collected automatically on the pre-scheduled dates. It can be used for invoice payments or subscriptions, for instance, and is perfect for monitoring recurring payments. gocardless.com
A game lover’s paradise! draughtslondon.com
BUTTRESS & SNATCH
Creating custom-made lingerie and swimwear in their Hackney workshops, these passionate tailors challenge the fast fashion phenomenon by only making what is ordered. This means no unnecessary waste and no work overload — only quality craftsmanship and happy customers who truly value the products and work involved. buttressandsnatch.co.uk
DRAUGHTS
A board game cafe with an impressive library of over 900 games to choose from. Friends and families can spend hours here playing classic games or discovering exciting new ones. A food menu and rotating craft beers complete the experience.
TransferWise was founded by Taavet Hinrikus, and Kristo Käärmann HACKNEYMAGAZINE.COM
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Est. 1991
Ivory Boutique Women Clothing Summer 2019
188a Stoke Newington High St, London N16 7JD | Phone: 020 7275 0121
Delamina East
Mosaic Clapton
Menemen, Shakshuka or Baked Eggs?
I
ncluded in many cafes’ breakfast/ brunch sections, menemen is a delicacy of Turkish cuisine. Dishes similar to menemen are shakshuka in the Middle East, strapatsada in Greece, piperade in Spain, huevos rancheros in Mexico, and uova piccante in purgatorio in Italy, while some menus in the UK list baked eggs. Menemen is a feast that is made from tomatoes, green peppers, onions , olive oil and eggs. In the Middle East’s version spicy—shakshuka —cumin seeds and harissa are added. In Greece’s strapatsada, there is a difference of cheese: in strapatsada, feta cheese is whisked inside the eggs and is then poured onto cooked peppers, onion and tomatoes. In Spain’s piperade, the ingredients are the same except a non-spicy pepper, named espelette, gets involved in the dish. In the Italian version, uova piccante in purgatorio, parmesan cheese and garlic are included in the recipe. Derviş and Gazi Garip, owners of Clapton’s Cafe Mosaic, have said that menemen is a best-selling dish on the weekends. ‘Some of our customers were asking if we were making baked eggs. Menemen, baked eggs, shakshuka are all the same dish. On the weekends our customers are often feeling hungover and they find an English breakfast quite heavy. Menemen is both light and also acts as a hangover cure when it is combined with Bloody Mary cocktails. Menemen is our menu’s favourite brunch selection.’ First making the scene with Turkish restaurants in North London and then with Yotam Ottolenghi’s shakshuka, this dish has spread its fame all over the UK. You must also try to cook it at home, at some point.
Delamina East: Classic Shakshuka and Green Shakshuka
8 SPOTS FOR MENEMEN/ SHAKSHUKA Acoustic Brasserie 97 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0UD 60 Newington Green, N16 9PX, acousticbrasserie.co.uk
Market Cafe 2 Broadway Market, E8 4QJ, market-cafe.co.uk
Morito Hackney 195 Hackney Rd, E2 8JL, moritohackneyroad.co.uk
The Good Egg 93 Stoke Newington Church St, N16 0AS, thegoodegg.co
Delamina East 151-153 Commercial St, Shoreditch, E1 6BJ, delaminaeast.co.uk
Zer Coffee and Juice Bar Goodchild Rd, Woodberry Down, London N4 2LY, zercafe.co.uk
Mosaic Clapton 118 Upper Clapton Road, E5 9JY, mosaicclapton.co.uk
Cafe Z 58 Stoke Newington High St, N16 7PB
Mosaic Clapton owners Derviş & Gazi Garip HACKNEYMAGAZINE.COM
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The Crown and Shuttle
Princess of Wales
Hackney’s best pub beer gardens:
where to drink outside this summer By Mersa Auda
F
or many Londoners, sunny days are synonymous with beer gardens. So, here’s a selection of great spots to enjoy a chilled drink and a bite outdoors when temperatures rise.
