Colours of Arley founder Louisa Tratalos’s Hackney hostpots
Colours of Arley founder Louisa Tratalos says she has always loved East London: “There is nowhere else for me. Spending lockdown in Hackney, wandering up and down the canals around Victoria Park, being served drinks off long boats, and connecting to nature made me even more drawn to the neighbourhood.”
She opens up her little book of treasures in the area…
Where I go for a...
Power brunch
I go to Ozone. I have been going for years, there is one in Spitalfields but there is also one by Old Street Station and another towards Broadway Market. They do amazing breakfast and I highly recommend the omelette.
Game-changing dinner
Oranj. It is just a short walk from Whitechapel. They have amazing chef residencies and the vibe is always on point.
Romantic vibe
Bubala Spitalfields. Me and my partner Nick are both vegetarian, so it is always a perfect date night for us. Vegetarian Middle Eastern food - what more could you ask for?
Mooch around
Wander up to Hackney Farm to see the piglets. I am a huge fan of pigs and my dream is to open a pig sanctuary. I love being able to see them in the middle of the city.
Pampering or wellness session
My friend Angelica Mandy is an incredible acupuncturist based in Whitechapel, the best I have ever felt is having regular sessions with her. A little further up the road, but definitely a favourite for me is Banya No. 1 for a Parenie and Plunge.
Coffee
WatchHouse Spitalfields, which is also good for brunch.
Cultural fix
Dennis Severs' House - we went as part of my History of Art degree when I was at Goldsmiths, and it always had a lasting impression on me. I recommend people to visit when they are in the area.
How about a beautiful view?
I actually love this part of London from the trains. I travel in everyday on the Elizabeth Line from Forest Gate to Whitechapel.
Go to The Culpeper Rooftop on Commercial Street. You can see the train tracks and you are surrounded by the tall buildings of the city.
Dose of creative inspiration
Whitechapel Gallery is obvious but it has to be said. A strong memory for me was Sophie Calle's Talking to Strangers where she asked teachers, lawyers, performers and psychologists to interpret a break-up message from her ex.
Shop
Come visit our Colours of Arley shop on Hackney Road! My partner runs an incredible rare and archive book shop @record28books next to us. There is a door at the back so our dog Patch likes to wander between the two. Other than that, check out Brother-Ldn on Westgate Street and Hai on Boundary Street.
People watching moment
The Tayyabs queue on a Saturday night.
Big night out
The Queen Adelaide is open until 3am.
Nightcap
Late night drinks in any pub around here are fun, but I really like The Sun pub on Bethnal Green Road.
Flowers
Obviously Columbia Road Flower Market. Granted, it is a little walk away but there is no competition.