Hackney Church (St John at Hackney) Concerts 2025

I've only been here once so it may have been unique to the set-up used at the time but the acoustics were a little "echoey". Distracted a little from the performance but only a little. Doors opened at 7 pm with support act coming on around 8 pm and main act at 9 pm. That said enjoyed the performance and the venue was good. This is a church "by day" and was clearly designed to house other events - the double bar at the rear is well set-up. There's a balcony section which was surprisingly high but gave good views albeit from a distance. The staff were great, the facilities were clean. The toilets are individual and gender neutral. Very easy to get to, 5 minutes walk from Hackney Central. Seemed safe to use the path through the park which was well lit but the latest I went through this at 10:30 pm. Otherwise use the pedestrianised high street but there are plenty of food delivery people whizzing around.

Terrible acoustics for music, absolute rip-off prices for beer (£6.80 for a coke can sized unknown lager) and a queue to exit all 2,000 people from one set of double doors as they don't open the others up. There are a few parking spaces out front for around £7.60 for the evening, but surrounding resident parking bays are free after midday, and neighbouring zones free after 6pm

Attended acoustic show by Gary Numan and his band. Small and intimate venue with standing downstairs and bench seating upstairs.

What a stunning venue. A hidden gem so close to hackney central station. The bar staff were amazing. Selection of drinks was incredible. I don't think I've ever been to a gig where they have proper cocktail makers there. In fact all the staff there were amazing, merch stall, security. Everyone. And of course, Sampha was as amazing as expected.

What may not entirely be there in sound quality is in aesthetics and atmosphere.