Chatsworth Road, E5
I confess I am a full blown Claptonite. Hackney truly has my heart and asides going to work every day (IN VAUXHALL!) I rarely leave. I live right behind
which is a thriving hub of cool brunch spots and cute independent shops - not to mention its very own Sunday market. From a converted 1930s toilet-come-bar to a ridiculously hipster Spar (you won't believe it until you see it) it's a lazy strollers paradise.
I popped down to the Sunday Market with my housemate, Abby (yes, I live with another Abby, and a Gabi, LOLZ, right) and took my camera to snap my favourite local area. Sadly it was a pretty dull day so doesn't do this quirky little road much justice - but, you must go. Although, if you do, avoid the charity shop - I don't want you nicking all the good stuff...
is a tiny but cute independent coffee shop serving up deliciously smooth coffee from Square Mile Coffee Roasters. You can also tempt your taste buds with their legendary courgette toasty or mouth-watering spanakopitas.
is one seriously quirky restaurant. Why? Because it's an old 1930s public loo converted into a cool cocktail bar and restaurant. I've been in for drinks (obvs) and would totally recommend their
cocktail - if prosecco is your tipple of choice, then you're going to love it. I am yet to try the food, although, I've heard it's pretty damn divine.
My house is like one big garden centre, two of my housemates (Abby & Lauren) absolutely LOVE a plant. We average at least one purchase a week, and I often find myself sat on the sofa with about 5 bits of foliage staring at me. Actually, I think we have a plant in every room! Not mine, however, I had one once but forgot to water it. So with my girls being the plant-obsessed creatures they are, you can imagine how much they love
, and if you get excited by a cactus too, then you should probably pay it a visit.
No high-street is complete without an authentic Italian restaurant, is it!
has seen a little refurbishment of late and is looking rather swanky since. I've not been tempted in yet but it comes highly recommended. No doubt, I'll be sampling their Carbonara very soon.
Say hello to my local brunch spot. Pre hangover or post hangover,
is always there to rustle up a good poached egg. Their food is lovely and their Bloody Marys are even better. It's a super busy spot and sometimes the chef gets angry (don't ask) so book and be patient. If it's a sunny day and you can nab a spot outside, then even better. If it's a day the chef is a little grumpy, well, it just means you've got more time to neck those tasty Bloody Marys.
Good god, brace yourself for one hell of a delicious sandwich. It was so divine I think Abs and I groaned through the entire thing. If it's your cheat day then make it your mission to locate your nearest
Because, this my friends, was the cheese toasty of dreams.