Feb 1, 2025

Olympic Park London

Urban playground

""Hackney Wick Canal" in London once a quasi-industrial wasteland, now a prime hipster hangout... I like sitting at the canal side with a beer."

The Olympic park development has both fans and critics. Whichever side you’re on, it’s at the very least a visually interesting part of the city to wander around. Hackney Wick once had the feel of an industrial wasteland but has become a prime hipster hangout, with a number of craft beer bars, an independent theatre and some pop-up eateries.

There’s also a network of canals running through the area with views over the old Olympic site and some of the rest of the city. I like sitting on the canal side with a beer soaking up the atmosphere and popping into one of the many bars when it gets too chilly. From the canals you can also wander over to the Olympic park itself where you can participate in sports – form BMX to taekwondo -  or slide down the Orbit sculpture slide. Check the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park website for what’s on and bookings.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

White post lane

£

free

Explore London like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our London guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in London

Eltham Palace and Gardens

Art Deco haven

In the heart of Southeast London sits "Eltham Palace and Gardens". Once a medieval estate, in the '30s it was styled with mesmerizing art deco furnishings.

002-building
Art & culture

By

Ellie

Swain

Feb 4, 2025

Aux pains de papy

Best croissants in London

They have an array of all the classic pastries you’d expect from a French bakery, from pain au chocolat & croissants to my favourite croissant aux amandes.

024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Angelina

Ivanova

Feb 2, 2025

Wellcome Collection

Let's talk about health

Their Reading room is a mix between a gallery and a library with books and lots of places to sit and read or do some work on your laptop.

002-building
Art & culture

By

Angelina

Ivanova

Feb 2, 2025

The Barbary

North African small plates

The Barbary pays homage to the culinary traditions of the countries from the Atlantic Coast through to the Mediterranean Sea leading to the Middle East.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Angelina

Ivanova

Feb 2, 2025

The Derby

Oval's one-stop pint shop

The seats are comfortable, the lighting dark & despite its clear disinterest in hyper-trendiness, after dark The Derby manifests a brilliant dive bar vibe.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Harry

Thompson

Feb 1, 2025

The Old Dispensary

Noisy neighbourhood nights

With connections to the local skate scene, it's a place where the mulleted, leather-jacketed alternative students from art unis head for a big night.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

By

Harry

Thompson

Feb 1, 2025

Kew Gardens

Botanical garden paradise

"Kew Gardens" is the famous UNESCO world heritage site in Southwest London. It's great to visit for its plants, flowers and Christmas festivities!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Ellie

Swain

Feb 1, 2025

The Thames Clipper

A new perspective

"The Thames Clipper" is an efficient machine, designed for London commuters. It's the perfect way to get on a boat on the Thames on a sunny evening!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Kamla

Pillay

Feb 1, 2025

Canopy Brewery

Beer under the railway tracks

"Canopy Brewery", just below the railway tracks, is another perfect spot to sample some of London's finest brews, directly from the source!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Andrew

Bright

Feb 1, 2025

Tayyabs

Mind-blasting curries

"Tayyabs" in London is a legendary Punjabi run. I'll go weak at the knees at the aroma of their sizzling platters of marinated lamb chops & shami kebabs...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Mark

Meyer

Feb 1, 2025

Sambrook's Brewery

Battersea beer station

"Sambrook's Brewery" in London is tucked among housing and insustrial estates; it's off the beaten track but should be on every beer lover's map...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Andrew

Bright

Feb 1, 2025

Mondo Brewery

A secluded beer heaven

"Mondo Brewery" in London is a meeting point for me and other appreciators of hoppy liquid gold. Plenty to love, but no other taproom has free popcorn!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Andrew

Bright

Feb 1, 2025

Heading to London?

202 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to London?

202 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Our team loves London

Get to know our other Spotters from London