I moved to Upper Clapton last year from Stokey, so not far. When I tell people where I live now I always get, "Oh Clapton’s cool!"
It’s a diverse place, between the Turkish businesses, the Jewish and black communities. I like that. It’s an affirmation of how we can all live together in peace and harmony.
The area is particularly beautiful in summer, with its parks and green spaces. I can be walking along the banks of the River Lea in 10 minutes from my flat.
It’s the first time I’ve been able to furnish my own place, which is important to me as a designer – though I did buy a beautiful antique table that I couldn’t get through the door.
Best eating and drinking
You can get Mediterranean, Greek, Turkish, Chinese, Vietnamese food… there’s quite a diversity here.
My Neighbours the Dumplings is a great Chinese restaurant near Clapton Pond. It’s not your typical black bean sauce-style Chinese – there’s lots of different things on offer and it’s always tasty.
My two favourite coffee shops are both on Upper Clapton Road. There’s Tram Store, which is a lovely place to work from, and The Dialogue Cafe, which has really friendly staff. You don’t have that sense that they just want to serve you so you’ll go away.
I’m not much of a drinker, but I always end up in The Crooked Billet with friends. It’s a well-known Clapton hangout with a really nice atmosphere. The beer garden is always crowded in the summer.
Where do you work out?
I used to go to the Better gym near Clissold Park but it was getting a bit fancy for me. Now I just tend to do calisthenics at home.
To commune with nature
I like going for walks at the weekend and we’ve got lots of green spaces to choose from. Springfield Park is a good one, and there’s also Millfields Park on the way to Hackney Marshes.
The first time anyone goes to the Marshes they’ll just be awed by the nature and the vastness. We’re very well connected to water here. I love the houseboats on the River Lea and all the little pathways and bridges.
For a culture fix
The Castle Cinema is an old indie cinema off Chatsworth Road. It’s an intimate setting and the design is really cool.
It’s something the locals are quite proud of. I tend to buy my books online because I’m lazy, but I do like Pages of Hackney on Lower Clapton Road. They sell a lot of books by small publishers, as well as secondhand books, and they also host author events.
Grocery shopping
Clapton doesn’t have any big supermarkets but there is a Tesco Express near me. I tend to buy fruit and veg from the corner shops like World Foods and Elif Food Centre, which is open 24/7.
Down towards Clapton Pond there are a few more interesting grocery shops that sell organic produce, like Palm 2.
I think everyone who lives in Clapton goes to Chatsworth Road Market on a Sunday. I’m most interested in chatting to all the independent business owners about how they source products. I’ve had some really nice conversations.
Getting around
I tend to use public transport but I will get an Uber occasionally depending on where I’m going. You often need to connect somewhere on the Overground and you can end up being charged extra if you’re not careful. Clapton is on the Liverpool Street-to-Chingford line.
Walking is calming for me. I spend a lot of time around where I used to live and I’ll usually walk it.
Dream street
The late Victorian houses on Mildenhall Road, near Millfields Park, are very elegant with large windows. It crossed my mind that I wouldn’t mind living there.
Something you only see in your area
There’s a big Orthodox Jewish community in Upper Clapton and Stamford Hill, which is unique. I like that it’s such a mixed area.
What's the catch?
No Underground. If you don’t work locally or you regularly travel further afield, it can be tricky.
In three words
Clapton is cool!
Schools
Clapton Girls’ Academy is one of Hackney’s top-performing schools. Southwold Primary School near Millfields Recreation Ground has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
A wealth of Good primaries include Baden-Powell School and Millfields Community School.
What it costs
Buying in Clapton
Average flat price: £476,530
Average house price: £1,100,180
Renting in Clapton
Average flat price: £2,040 pcm
Average house price: £3,640 pcm
