The thing about Hipsters is… they are cool, and they are London. While we might hate ourselves for admitting it, there’s not much better than stumbling upon a local rooftop offering craft beer and midnight movies, or stepping in to a space that exists simply to create new things, regardless of what they may be.
We have been on the hunt for those natural hipster habitats and the skinny-jeaned creatures who inhabit them. While many will say that London’s hipsters have lost their edge, with some being more concerned with where to buy their next flat white or pair of acne jeans, there are still places around where you can find that cool, creative spirit that has always inspired ‘hipster’ culture.
On that note, and with the sound of wild hipsters crashing through the undergrowth, here’s a guide to London’s quirkiest hotspots.
Number 90 Bar & Kitchen
Image courtesy of Number90Bar.co.uk
This canal side bar and restaurant is a Hackney Wick hangout, popular with East End hipsters and London lovers alike. With an outdoor terrace, giant disco ball and wooden decor that was crafted by hand, Number 90 serves up a mix of infused cocktails and a large range of beers and spirits you’ve never heard of. The food on offer may not be the ‘quirkiest’ London has to offer but the attention to detail is fantastic. Number 90 has events on almost every night of the week.
The Magic Roundabout
Image courtesy of The Magic Roundabout Facebook page.
It’s burgers. It’s beer. It’s disco! It’s also in the middle of Old Street Roundabout, and one of the most interesting pop-ups London currently has to offer. The venue boasts award-winning street food from Burger Bear and Prawnography, finely tuned cocktails and coffee from Relax, It’s Only Coffee, who really know what they’re doing when it comes to the perfect grind. The Magic Roundabout is only accessible through a secret staircase in Old Street Station… if that’s not quirky then we’ll eat our grandmothers crocodile hat.
*pssst… we had a chat to our friends at the Magic Roundabout and they gave us directions! The secret staircase can be found inside Oldstreet Station right next to The Camden Book Shop.
Pop Brixton
Image courtesy of Pop Brixton Facebook page.
A village made from repurposed shipping containers, full of foodies, creatives and full-on Instagram opportunities? Pop Brixton is that and more! Not only does the initiative encourage local entrepreneurs and artists, it also supports vulnerable young women (Skye Alexandra House), the country’s only broadcaster run by under-25’s (Reprezent Radio) and the Lambeth Council’s Working Team (Lambeth Working). A visit to this hipster haunt leaves you buzzing with life and the sense of community, as well as head full of great music and a stomach food of delicious food. Check out more of Pop Brixton here.
Moth Club
Image courtesy of MothClub.co.uk
A MOTH (Memorable Order of Tin Hats) members and community club for years gone by, the original owners of this Hackney establishment brought on new partners to revitalise the venue in 2014. MOTH Club relaunched earlier this month (September 2015) with a clear goal- to become a centre for creativity and community while respecting the tradition of the veteran support community. Events are eclectic and varied – from knitting parties with ‘Wool and the Gang’ through NYC style burlesque shows and full on club party nights. Combining tradition and empathy with innovation and fun, MOTH is set to become one of London’s hipster favourites. They also have a gold-dust encrusted ceiling… ’nuff said right?
For more of quirky London, check out our info on Secret Bars and Alternative Places to Eat in London, as well as this guide to some of Hackney’s seriously creative spaces.
Hipster’s… who knew they weren’t all bad?
