Last month, we gave you a heads-up on the secret every local should know: make haste to the Olympic Park between 4-7pm every weekday and you can bag 2-for-1 drinks at Hackney Bridge (yep, cocktails and wine, as well as beer). Visit on Wednesdays and you’ll be able to soak it up with delicious half price pizza at Made In Puglia.
Still not sure what Hackney Bridge is about? Well then, here’s the skinny: this brand new, canalside public destination is roughly a mile from the nearest parts of E10 and E11, and home to workspace, studios, bars, local independent retail, community gardens, and – count ’em – eight street food vendors, from quality plant-based Hanoi Chay and poke bowls at Simply Hooked to Bovine Burgers and Filipino BBQ flavours at Filigrillz.
The idea is for the venue to appeal to the whole family – and, to underline this, there’s a riot of stuff lined up during February’s half term, when let’s face it, the weather’s cold, the sun still sets too early, and everything seems to be costing a fortune.
Below we run through the huge line-up of free activities for kids (doggies are also welcome), and with the Olympic Park just next door it’s the perfect family friendly day out (incidentally, do you access the park from the entrance by the illuminated Leyton sign too?).
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It’s worth adding that the street food traders serve up kids’ menu options, including fresh goujons with chips or salad, mini kids pizzas and more. There are also board games available up on the mezzanine to keep you entertained whilst keeping warm. See you there.
Half Term at Hackney Bridge
MONDAY 14th
Youth Running Club with The Outrunners, 6pm
Join The Outrunners Youth for their weekly run club. For those aged 13+ (younger kids can join their Wednesday session).
WHEN: Every Monday at 6pm
WHERE: Meeting at Hackney Bridge
HOW TO BOOK: Email georgiawitter@theoutrunners.co.uk to sign up
TUESDAY 15th
Drop off Craft Club with The Kids Table, 12-4pm
Find The Kids Table up on the mezzanine in Hackney Bridge Kitchens, where they will set up their drop-off crafting super station for children aged 3+. It’s Love Your Pet Month and so there will be an animal theme for this craft session.
WHEN: Tuesday 15th February, 12-4pm
WHERE: The mezzanine, Hackney Bridge Kitchens
HOW TO BOOK: No need, just turn up. First come, first served. Younger siblings are welcome, but we ask that parents stay with them.
Seed Bomb Making with Urban Organic, 1-3pm
Join the gardeners who keep Hackney Bridge green for a little green-fingered gardening session. Drop in and make seed bombs to take home or plant in our gardens to spread a little wildflower joy.
WHEN: Tuesday 15th February, 1-3pm
WHERE: Hackney Bridge lower tier, next to the Canal path
HOW TO BOOK: No need, just drop in at any time during the session. First come, first served.
WEDNESDAY 15th
Drop off Craft Club with The Kids Table, 12-4pm
Find The Kids Table up on the mezzanine in Hackney Bridge Kitchens, where they will set up their drop off crafting super station for children aged 3+. Today will be junk modelling, transforming rubbish into art! Bring your egg boxes, milk cartons and cans along with you.
WHEN: Wednesday 16th February, 12-4pm
WHERE: The mezzanine, Hackney Bridge Kitchens
HOW TO BOOK: No need, just turn up. First come, first served. Younger siblings are welcome, but we ask that parents stay with them.
A Cup Cake Decorating Masterclass with Cake Cult, 1:30-2:30pm
Join the vegan bakers behind Cake Cult to learn how to decorate a beautiful plant-based cupcake! And of course, take it away with you to enjoy.
WHEN: Wednesday 16th February at 1:30-2:30pm
WHERE: The mezzanine, Hackney Bridge Kitchens
HOW TO BOOK: Find out more here.
Kids Running Club with The Outrunners, 3pm
Get little ones moving with The Outrunners kids running club for ages 8 to 13. It’s totally free to attend and there are unlimited spaces. A great way to burn off some steam.
WHEN: Wednesday 16th February at 3pm
WHERE: Meeting at Hackney Bridge
HOW TO BOOK: Email georgiawitter@theoutrunners.co.uk to sign up
THURSDAY 17th
Drop off Craft Club with The Kids Table, 12-4pm
Find The Kids Table up on the mezzanine in Hackney Bridge Kitchens, where they will set up their drop off crafting super station for children aged 3+. The day’s theme will be back to school prep! Come along and make some super funky keyrings to personalise your bags and pencil cases.
WHEN: Thursday 17th February from 12-4pm
WHERE: On the mezzanine, Hackney Bridge Kitchens
HOW TO BOOK: No need, just turn up. First come, first served. Younger siblings are welcome, but we ask that parents stay with them.
A Pizza-Making Masterclass with Made in Puglia, 12-1pm
Join Alberto up on the mezzanine to learn the art of making Neapolitan pizza dough. Knead, stretch and top your own kids pizza then watch it getting baked in the Made In Puglia pizza oven before tucking in.
WHEN: Thursday 17th February from 12-1pm
WHERE: On the mezzanine, Hackney Bridge Kitchens
HOW TO BOOK: Spaces are limited, please book your place here.
A Cup Cake Decorating Masterclass with Cake Cult, 1:30-2:30pm
Join the vegan bakers behind Cake Cult to learn how to decorate a beautiful plant-based cupcake! And of course, take it away with you to enjoy.
WHEN: Thursday 17th February at 1:30-2:30pm
WHERE: The mezzanine, Hackney Bridge Kitchens
HOW TO BOOK: More info here.
FRIDAY 18th
A Pizza Making Masterclass with Made in Puglia, 12-1pm
Join Alberto up on the mezzanine to learn the art of making Neapolitan pizza dough. Knead, stretch and top your own kids pizza then watch it getting baked in the Made In Puglia pizza oven (pictured above) before tucking in.
WHEN: Friday 18th February from 12-1pm
WHERE: On the mezzanine, Hackney Bridge Kitchens
HOW TO BOOK: Spaces are limited, please book your place here
Kids Yoga Class with Aimee Lavender, 2-3pm
Join Aimee for a yoga class for ages 6-8.
WHEN: Friday 18th February from 2-3pm
WHERE: In the Restaurant space, Block XX
HOW TO BOOK: Spaces are limited, please book your place here. Please bring a yoga mat.
SATURDAY 19th
How to Become a Presenter! With Dutchie Club, 12-3pm
Open to 13 to 15 year old girls and non-binary people that want to become a radio presenters and vloggers, How to Become a Presenter is a half-day journey through the core skills of becoming a radio presenter or vlogger, the core skills you need, and how to get ahead in the business (plus time in a real recording studio to practice your links). The day will be led by leading radio producer, Nicole Logan, plus some special industry guests.
WHEN: Saturday 19th February from 12-3pm
WHERE: In the Dutchie Club Studio, Block E
HOW TO BOOK: Spaces are limited to six, please book your place here
SUNDAY 20th
Drop off Craft Club with The Kids Table, 12-4pm
Find The Kids Table up on the mezzanine in Hackney Bridge Kitchens, where they will set up their drop off crafting super station for children aged 3+. It’s a lucky dip, with mystery crafts to keep all kids entertained.
WHEN: Sunday 20th February from 12-4pm
WHERE: On the mezzanine, Hackney Bridge Kitchens
HOW TO BOOK: No need, just turn up. First come, first served. Younger siblings are welcome, but we ask that parents stay with them.
Hackney Bridge Kitchens is open Tuesday to Friday from 12pm, and weekends from 11am. Follow Hackney Bridge on Instagram at @hackney_bridge. Find out more about Hackney Bridge here.