UO Hidden Neighbourhoods Episode 2 Ft. Polaroid
We’re exploring places unknown this summer and for our second episode of UO Hidden Neighbourhoods, we’re taking Polaroid on a trip with Scott, Khadi, Dil and Michael - four friends uncovering their secret locations in East London. Discover the tucked away food hall, Upmarket, as well as the green amongst the East a.k.a.Hackney City Farm. Get involved by tagging us in your #UOHiddenNeighbourhoods #PolaroidGoCreate.
What Hidden Neighbourhood did you choose?
Scott: East London! Not that hidden I know, but there are little gems hidden around, you’ve just gotta explore and find them.
Tell us something about the area that you only know by being a local…
S: Given the inevitable hustle and bustle of East London, at the weekend it can often be difficult to find seclusion and solace when it’s most needed. Having visited London for many years, I have often come across less well known and more unique places which give me the ability to take a break from the monotony of the week.
What do you love about your neighbourhood?
S: For me it’s the people. There’s such a mixture of people from all walks of life and I love that there’s always new stories to be heard and new experiences to have.
Describe the atmosphere of your neighbourhood in 3 words… creative, cuisine and ever-changing.
Scott: East London! Not that hidden I know, but there are little gems hidden around, you’ve just gotta explore and find them.
Tell us something about the area that you only know by being a local…
S: Given the inevitable hustle and bustle of East London, at the weekend it can often be difficult to find seclusion and solace when it’s most needed. Having visited London for many years, I have often come across less well known and more unique places which give me the ability to take a break from the monotony of the week.
What do you love about your neighbourhood?
S: For me it’s the people. There’s such a mixture of people from all walks of life and I love that there’s always new stories to be heard and new experiences to have.
Describe the atmosphere of your neighbourhood in 3 words… creative, cuisine and ever-changing.
Describe your route through the neighbourhood…
S: The day started on Brick Lane in Shoreditch at Upmarket, an indoor food hall only open on Saturdays and Sundays. We tried tasters from a number of stalls and landed on a family-run Korean stand.
Dil: Brick Lane’s food market is a must try for anyone passing through.
Michael: It’s a hub of cultures and banging food and drink.
S: To enjoy our food, we stumbled onto a small park just off Brick Lane which Michael had recommended as one of his secret spots. Perching up on a patch of grass on a bright day in London is a rite of passage for anyone spending the summer here, so it was only right we do the same. We then made our way towards our next destination at Hackney City Farm. We made our way around the farm and documented the experience on our Polaroid Go cameras before heading towards our final secret spot in East London, my friend’s rooftop. Situated in Whitechapel, the rooftop was the perfect place to soak up the sunny views of East London and enjoy the end of the day.
Khadi: We ended the day the best way we could, having drinks, taking photos and listening to music. All vibes!
One place to go that's a must visit?
S: For me it’s Hackney City Farm, it’s so nice to go there and see the animals. Such a simple and pure way to relax.
K: The farm was such an experience, we got to call the animals and get 0 attention, the chase was the fun part.
M: We had a fun time. Gotta love how London has these little gems of nature hidden around so it's not all concrete.
Top 3 parks to visit in East London?
S: Definitely London fields can’t go wrong there! Victoria park is amazing for a nice walk and Mile End park has such a rich history.
S: The day started on Brick Lane in Shoreditch at Upmarket, an indoor food hall only open on Saturdays and Sundays. We tried tasters from a number of stalls and landed on a family-run Korean stand.
Dil: Brick Lane’s food market is a must try for anyone passing through.
Michael: It’s a hub of cultures and banging food and drink.
S: To enjoy our food, we stumbled onto a small park just off Brick Lane which Michael had recommended as one of his secret spots. Perching up on a patch of grass on a bright day in London is a rite of passage for anyone spending the summer here, so it was only right we do the same. We then made our way towards our next destination at Hackney City Farm. We made our way around the farm and documented the experience on our Polaroid Go cameras before heading towards our final secret spot in East London, my friend’s rooftop. Situated in Whitechapel, the rooftop was the perfect place to soak up the sunny views of East London and enjoy the end of the day.
Khadi: We ended the day the best way we could, having drinks, taking photos and listening to music. All vibes!
One place to go that's a must visit?
S: For me it’s Hackney City Farm, it’s so nice to go there and see the animals. Such a simple and pure way to relax.
K: The farm was such an experience, we got to call the animals and get 0 attention, the chase was the fun part.
M: We had a fun time. Gotta love how London has these little gems of nature hidden around so it's not all concrete.
Top 3 parks to visit in East London?
S: Definitely London fields can’t go wrong there! Victoria park is amazing for a nice walk and Mile End park has such a rich history.
3 songs on your playlist for strolling around your hidden neighbourhood…
S: Plain clothes - Mick Jenkins, Glowed up - Kaytranada and - if I'm feeling jazzy - Club Tropicana - Wham.Advice to someone visiting your neighbourhood for the first time…
S: Explore! There is so much to see, don’t let Brick Lane distract you too much, going off track is the best way to find the good spots.
Best thing about Polaroid Go?
S: The best thing about the Polaroid Go is in the name Go! I can take it wherever I like and it never feels like a burden.
Tips for taking a good image…
S: I’m no photographer so for me I usually take a photo when it feels right! With Polaroid Go it’s perfect cause it’s there on hand as soon as you need it.
How do you display your Polaroids?
S: For me I scatter my Polaroids everywhere I can. They are such a good size to stick on the wall and make collages or, if you are cute like me, to keep your favourite shot on your person so you have it wherever you go.
S: Explore! There is so much to see, don’t let Brick Lane distract you too much, going off track is the best way to find the good spots.
Best thing about Polaroid Go?
S: The best thing about the Polaroid Go is in the name Go! I can take it wherever I like and it never feels like a burden.
Tips for taking a good image…
S: I’m no photographer so for me I usually take a photo when it feels right! With Polaroid Go it’s perfect cause it’s there on hand as soon as you need it.
How do you display your Polaroids?
S: For me I scatter my Polaroids everywhere I can. They are such a good size to stick on the wall and make collages or, if you are cute like me, to keep your favourite shot on your person so you have it wherever you go.