The Best Things to Do in Hoxton Within a Mile of Urbanest

5th March 2018 Barney O'donoghue Accommodation Basics, London Life

Urbanest Hoxton is undoubtedly situated in one of the cultural hubs of London. With its tube stop, Old Street, based on the Northern Line, Hoxton draws in creatives, artists, foodies and travellers worldwide. The local area is brimming with great bars, clubs, restaurants, hangouts, hidden gems and everything else. With so much to do, it could get a little overwhelming at times and you might be unsure of where to go in Hoxton. So we thought we’d help you understand what’s on offer. We have compiled a little list of our favourite things to do in Hoxton and Shoreditch, all within a mile of urbanest.

What to see in Hoxton

Kingsland Road

Running from Shoreditch to Dalston, this is a 20-minute walk of quality bars, restaurants and shops. The demographics of Kingsland Road, as well as the wider area, have been constantly evolving over the last few decades and the result is a vibrant patchwork of different cultures. There is much to be discovered – Turkish, Vietnamese, Caribbean cuisine and many bars and shops. With a rather down-at-heel feel to it, what Kingsland lacks in looks more than makes up in character.

Distance from urbanest Hoxton: 1 mile

A rooftop bar in Hoxton, by the railway. Atop it is wooden furniture, a play area for children, and a long table with friends gathered about.

Hoxton Square

A list of things to do in Hoxton couldn’t exclude Hoxton Square. Just a 9-minute walk from urbanest, Hoxton Square offers many restaurants and trendy bars in the heart of Hoxton, meaning you don’t have to stray far for a good night out. Not to mention, Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen hosts a range of live music events, so you can always be entertained.

Distance from urbanest Hoxton: 0.4 miles

Where to shop in Hoxton

Old Spitalfields Market

Traditionally a working-class street market, Old Spitalfields was redeveloped a few years ago. Whilst this didn’t please everyone at the time, the redevelopment has breathed new life into the market and the surrounding area, whilst retaining its character of old. There are lots of stalls selling jewellery, retro and vintage home furnishings, designer and non-designer clothes and more. There is also an abundance of food options and bars surrounding the market. Even if you don’t feel like buying anything, Spitalfields is just a great, eclectic part of London to walk around and explore.

Distance from urbanest Hoxton: 1 mile

Two views of Spitalsfield Market, one from atop near an entrance, showcasing different stalls, food trucks and architecture, another from the ground level focused on a food truck.

Shoreditch High Street

One of the things Hoxton is famous for, is its street art. One of the best places to view this street art, while simultaneously browsing the shops, is Shoreditch high street. Make your own street art tour and be sure to look out for the work of Gregos Art, who creates sculptured faces which appear within the walls at various locations. If you don’t fancy the street art, the shops feature designer brands such as Present London and Sweaty Betty.

Distance from urbanest Hoxton: 0.8 miles

Related: The Nearest Supermarkets to Urbanest Hoxton

Where to Eat in Hoxton

Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium

Taking inspiration from the craze in Japan, Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium opened its doors in 2014, becoming the first cat café in England. Enjoy hot drinks, sandwiches and cakes in the company of some feline friends. With 13 cats mooching around, this café is ideal for cat lovers. It’s also loved by those looking for something a bit different when it comes to where to eat in Hoxton.

Distance from urbanest Hoxton: 1 mile

A tabby cat sits on a sofa at Lady Dinah's Cat Emporium, with a lady looking at it in the background.

Beigel Bake

Beigel bake does exactly what it says on the tin, specialises in bagels which are loved by east Londoners. Not only that, but it’s open 24 hours a day, so you can calm any unexpected hunger gravings with a salt beef bagel. This snack stop is located on Brick Lane, which is another highly rated place on our list of things to do in Hoxton. Brick Lane features one of London’s most famous flea markets, which sells antiques, clothes, fruit and vegetables and bits and bobs.

Distance from urbanest Hoxton: 1 mile

What to do in Hoxton

Nearby Bars in Hoxton

Nightjar

The Nightjar is located on City Road and our current residents have no doubt passed this bar hundreds of times and not even noticed. Its non-descript outside is in stark contrast to what lies within. Once past the door, it is like been in a 1920s speakeasy – candlelit tables, opulent décor, sensational cocktails and live music, mostly jazz. A word of warning. The venue is seated only and booking in advance is advised.

Distance from urbanest Hoxton: 0.2 miles

Two bartenders at The Nightjar mixing drinks in front of an old fashioned bar with lots of drink options.

Queen of Hoxton

Labelled a bar, a club and an art gallery, the Queen of Hoxton is a hot spot for young adults and students. There’s a ping pong table, a restaurant on the roof and a retro arcade machine, so you can visit whatever your mood. They also host regular music, performance and comedy events, including hip-hop karaoke!

Distance from urbanest Hoxton: 0.8 miles

Nearby Clubs in Hoxton

XOYO

Looking for somewhere to shake a leg to quality electronic music into the early hours? It doesn’t get much better than XOYO. This club has been at the forefront of the dance scene in London since 2010 and a continuing roster of curated, world class DJ residencies is ensuring things continue to remain fresh. Despite specialising in house, techno, disco and hip-hop, live music events are also held throughout the week. And it can’t get much more convenient either. Forget the Uber…located right next to Old Street Station, you’ll be home from the rave in no time!

Distance from urbanest Hoxton: 0.4 miles

An in-crowd view of XOYO, with red lights, crowds of people, and an industrial feel to the design.

Nearby Art Galleries in Hoxton

Signal Gallery

Last but not least on the list of things to do in Hoxton is art galleries. Signal Gallery is a firm favourite as it exhibits many emerging artists, including urban and street artists. The exhibitions range from paintings to performances, so there’s always something new to see.  Not to mention, it’s only 13 minutes walk from your diggs. To find out what’s on, click here.

Distance from urbanest Hoxton: 0.4 miles

These are just a few ideas to get you started! Anyone who knows the area will know that there is a ton of other things to do in Hoxton! For more locations, check out our other student accommodation in London.

Barney O'donoghue

Barney O'donoghue

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