THE JOURNAL
Crate Brewery, Hackney Wick, 2018. Photograph by Mr Matt Russell, courtesy of Crate
We have long been fans of Mr Tom Brown, the chef who cut his teeth working with seafood master Mr Nathan Outlaw, and opened his Hackney Wick-based restaurant, Cornerstone, just over a year ago. Below, we asked him for his insider guide to the best places to eat, drink and be merry in this hip corner of Hackney that he has come to know so well.
“I used to hang out here a lot. I used to go to parties and sit in bars on the canal. I thought east London was my preference [when I was opening the restaurant], but this one just came up. It’s not business wizardry – I just thought it would a nice place to spend my time.
“I’m from Cornwall and I worked with Nathan Outlaw for six years. He was really helpful. He doesn’t have shares [in Cornerstone] or anything. He didn’t want to take money from my pocket. He helped me with mentoring. You need luck and you need help. All you’re going to get from that is great restaurants.”
Pearl
“The number one place is Pearl,” says Mr Brown. “They’re just across the street from us. It’s just a great little cafe and bar. The owner, Alex, is really sound. He’s a local legend. Pearl does nice food and really good coffee – go for brunch; they’ve got outdoor seating. Hackney Wick’s amazing when the weather’s good. They recently got new windows so the whole front of the restaurant opens up. Order the avocado and eggs on toast. I know it’s a cliché, but it’s really nice. When we were setting up the restaurant we used to go in there and take up all the space and they didn’t mind. It’s a great little spot.”
Crate Brewery
“Everyone knows Crate: banging pizzas; great beer, beautiful setting. I love sitting there and looking across the canal at all that graffiti there. It’s always packed when the sun’s out and it’s always a good atmosphere. The guys are so nice. They’ve built up such a reputation. They draw so many people out to the east. Crate is great for daytime drinking.”
Mick's Garage
“For later on, Mick’s Garage is just next door in Queen’s Yard, which is great if you want to stay out a little longer and go for a bit of a rave in the evening. They have great music, DJs and live acts. It’s always good for a party. The Yard Theatre is nearby as well, which is worth a look.”
Natura
“There’s an Italian place just up the road from us that is really nice. I have a few Italians who work for me who always go up there for something to eat and drink. Get any of the pizzas – proper rustic, thin-based ones. They do amazing pasta dishes, too. The chef there is called Gigi. I went in once to order some food and they asked me to meet him. He’s about 5ft tall and a total legend.”
Bucks Barbers
“This isn’t for eating and drinking but they do give you a beer when you sit down. It’s just across on the new development in Here East. This is where all the chefs go to get their hair done. They’re nice people; everywhere you go in Hackney Wick, people are nice – it’s a great little community, it has that neighbourhood feel. It’s so different from Knightsbridge when I worked with Nathan; I loved the restaurant, but the area is soulless. They’ve always got good music on at Bucks and they do very good haircuts. If you’ve had a long week you could fall asleep in the chair.”