the feeling of being immersed in the countryside and order some traditional pub grub. The ideal spot for a relaxed sunny afternoon. 146 Lea Bridge Rd, E5 9RB princessofwalesclapton.co.uk
◆ THE PRINCESS OF WALES, CLAPTON Perfectly located right by the River Lea, the front terrace of this pub affords lovely views. One can enjoy
◆ PUB ON THE PARK, LONDON FIELDS A traditional pub with a beer garden overlooking the park, this is a wonderful spot for enjoying a Pimm’s or a Spritz
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while immersed in greenery, and maybe catching a lovely sunset. 19 Martello St, E8 3PE pubonthepark.com ◆ THE CROWN AND SHUTTLE, SHOREDITCH A cool, spacious craft beer pub with an extensive and varied food offer, this quirkily-decorated Shoreditch favourite has a large garden to accommodate sun lovers and
regularly hosts fun events. 226 Shoreditch High St, E1 6PJ | crownandshuttle.com ◆ PEOPLE’S PARK TAVERN, VICTORIA PARK A pub garden merging into a park offers great potential for planning outdoor games and activities around your visit. Perks include an onsite brewery and DJs on the weekend. 360 Victoria Park Rd, E9 7BT peoplesparktavern.pub
Crate
◆ CRATE BREWERY, HACKNEY WICK A former factory turned brewery, Crate allows punters to relax by the canal while enjoying own-brand craft beers and stone-baked pizzas. A quintessential East London experience. Unit 7 Queen’s Yard, E9 5EN cratebrewery.com ◆ CHESHAM ARMS, HOMERTON This cosy pub is located on a quiet street and boasts a comfortable, roomy garden. It offers a small but carefully curated range of beers, typical pub grub or the option to order in a Yard Sale pizza. 15 Mehetabel Rd, E9 6DU cheshamarms.com ◆ THE AXE, STOKE NEWINGTON The option to lunch alfresco is just one of the many bonuses
to be enjoyed at The Axe. An impressive menu and a craft beer offer to satisfy any connoisseur, this Stokey newbie ticks all the boxes for a wonderful all-round experience. 18 Northwold Rd, Clapton, N16 7HR | theaxepub.com ◆ THE SCOLT HEAD, DE BEAUVOIR A great spot for listening (and dancing) to jazz and swing music, this is a locals’ favourite thanks to its good quality food and the relatively small but charming front garden. 107A Culford Rd, N1 4HT thescolthead.co.uk
The Axe
◆ THE SPURSTOWE ARMS, HACKNEY CENTRAL A cool pub with an Italianinspired menu, their mediumsized garden is perfect for a chilled-out catch-up with friends over a wine or a cocktail
◆ THE RED LION, HOXTON Tucked away from Hoxton’s bustle is this unassuming but
from their regularly-changing drinks selection. 68 Greenwood Rd, E8 1AB thespurstowearms.com
HACKNEYMAGAZINE.COM
cosy pub. You can visit the games room, take advantage of the pizza and pint deal, or head straight to the rooftop garden: a nice oasis for a boozy break. 41 Hoxton St, Hackney, N1 6NH redlionhoxton.co.uk SUMMER 2019
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Call Stork Removals on 020 8366 6644 for free estimate, free boxes & free advice
info@storkremovals.co.uk www.storkremovals.co.uk
REVIEW
REVIEW
Casa Fofó By Mersa Auda
H
ackney foodies will be pleased to know that a new culinary gem is here to enrich the area’s gastronomical scene. Former Pidgin head chef, Adolfo De Cecco, has launched his own eatery in Clapton, and it promises to be a real treat. Casa Fofó is a welcoming space with a light-flooded main room, a communal table in the basement, and a garden ready to welcome guests in summer. A regularly-changing tasting menu of around six dishes embraces international flavours while celebrating elements of Adolfo’s Italian heritage and other European culinary traditions. All is prepared using locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. The close-knit team can be seen at the back working in harmony and assembling each plate with
great care. The informal chic ambience and exposed kitchen support the idea of open exchange and communication at the heart of the restaurant’s mission. Casa Fofó’s tasting menu is a flavour journey not to be missed, as every dish impresses in its own unique way. One of the first menus presented is an East-Asian-inspired selection of plates with an Italian touch. A star dish from this menu is the almond and crab tortello. A meeting of defined but delicate flavours, it has subtle notes of ginger, a complex nutty background and a bubbling foam on the surface, calling to mind the seaside. A real delight. Meats are cooked to perfection here and even the side breads— freshly baked focaccia and sourdough — deserve a mention. Another
surprise is the nori, rice and horseradish dish, a pre-dessert that almost eludes description due to its contrasting yet harmonious textures and flavour notes. To further enhance the experience, there is a parallel journey of very well-selected wine pairings to match each course. One can also explore the broad offering of low intervention wines, while enjoying small bites from the snack menu. HACKNEYMAGAZINE.COM
Nothing seems left to chance at Casa Fofó, and yet Adolfo says that when creating his dishes, he is mainly driven by instinct. Whatever his approach may be, the combination of unexpected flavours, command of techniques and awareness of global trends makes a visit to Adolfo’s kitchen a memorable experience. 158 Sandringham Rd, Clapton, London E8 2HS Tel: 020 3021 0747
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CULTURAL TRIPS
Gladstone’s Library: Sleep with books By Yasemin Cusack
A
