Hackney Wick, a former industrial area in London, has been named the city's coolest neighborhood in a recent survey by Naturecan. The survey of 5,000 people ranked areas across the UK

based on the number of independent shops, cultural events, popularity as filming locations, and Instagrammability. Hackney Wick came out on top for London, followed by Spitalfields, Walthamstow, Tottenham, and Brixton.

Despite being ranked as one of London's "most gentrified" areas, Hackney Wick shows no signs of losing its popularity anytime soon. It has been featured in various films and TV shows, including "Top Boy," "James Bond Die Another Day," and "Bridgerton." However, it only managed to secure 25th place on the list of the 50 coolest places in the UK, with Polperro in Cornwall taking the top spot.

Naturecan's CEO, Andy Duckworth, noted that social media, especially Instagram, has played a significant role in boosting the trendiness of Hackney Wick. He said that hidden gems that are only visited by local tourists can become popular worldwide if they are featured in a movie or pictured by the right influencer.

While Hackney Wick may have come out on top in Naturecan's survey, Time Out's list of the coolest neighborhoods tells a different story. In 2022, tens of thousands of city dwellers were surveyed, and Walthamstow was crowned London's hippest spot, beating out Hackney Wick.

Whether you prefer Hackney Wick or Walthamstow, it's clear that London has plenty of trendy and vibrant neighborhoods to explore. From craft breweries and sourdough pizza joints to independent shops and cultural events, these areas offer unique experiences that continue to draw visitors from around the world. Photo by Sludge G, Wikimedia commons.