By day, Paper Dress Vintage is an 80s and 90s-curated clothing store; by night, it transforms into a laid-back version of Studio 54. Groove among knee-high boots with a fruity drink in hand, and meet some stylish signorinas as you sway to the beats of their live performances. 

The Hackney Empire is one famous stage. It has welcomed plays, comedy, talks, opera, uncountable concerts, pantomime and more. A matinee performance is a productive way to rest your weary legs after strolling around the active neighbourhood of Hackney.

The Hackney Picture House is a cinema that screens the latest releases and art house flicks. Programming is a bang-on mix of top-of-the-range mainstream movies and artier films. The cinema opens 15 minutes before the start of the first film each day.

At chef Ellen Parr’s colourful and slightly kitsch Chinese restaurant diners tick the dishes they fancy on the daily changing menu and then wait for plates to fly out of the kitchen as and when. Everything is bold and flavourful, but if they’re on offer, don’t skip the cold sesame noodles, lamb dumplings and lemon and ginger custard tart.