An Insider’s Guide: London Fields with photographer Oliver Hoosen
Hackney local and MONC ambassador Oli takes us on a guided tour of his favourite London Fields haunts.
BREAKFAST: PAVILLION BAKERY
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For east London food-lovers there's no better destination than Broadway Market, which is home to Pavillion Bakery and our first stop with Oli.
'You can’t miss their amazing orange façade. This place is made for practicality; I can leave my bike on the bike stand outside. It has great atmosphere and food – super dynamic, super independent'
READING: ARTWORDS
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Anyone with a passion for the written word and a love of paperback needs to head to our next two locations. Artwords and Donolon Books are both Mecca’s for anyone who wants to shun their digital device and experience the real printed deal. We could have spent all day searching through the pages of these store’s curated indie art books and magazines.
'Both are great local spots. Now I’m living in Hackney, Artwords is my new hub to buy great books from all over. The most recent purchase being The Photographers Playbook. I can highly recommend it!'
MORNING COFFEE: CLIMPSONS & SONS
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The coffee scene in London is as rich as ever, gone are the days of simply putting up with burnt beans and misspelt names on a takeaway cup. Oli is a real connoisseur, so we knew we were in safe hands entering Climpson & Sons on Broadway Market.
‘Climpsons has earned its stripes with its great coffee. Their eclectic 20th century design is iconic, and their logo façade and typeface is extra special. Plus always great for a cuppa and toastie'
SHOPPING: MOMOSAN
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Momosan is a store featuring a lovingly sourced selection of Japanese and international artisanal products. The perfect afternoon stop for browsing beautiful objects that truly reflect the owners' personal journey. We especially loved the ceramic teapots from Japan’s Aichi Prefecture.
'I go there for amazing props for shoots. When I’m in there I just want to take my shoes off and take a deep breath - authentic zen and calm. Staff are so helpful, I can browse for days. It's a place to get lost in.'
Oli wears Kallio | Crystal. See this style here.
AFTERNOON COFFEE: VIOLET
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Since 2010 the Violet Café’s cakes have been a source of ques snaking down Wilton Way. Owned by Californian native Claire Ptak, the Violet Café’s organic cup-cakes are a perfect afternoon pick me up.
'Violets smash it! From the outside, it has got a Mediterranean look, including another beauty of a typeface. Then it has a real Narnia effect, you walk in and it’s a different world. They make the space pop and have flavours like no other.'
Oli wears Kallio | Blue Havana - See this style here.
EVENING PINT: THE SPURSTOWE ARMS
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No weekend jaunt would be complete without a visit to a much loved local. The Spurstowe Arms straddles the corner of Wilton Way and Greenwood Road, and plays host to some truly great sausage rolls and craft beers.
'Freddie actually introduced me to this gem. This Pub's culture is different to many others In London, it’s a social affair with everyone interacting, buzzing and grabbing a swift pint. The Spurstowe Arms is a place to be seen. My tip is to find a seat in the beer garden when the sun comes out’
EVENING: THE INSTITUTE OF LIGHT
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If you are looking for some evening entertainment, we were really excited to discover local Hackney cinema, The Institute of Light. The perfect beacon of all things cool and cultural. A collaborative space comprising of an art house cinema complete with recycled aeroplane seating, a vinyl record store, bar and restaurant.
'The bar is amazing it’s this old plane's fuselage, London Fields meets modernist style. It's now the only place I go to watch new movies and browse epic vinyl.'
Favourite film watched in The Institute: Three Billboards.
CREDITS: Photography by Oliver Hoosen. Words by Chloe Mansell and Freddie Elborne.
