Easter weekend saw the launch of the hotly-anticipated Mare Street Market in Hackney from locals residents chef Gizzi Erskine and Marc Francis-Baum of BarWorks. This already buzzing dining and shopping spot stands on the street corner next to Netil House, just a short walk from Broadway Market and London Fields.
It’s an ambitious neighbourhood venture that brings together London producers and small businesses (particularly from the Hackney area) all under one roof, and you’re sure to recognise many of them.
Stepping in to the big open-plan market, you’re immediately charmed by the gorgeous blooms at in-house florist Rebel Rebel. Further inside is the bijou record store Stranger than Paradise, which boasts an enviable selection of vinyl and, I’m guessing, is responsible for the market’s well-curated soundtrack.
Pure White Lines has filled the space with stunning antiques and curiosities and there’s also a pop-up shop currently hosting M.C.Overalls (who have designed the staff uniforms) and a Mare Street On Air podcast studio.
The food offering at the market is truly impressive with three restaurants, a sleek central bar and a high-tech open kitchen. The Dining Room and seafood bar and set to open in the next few weeks, so for now, it’s all about The Open Kitchen with its tempting wood-fired and rotisserie menu.
We visited during the soft launch and tried the Rotisserie roast chicken with shoe-string fries, watercress and chicken sauce, which was pure perfection. The chicken breast and thigh pieces were tender and notably high quality with crispy skin and we loved the addition of crunchy golden fries and incredibly rich, flavour-packed chicken sauce.
One of my local favourites, Danish bakery The Bread Station, heads up the pizza menu and I dare say they’re serving up some of the best in Hackney! The Burrata pizza had a light, chewy and nicely-blistered rye biga dough topped with a generous amount of well-seasoned tomato sauce, fresh basil and half a ball of creamy, oozing burrata.
We were so impressed that we stopped by the next evening and tried two more pizzas – one topped with exemplary Fior di latte mozzarella and another with game-changing fennel sausage and buttered leeks. Pizzas range from just £5.50 to £9.50 for a full-on Hackney charcuterie feast, plus they do take-out.
The Deli & Liquor Store feels like a little corner of New York in Hackney, but ingredient-wise it’s a local affair. Take a seat at the marble counter and enjoy roasted meat sandwiches, tartines, ragu of the day and fresh salads. Cured meats, fresh pesto and cheese are also available to buy from the deli – we picked up a delicious Irish Coolea that tastes like Comté on the manager’s recommendation.
Flying Horse Coffee has an on-site roastery and serves a great flat white (matcha lattes coming soon, too). We enjoyed a caffeine fix with a slice of Flourless carrot and pistachio cake by the brilliant Victoria Yum and you can also get signature madeleines and cinnamon buns by The Bread Station.
As if that wasn’t enough, the liquor store has a well-chosen selection of wines as well as Tiosk tea, gourmet granola, bacon jam, sriracha and chocolate by Pump Street Bakery and Land.
In the warmer months, the terrace will be the place to enjoy sundown cocktails and weekends are dedicated to brunch and proper Sunday roasts. The market is also very dog-friendly, so you can bring the whole family.
Mare Street Market is a fun and relaxed place where you can get a real taste of Hackney. I can’t wait to work my way through the menu and see what Gizzi and co. have coming up next.
For more information, visit: www.marestreetmarket.com
All photos by Chérie City