fter a four-hour long car trip, I ended up in a lovely village called Hawarden in Flintshire, located on the North Wales border. For a Londoner, the idea of having the bliss and silence of countryside alongside sleeping with books is just intriguing. A Grade-I listed reddish, church-like, sandstone, Victorian Gothic exterior design is the sort of building you might like to know more about. I’m welcomed by a portrait of Gladstone as if asking ‘Have you read any books today?’ Gladstone Library lands were bought
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in 1889 by William Ewart Gladstone, who was a member of Parliament for over sixty years and four times the Liberal Democrat Prime Minister. Gladstone believed in the power of education for transformation. He didn’t want to donate his books to London or Oxford where books could be easily reached. Gladstone was eager to share his personal collection with others and especially with those wanting to learn but facing financial constraints. Armed with only his valet and one of his daughters, Gladstone was well into his eighties when he wheeled 32.000 books three-quarters of a mile
between his home at Hawarden Castle and the temporary place chosen for the Library. He unpacked them and put them on the shelves using his own catalogue system. The library moved into its current home in 1902. Gladstone read 22.000 of his books by skimming through, often making notes beside paragraphs and sections that were of interest and importance. It is known from his notes in the books that he read these books himself. After receiving a very friendly welcoming from the reception, I started to head towards my room, alongside the smell of homemade food coming from the kitchen. The 26 rooms are plain and contemporary; minimalist and great for resting. The modern art pieces on the white walls, a cool study desk and chair, a comfortable bed and a flexible lamp on the bedside table, a kettle, a good selection of teas and coffee, and a Robertson radio. There are no TVs in the rooms. The residential library is home to more than 250,000 books, under the themes of theology, literary culture, the economy, history, politics, literature, art, with some of them annotated with Gladstone’s original notes. Residents can work in the Theology Room until 10pm, every day. Dinner and breakfast are served in the communal canteen’s food hall. For just £8.95 you can enjoy 2 courses such as salmon with potatoes and vegetables, or vegetable lasagne and salad, followed by apple strudel with custard. For breakfast: cereal, porridge, fresh fruit, croissants and cheese that come as included in your room fee. A cooked breakfast is available for a £2.00 supplement, which is omelette or kippers. After dinner, tea and coffee are served in the Gladstone Room. The room accommodates comfy sofas, shelves of contemporary fiction books, newspapers, candlesticks, board games, a fireplace, and an honesty bar. The library has been residential since it first opened in 1904, this having always been Gladstone’s intention, but it gained more prestige with the Writer in Residence programme. The programme has hosted writers including Sarah Perry, Jessie Burton, Melissa Harrison, Sally Vickers, Wendy Cope, and Amy Liptrot. The Library is also home to many events such as “The Bible Through Palestinian Eyes”, “Greek in a Week”, “The Gladstone Umbrella”, “Gladstone Literary Festival”, “Writing: Finding Success Through Failure — An Evening with Writer in Residence, Emily Morris” and more. Single rooms £69, doubles/twins £95, with shared bathrooms or en suite £81 or £105 respectively. Breakfast included. Church Lane, Hawarden CH5 3DF; 01244 532350; gladstoneslibrary.org. HACKNEYMAGAZINE.COM
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THE BIRDCAGE BAR + KI TCH EN
58 Stamford Hill, London N16 6XS thebirdcageN16.co.uk • @thebirdcageN16 Tel: 020 8806 9077
HEALTH & WELLBEING IS BEING VEGAN HEALTHIER? Joslin Morrison Nutritional Therapist
2
019 has been called ‘Year of the Vegan’. Have you considered going vegan, or do you follow a vegan diet? Thousands of people did when they took up veganism in January, otherwise known as ‘Veganuary’. With more choice of vegan food in shops, recipes on social media, and the TV and radio discussing veganism on a regular basis, it is definitely entering the mainstream. One in six food products launched in 2018 carried a vegan claim, and there are estimated to be over half a million vegans in the UK, over three times more than in 2006. Most people choose to be vegan for ethical, environmental or animal welfare reasons, or to improve their health. Research has shown that a vegan diet can be associated with lower risks of heart disease, high-blood pressure, type two diabetes and obesity. This is most probably due to a higher consumption of fruit and vegetables, and vegetarians and vegans tend to adopt healthier lifestyle choices. However, just because something is
vegan, does not automatically mean it is healthier. There are a huge amount of processed, packaged, nutrient-poor vegan options available to the consumer, which do not contribute to better health or a healthier planet. Humans are omnivores (able to eat both plants and meat) and we have a physiological benefit from eating some animal products. Meat, fish and shellfish are among the most nutrient-dense foods we can eat. We can get these nutrients from plant-based sources, but they need multiple-step conversions before being able to be used by the body. Following a restrictive diet such as veganism, requires careful planning to avoid deficiencies that can cause unwanted symptoms and illnesses. Several studies have shown that vegans and vegetarians can be prone to deficiencies in calcium, iron, zinc, B12, vitamin A and vitamin D and essential fatty acids. Deficiencies in these nutrients can take months or years to develop, and aren’t always routinely tested for. With good planning, and a strong
