Netil360 reopened just 2 weeks ago by London Fields but I’ve already heard great things from so many sources. My hipster housemate had a boozy day in the sun here last weekend (she’s the first to try everything) and a cute Spanish boy told me about it on Tinder (yes we will be coming here on a date soon). Word is spreading fast and it won’t be long before all these deck chairs are taken up by gin and juice sipping East Londoners.
But prepare yourselves for the journey up to the rooftop. I’m not one for exercise (let me emphasise this – I oppose all forms of exercise) but this 5 floor climb is definitely worth the perspiration. I immediately ran towards my second coffee of the day but struggled to make my order. Heavily panting, I basically just yelled out ‘Latte!’ between deep breaths but there was no judgement here. And like most East London venues, all the staff are suspiciously attractive. So first impressions were already pretty good.
Now, despite being a bit of a Melbourne coffee snob, their Climpson and Son’s coffee was a delight. Not burnt, decent latte art and nice and hot.
After taking my first sip of coffee and catching my breath, I set myself up in the sun, perched on a cushion listening to some laid back music and sank into instant comfort. I got my tan on and stared off into the distance.
So this brings me to the views! Definitely the selling point here. You start with the overground at your feet, with your gaze slowly moving up towards the Regent’s Canal where the imposing out-of-use gas storage structure stands. You’ve got the gentrifying industrial landscape at your feet and the metropolitan cityscape in the distance. All of which is just basking in the London sun.
That’ll do London, that’ll do.
But turn around and look at the space. It huge. Enormous even. Such a rarity for London rooftops. You’ve got big comfy hammocks (perfect for drunken snuggles), deck chairs sprawled out in the open and in the shade with pillows scattered about the AstroTurf laid floor. Then you’ve got two big barn-looking spaces for studying where, on weekdays, most people are hanging out doing their work. And to top it all off you’ve got your disco ball and light bulbs dotted about showing how this space is also destined for some amazing night time gatherings this summer.
But as they’re in their formative stages, the food and drinks menu is quite sparse. They’ve got good coffee, simple but fresh salads and some little desserts. Booze comes in the form of Estrella and Magners in a can, basic spirits and jugs of Pimms. But that’s all you need for a summer hang out. It’s not too pricey and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. Netil360 knows it’s the place to be. They’re just waiting for everyone else to join in the discovery.
Open from 10:00 AM on weekdays and from 12:00 PM on weekends. At 1 Westgate Street, Hackney, E8 3RL. Jump on the band wagon fast and start your summer now!
Tales of an Aussie Traveller 