Explore the best hangouts, cafes, galleries and cool spaces in London where creatives tend to spend their time.
Burley Fisher Books
Burley Fisher Books
is an independent bookshop in Haggerston, East London, specialising in indie
presses and zines. Named London's Bookshop of the Year in both 2021 and 2022,
it stocks new and second-hand books and runs its own risograph printing press
for the local creative community.
burleyfisherbooks.comThe Dover
The Dover on Dover Street in Mayfair is an Italian restaurant and bar with genuine old-school New York glamour. Think walnut wood panelling, proper tablecloths, candlelight and velvet curtains at the entrance. The menu is focused on comfort food done well: lobster rolls, pasta classics, great Dover sole and a house baked cheesecake brulée. The martinis are a serious draw too, and the bar up front is walk-in only. It was opened by former Soho House COO Martin Kuczmarski, and that background shows in how effortlessly the place puts you at ease. Creative and media industry types have claimed it as one of their own.
thedoverrestaurant.comPresent & Correct
Present & Correct is a design focused stationery shop known for its beautifully crafted paper goods, tidy desk tools and nostalgic objects that inspire creativity and bring order to everyday work.
presentandcorrect.comRich Mix
Rich Mix is a community-focused cultural centre with cinemas, exhibitions, talks and workshops. It’s approachable and diverse, making it a strong third place for creatives who value openness and cross-cultural exchange.
richmix.org.ukMad Cats
Mad Cats on Redchurch Street in Shoreditch is one of East London's most interesting new bars. Founded by couple Ed and Daniella, it grew out of the dinner parties they used to host at home, where good food, good records and good energy were always the formula. The bar runs a vinyl-only policy through 22 strategically placed speakers and mahogany subwoofers, with sounds ranging from funk to electronica. The cocktail menu leans into Mediterranean and Japanese influences, and the small plates do the same. Exposed brick, low lighting, vintage brass details and a late-night dancefloor make it a properly considered space.
madcats.ukRoundhouse
The Roundhouse is a landmark cultural venue known for live music, performance and creative education. It acts as both a destination and a gathering point for people involved in contemporary culture.
roundhouse.org.ukBambi Bar
Bambi Bar is a cocktail spot known for creative drinks, contemporary design and a lively atmosphere where crafted beverages and curated music combine for social nights out.
bambi-bar.comCafé 1001
Café 1001 on Brick Lane in East London is a laid-back creative staple that's been part of the neighbourhood for years. By day it's a proper café and coworking spot with good coffee and brunch. By night it transforms into a hi-fi audio bar and cocktail lounge, with vinyl-led DJ sets playing out of a handmade oak DJ booth through a Klipsch/Tannoy hybrid sound system. There's wood-fired pizza next door, a terrace out front, and a warm loft space upstairs. It's genuinely beloved by the local creative community and hosts a weekly in-house radio show, Radio 1001.
cafe1001.co.ukHector's
Hector's is a neighbourhood bottle shop and wine bar tucked into a quiet residential street in De Beauvoir, between Dalston Junction and Islington. The space is warm and unfussy, with wine crates and shelves of interesting bottles making up most of the decor. By morning it's a coffee and espresso bar with pastries and boccadillos, by evening a natural and classic wine bar with small plates inspired by European bar food. The cellar goes deep, with rare finds and old vintages, and the owners know their stuff. No sign outside, just old lettering from a former tenant. No reservations, and groups no bigger than six.
hectorslondon.co.ukSpitalfields
Spitalfields is a historic market and cultural destination hosting independent vendors, makers, food stalls and events that showcase diverse design, craft and creative entrepreneurship.
spitalfields.co.ukCoal Drops Yard
Coal Drops Yard blends architecture, design, food and public space into a walkable creative environment. It works well as an informal hangout for unstructured time and chance encounters.
coaldropsyard.comBattersea Arts Centre
Battersea Arts Centre is known for participatory theatre and community-driven cultural work. It’s a welcoming third place where experimentation, discussion and shared experiences are central.
bac.org.ukPace Gallery
Pace Gallery is a leading international art gallery showcasing important modern and contemporary art with exhibitions and projects featuring established and pioneering artists.
pacegallery.comHampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath is a vast open space of rolling fields, woodland and ponds inviting walking, picnics and respite in nature with broad views and relaxed green surroundings.
cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/hampstead-heathPeckham Levels
Peckham Levels brings together studios, bars, community projects and cultural programming in a former car park. It’s a modern third place where work, socialising and creative experimentation naturally overlap.
peckhamlevels.org
