You’ve got to experience hip and happening Hoxton, which became the place to be for young British artists like Tracy Emin in the 1990’s. It’s now home to Jay Jopling's White Cube Gallery, Jamie Oliver's restaurant Fifteen, and more fashionable bars than you could ever hope to find! There are art galleries everywhere you look too, so if you’ve ever fancied being an amateur art critic, Hoxton’s definitely the place for you! You’ll find it in the East London Borough of Hackney, immediately north of the City of London, and outside the congestion charge zone. You’ll find Old Street Tube Station in Tube Zone 1 close by, which will whisk you to the heart of London in just ten minutes. There’s even Old Street Train Station to help you get around!

In medieval times, Hoxton formed a rural part of Shoreditch parish. By Tudor times, many moated manor houses provided the wealthy with country air close to the city. Hoxton contained public gardens that were a popular resort from the crowded city streets on holidays. By the end of the 17th century the estates were broken up, and many of the existing large houses were used as mad houses. Hoxton House, for example, became a private asylum in 1695. In the Victorian era the railways made travelling to distant suburbs easier, and this (combined with industrialisation) drove away the wealthier classes, leaving Hoxton a concentration of the poor.

In Hoxton Street, a plaque marks the location of the Britannia Theatre which evolved from the former Pimlico tea gardens into a 3000-seat venue. Hoxton Hall (which is now a community centre) began life in 1863 as a saloon-style music hall and in 1924 the Gainsborough Film Studios were founded - Alfred Hitchcock, Ivor Novello and Gracie Fields all worked here! With this creativity came a new-found popularity. In the early 1980s, industrial lofts were home to young artists as cheap living and working spaces. And by the end of the 20th century, Hoxton was a vibrant arts and entertainment district with a large number of bars, clubs, restaurants, and art galleries. The most fashionable part is centred on Hoxton Square where today, you’ll find a lively, trendy atmosphere and a thriving art scene waiting to be discovered by you!

Hoxton is a completely unique part of London with an artistic and creative vibe that you must experience. From art galleries and live music venues, to trendy bars and restaurants, you’ll never be short of something to do here. It’s also just a ten minute walk to Old Street which is one of the best areas in London for a night out. It’s really easy to get around London with Hoxton as your base. From Old Street Tube Station you can be in Oxford Circus in less than ten minutes!

Hoxton's richest and poorest still live side by side and although the unemployment rates and crime rates are quite high (compared to the rest of the borough of Hackney) regeneration schemes are improving the area massively. It’s a fascinating, lively place with a huge amount of character that you just can’t afford to miss.