Straight out of the madness of the London Marathon, the city’s running scene rolls straight into the party of Hackney Half weekend just a few weeks later. The contrast between the two races is quite clear: where the London Marathon has a heavy draw from elite athletes and an international crowd, Hackney was founded on the principles of celebrating the uniqueness and vibrancy of the Borough’s community. The race has since developed into something bigger, also attracting local elites as well as thousands of Hackney residents and runners from across London and beyond, but the essence of the race is still rooted as being by the community, for the community (as long as you can get a bib and afford the hefty entry fee, but that’s a story for another time).

This year, we partnered with three pillars of London’s running community to join them in supporting the runners and ravers of the 2026 Hackney Half. Mafia Moves made the trip from Tottenham, Vertex33 came across the short way from Stratford and The Running Room kindly welcomed us to their home right on the course on Andrews Road. Plenty of fun was had by us, and plenty of run was had by a few thousand runners out on the course! But now that it’s all over, Hackney still has so much to offer beyond just one Sunday in May. Here are a few of our favourite places throughout the area that make a trip more than worth it!

Knees Up Space

Over on Hackney Road and not far from Cambridge Heath overground station, you’ll find a sleek black building and patio hiding behind some gates. Under warm lighting and a glass front, you’ll find Knees Up Space, a café, boutique and hangout dedicated to running and cycling. Not only do they whip up sarnies, snacks and baked goods alongside beautiful flat-whites, but you’ll be able to shop selects from some of the chicest niche brands on the running market right now. Think Gnuhr shag pullovers, minimalism from Goldwin and, of course, our Mothteched mutual friends, Satisfy. They also host regular runs from the space and have patio seating to enjoy the sun.

Hackney Community Sauna Baths

Getting away from the bustle of East London can sometimes feel difficult until you step into one of the many beautiful parks and open spaces, but even then, on a nice day the sheer amount of runners, walkers, cyclists and leisure-makers can make the parks feel equally busy. Enter the Hackney Community Sauna Baths, just tucked away to the east of Viccy Park and a short hop from Hackney Wick station. The Victorian bathhouse where it is located was once falling into disrepair until a community group stepped in to save it from dereliction and turn it into a place that people could use to congregate. What they built has now become the Community Sauna Baths, a complex of saunas, cold plunges, a café, events and yoga space that welcomes everyone. Through the doors, you’ll immediately feel the tranquility enter your soul with the burning incense wafting and oils from the sauna entering your olfactory system. Book in for 90 mins of steaming and icing in the saunas and stay for the food, drink and chats in the café after!

Running Late

On the face of it, this little corner hatch on Mare St. and Ellingford Road is one of the many places smashing out coffees to-go for the commuting population of Hackney. But looks can be deceiving. Yes, they DO sling all kinds of espresso drinks – very good ones at that – but they also host a whole bunch of community clubs and events throughout the week, including three morning runs, walks, sketching and a coffee club. They also are probably the only coffee shop that I know of that has its own currency and football shirt!

The Running Room

Most people really don’t want to go to a physio. It’s usually because they’re somewhat injured. But clearly they’ve never been to The Running Room, probably the best running physios in London if not the world. Their space on Andrews Road overlooks the canal, complete with a balcony and all the tools and knowledge you could ever need to get yourself back on track and healthy. Each of their team looks at everything from running form, via their high-tech gait analysis system; to force production and strength through a number of measurement devices; and even clinics specifically aimed at helping with preventing injuries from energy deficiency illnesses. Oh and of course their whole team is lovely.

Facing Heaven

For fun with food and friends, then it’s most definitely the time for Facing Heaven. You may be familiar with the vegan Sichuan spot just by London Fields station since it was formerly known as Mao Chow. They dish up the classics like Dan Dan noodles and kung pao broccoli, laden with MSG and spice, as well as rumours of complimentary shots for lucky regular customers. “Unbelievable” is the only way Jonty can describe it, since it is one of his favourite places to eat.

Sebright Arms

We couldn’t go without mentioning a pub. It wouldn’t be right. That’s why we’re talking about the Arms of Sebright. (The rhyme was laid on a plate for me, sorry). The big bar room is laid with dark wood flooring and accompanied by suitably dingy (positive!) ambience and plenty of seating. There is a pool table, a side area for more tucked-away chatting, and plenty on the taps to choose from. Better yet, there’s a whole dang music venue downstairs that plays host to all kinds of sounds, pretty much every night of the week.