Live like a local: Hoxton is where it’s happening in London

London is one of those cities that can sometimes take a while to let you in on its secrets, as a visitor it’s easy to be distracted by the obvious big-ticket tourist attractions but never really get to see what makes London one of the cities that sets the agenda for the rest of the world.

To get under the skin of London you need to actively engage, immerse yourself in one of the myriad of different neighborhoods and really live like a local — even if it’s just for a few days.

Just on the Eastern edge of London’s central business district, Hoxton is a good place to start.

Rent an apartment through Airbnb, work out where your closest city bike hire station is, and you’re good to go!

Where to eat breakfast

The Breakfast Club — big breakfasts done really well. Good coffee too.
Embassy East – Australian-style breakfast options. Poached eggs are a treat. Great coffee.
Monty's Deli – Jewish classics delivered with a contemporary attitude.
Hoi Polloi – top-drawer brunch options.

Where to get coffee

Ozone — a New Zealand operation, sets the standard for good coffee.
Shoreditch Grind — an espresso bar overlooking the Old Street roundabout.
Look Mum No Hands — bike geek heaven. Awash with lycra-clad cyclists, includes on-site repair workshop.

Where to eat lunch

Lantana is an antipodean-style cafe serving up relaxed and casual food at its best.
Shades Jerk Chicken — a van that sets up in Hoxton Street every Saturday and occasionally during the week. Locals happily queue for jerk chicken, rice and peas.
Rochelle Canteen — a hidden gem, you need to find a discrete door and buzz for entry, but it’s worth the effort. Only open mid-week, the menu changes daily and the food is spectacular.

Where to eat dinner

Song Que — Kingsland Road has a myriad of Vietnamese restaurants to choose from, Song Que is one of the best. Cheap and cheerful.
The Ginger Pig Cafe — best place for your protein fix, very good steak, eggs and spinach, perfect way to start the day.
Sodo Pizza – hidden within a pub on Pitfield Street, this is really good sourdough pizza.

Where to drink

Nightjar — speakeasy-style underground bar. Not easy to find but the high-end cocktails are worth the effort.
The Glory — The gay scene in London’s East End is a bit more edgy and alternative. Start your night here to set the tone — wear your skinny jeans.
Paper Dress — by day this is a vintage clothing store, but at night it turns into a hipster bar. Genius.
East Bloc — small but perfectly formed gay club where the young guys go to dance.

Where to stay

If you don’t fancy an Airbnb apartment, or if you’re only in town for a short visit, try either the Hoxton Hotel on Great Eastern Street, or the Ace Hotel on Shoreditch High Street.

Photos by Gareth Johnson