awareness for a balanced intake of key nutrients, it is possible to get all you need from a vegan diet. But you must plan. Cooking from scratch and not relying on processed vegan products will help you to get protein, healthy fats, and vitamins and minerals with each meal. According to the Alliance for Natural Health, your daily food intake as a vegan should consist of: 40 % vegetables and 10% fruits (unprocessed, and all the 6 ‘colors of the rainbow’) 10 % grains (whole grains such as amaranth, oats, buckwheat, quinoa, brown rice etc.) 10 % healthy fats (avocados, almonds, walnuts, brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, coconut yogurt) 25 % protein rich foods (peas, chickpeas, beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, hemp and chia seeds) 5 % concentrated nutrients (fresh herbs and spices, herbal teas) There is no denying that a diet rich in plant-based foods will do wonders to our health, but not enough long-term studies have been done to assess the impacts of a vegan diet on the body. Just like any diet — meat-eating or vegan — if you eat processed junk food options, you will be putting your body at a higher risk of diseases. If you are thinking of changing to a vegan diet, or more plant based way of eating, it is advisable to get some advice from a registered nutritional therapist, like myself, who can help you plan and ensure that you remain nourished and healthy. For more information, or to book an appointment, please email joslinnutrition@gmail.com
CBD & Hemp Wellness Centre
Opening Hours: Monday 10am - 6pm Tuesday 10am - 6pm Wednesday 10am - 6pm Thursday 10am - 6pm Friday 10am - 6pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Sunday 10am - 4pm
hempsmile.co.uk 020 8525 0577 38 Chatsworth Road, Hackney, E5 0LP
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INTERVIEW
Q&A
Pete Brown By Yasemin Cusack
P
ete Brown is a British author, journalist, broadcaster, and consultant specialising in food and drink, especially the fun parts like beer, pubs, cider, bacon rolls, and fish and chips. Across nine books, his broad, fresh approach takes in social history, cultural commentary, travel writing, personal discovery and natural history, and his words are always delivered with the warmth and wit you’d expect from a great night down the pub. He was named British Beer Writer of the Year in 2009, 2012 and 2016, has won three Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards, and has been shortlisted twice for the Andre Simon Awards. Pete is Chair of the British Guild of Beer Writers. He lives in Stoke Newington with his wife, Liz, and dog, Mildred. We talked about his new book, Pie Fidelity: In Defence of British Food. How long have you been living in Stoke Newington? 18 years. Why did you decide to be an author? When I was 9 years old. I was allowed to write stories while the rest of the class did maths and the teacher read them out. What made you decide to write Pie Fidelity: In Defence of British Food? I became fascinated by Britain’s awkward relationship with pride and patriotism. Research shows that — secretly — we’re prouder of our food than other aspect of Britishness, but we hate showing it. The book is an experiment in trying to be patriotic, as well as multicultural, having pride in what we do without 26 HACKNEY MAGAZINE
Pete Brown
denigrating others – basically, trying to express national pride without sounding anything like Nigel Farage.
any other, but they either prepare it at home or go to the pub for it. Even pubs are moving away from it now.
Tell us more about the book. It takes nine meals that have a cultural, as well as culinary, importance. I go for each meal in its typical location — not looking for the best, but the most appropriate. Full English in a London greasy spoon caff, fish and chips by the seaside, and so on. The surprise for me when I wrote it was that this led to quite a bit of memoir popping out.
What was your first-date meal with your wife? Not the one she claims, which is pie and peas on Barnsley Market! It was actually a fancy lunch in a Knightsbridge gastropub, which is sadly no more.
Why do you think British food is losing its appeal? I don’t think it is — I just think we’re weirdly shy about talking about it. Apart from pubs, it is rare to find British restaurants in London. Is it more conventional outside London? Not at all. People claim they like British cuisine more than
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Does living in Hackney inspire your books? My wife runs the Stoke Newington Literary Festival, and the borough has always had a great literary heritage. There are lots of writers — and lots of readers — living here, and it’s a privilege to be able to discuss ideas (and moan about sales and royalties) in the pub with other writers. Where is your favourite place for dinner in Hackney? My back garden on those rare evenings when it’s nice enough to have a barbecue,
especially the even rarer evenings when I get lucky and my low-and-slow smoked chicken actually works. Any hidden place you’d like to share? The Thai Cafe on Northwold Road in Stokey. It should have closed years ago but the nowelderly couple running it love doing it — and it shows in the food.
Canada geese in the Olympic Park
Lydia Thornley HACKNEYMAGAZINE.COM
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