This energetic portion of Dalston is focussed around the much sought after London Fields park. Each street is an amalgamation of architecture, cultures and history, which is precisely what attracts a vibrant population of young people and creatives to the area. Living spaces range from Victorian terraced housing, much of which has been split into flats, to brutalist 1970s social housing, and contemporary apartment blocks. Both London Fields and Dalston Junction stations provide convenient Overground services, with the former running to Liverpool street, and the latter connecting to south London. The high streets of Mare Street and Kingsland Road are packed with all the conveniences one could ask for with frequent buses running all over the city. Full of trendy entertainment spots, pubs, cafes and restaurants, the neighbourhood is an increasingly popular urban area, but the green spaces of London Fields and the community-led Eastern Curve Garden also offer tranquil public spaces to escape from the local hustle and bustle.

London Fields was formerly located just outside of Hackney, with a small number of houses emerging around its perimeter during the 17th century. Up until the mid-19th century, the fields were owned by a handful of farmers, who allowed locals to graze their livestock on the land following the harvest. The neighbourhood industrialised and urbanised during the 19th century and early-20th century, later became for the social housing experiments that the government implemented in the post-war era. Older residents will remember the notorious high-rise Holly Street Estate that was known for its winding “snake” blocks and reputation for crime and deprivation. However, in recent years this postcode has undergone a process of redevelopment, or gentrification (depending on who you ask), and many of these old flats have been torn down and replaced with increasingly luxurious residential spaces.

London Fields used to be the notorious arena for one of London’s weirdest and probably meanest competitions – pig swinging. Every week, locals would try to swing the poor little pigs around their heads as they were herded down to the nearby Smithfield market for slaughter. Today it hosts a vibrant market, a cricket club, and a swimming lido, which is the only one of its kind in East London and is a source of community pride.

Whilst this area’s once rough reputation has now largely been shed, there are still relatively high incidents of crime. Partly because the area has now become a popular nightlife spot, there has been an increase in anti-social behaviour. This also alludes to the greater challenges in the community regarding the gentrification of and rising inequality in their neighbourhood.

To meet the area’s growing housing needs Hackney council have approved numerous developments that have been controversial with locals. The Laundry is a residential development on Warburton Road just off London Fields, and will include 58 private high end apartments with a concierge service and private gym. Given the high demand for social and affordable housing in the area, it is unsurprising long term residents have expressed disappointment at these proposals. Similar developments are underway on Dalston Lane and Amhurst Road.