Hackney Attic

Hackney Picturehouse has broken with cinema tradition and forgone the implementation of an Häagen-Dazs café on the first floor and instead added a live venue and bar in its attic. What made them think music, exhibition and beer was a better bet than slow melting ice cream? That’s something we’ll never know but whichever big wig put their foot down and demanded The Hackney Attic over Häagen-Dazs made the right call. Of course they did.

On the ground floor of the Picturehouse you’ll find a relatively peaceful bar and restaurant where you can get burgers, mini pizzas and locally brewed craft beer by the bottle. And that’s great, however, we’re more interested in the goings on up on the top floor where the space is dedicated to club nights, dancing and all things fun. The Hackney Attic is this area’s best-kept secret. From the You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat Film Quiz to evenings of music and fancy dress inspired by – and set to the music of – the likes of The Smiths and The Cure, the events line-up is varied. Despite the fact the bar is right next to a cinema screen, the music gets loud and nights get riotous. On our visit a live swing band played the tunes while dapper ladies and gents stomped around the floor into the early hours. The atmosphere is buzzing and as corny as it might sound, since we’re in a cinema, the night feels aptly cinematic.

With comedy, music and quiz nights the Hackney Attic is an excellent place to find some impromptu fun. Music is big on the weekends but whatever night you visit you’re almost certain to find something going on. And you can always find ice cream on the ground floor.

Hackney Attic

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