Student Life In London – A Guide To Hoxton

23rd March 2018 Leigh Horan Accommodation Basics, London Life

This creative hub of the big smoke is the place to head to if you fancy immersing yourself in a hotpot of culture, exploring new watering holes and trying some tantalising cuisines. Hoxton is an eclectic mix of exciting things to do and is considered the haunt of many a hipster. Our guide to Hoxton will see you fit right in with the crowd and make the most out of your time in this area.

 

A picture of Hoxton architecture, featuring street art, discontinued rail trains, and various buildings.

Places to visit in our guide to Hoxton

If you’re going to be based at urbanest Hoxton, or anywhere else nearby, you might want to make your way over to Shoreditch, where something interesting is always happening.

Columbia Road Flower Market

Every Sunday, Columbia Road is transformed into a veritable jungle of leaves, blooms, and fronds. No matter the weather or the season, this street becomes the place to head if you fancy immersing yourself in a bit of natural beauty.

Many of the florists here have grown their own flowers and plants, but you’re bound to find some greenery from warmer corners of the world. For more information about the shops nearby and what time the flowers will be there, see here.

Location: Columbia Road, London, E2 7RG

Columbia Flower Market in the evening, with sellers showing their range of pink and red florals to the crowds.

Boxpark

Boxpark is a great place to head to if you fancy a regular day of shopping and eating with a cool twist. The central focus of the area is the rows of shops and eateries constructed from old freight containers stacked on top of one another. Wind through both levels to discover fantastic food from places such as Cha-Oom and Pasta Evangelists. You should also make the most of the terraces when the weather is good.

Location: Boxpark, 2-10 Bethnal Green Rd, Hackney, London E1 6GY

Victoria Miro

An ex-Victorian furniture factory, this gallery was opened by Victoria Miro in Mayfair in 1985. It was moved in 2000 to Hoxton instead, and this newer space spans over two floors and has a beautifully landscaped garden, which is a rarity in London. A perfectly calming space in which to spend your day, head to the Victoria Miro gallery if you need some introspection.

2-10 Bethnal Green Rd, London E1 6GY

Related: The Best Things To Do In Hoxton Within A Mile Of Urbanest

Get out and about in Hoxton

One of the best things to do in Hoxton is simply to explore your local area. There is a wealth of hidden jewels waiting for you to uncover them. From famous foody treats to urban art, there’s something here for everyone.

The Brick Lane Beigel

Brick Lane Beigel's famous salt beef bagels.

We couldn’t create a guide to Hoxton without mentioning both Beigel Bake and Beigel Shop. These two shops contend for the best salt beef bagel in London. You’ll have to try them both to see which you think is the winner! Both are open 24/7; they’re the perfect places to head to if you feel peckish after a night on the tiles.

Location: 159 Brick Lane, London, E1 6SB

Go art spotting

Shoreditch, just a stone’s throw away from Hoxton, is well-known for its beautiful street art. It changes constantly, meaning an amble around the neighbourhood will turn up new sights each time you head out.

Rivington Street features a piece by Banksy, while Great Eastern Street features the heavily photographed wall emblazoned with ‘Let’s Adore And Endure Each Other’. On Shoreditch High Street keep an eye out for the sculptured faces created by Gregos Art, and head to Brick Lane for art just as vibrant as the community there.

Read more: Student Life In London – A Guide To Vauxhall

Hoxton graffiti and street art depicting a surfer and a sailboat in a storm at sea.

Theatres & entertainment venues near Hoxton

If you fancy making a night of it, head to one of these fab locations. They’re perfect for a night of partying or a touch of culture and are all must-do activities in our guide to Hoxton.

XOYO

One of the capital’s most respected clubs, XOYO delivers an unrivalled soundtrack to the weekend for the partygoers that descend there. The club has two floors and a quarterly residency plan that sees some of the world’s best DJs make the club their own for three months.

As well as the most talented DJs, the club also hosts live music. Be aware, however, that it’s only open to those 21 and above on a Friday and Saturday night.

Location: 32-37 Cowper St, London, EC2A 4AP

­Sadler’s Wells Theatre

A world-leading institute dedicated to the medium of dance, Sadler’s Wells Theatre has over three centuries of theatrical heritage. There’s a wide and varied programme of activities and shows year-round. You can catch a show of anything from ballet to flamenco displayed by travelling troupes from all over the world.

Location: Rosebery Avenue, Clerkenwell, London, EC1R 4TN

Shoreditch Town Hall

An independent arts and events venue, Shoreditch Town Hall is a Grade II Listed Building. It was initially the civic centre for the local area before becoming an arts space in 2004. The building features a wide range of special architectural touches and is a beautiful home to various cultural activities. Used for film production, dance and theatre performances, corporate events, exhibitions and private events, the venue has a rich programme for all to enjoy.

Location: 380 Old Street, London, EC1V 9LT

We hope you’ve found this guide to Hoxton handy for getting to grips with the area. From partying to flower shopping, there’s something to do for everyone in East London. Click here for more student accommodation in London.

Leigh Horan

Leigh Horan

For more great posts from Urbanest about accommodation, London life, study tips and much more, visit the Student Journal.