Why I live in Haggerston: Hatton Labs’ co-founder Jack Cannon on why he’s ‘spoilt for choice’ in this Hackney area

I live in a three-bedroom maisonette built from the late Seventies to early Eighties. The estate is a mix of terraced houses and purpose-built flats in smaller blocks. I love Hackney and the whole of east London for its variety of people and seamless integration.

The main factor for me wanting to live in this area is the accessibility to the rest of the city. I like to walk to and from work every day, so being near the canal is really helpful.

I’ve been living here for eight years and I was previously in Tower Hamlets, so Hackney feels like home.

I am fortunate enough to live in an area that’s surrounded by good restaurants, markets and shops. I am spoilt for choice and it feels like something new is always happening. I love my local go-to restaurants like Campania on Ezra Street, Brawn on Columbia Road and Cafe Route in Broadway Market. At the moment my favourite local spot for snacking is Dom’s Subs on Hackney Road. They have somehow made sandwiches even more classy than they were before. Walking home afterwards is vital.

If you are on that block then you should visit Waste! store. They have a selection of really cool zines from a range of different genres as well as prints and T-shirts. It is perfect for buying gifts.

Haggerston Park is a beautiful space that has a lot of facilities. The park was originally created in the Fifties and built on the site of the old Shoreditch Gasworks, which had been hit by a bomb during the Second World War. The high walls make you feel like you’re in an arena.

Hackney City Farm is a staple. I’ve been going since I was a baby and it is still a great way to spend an afternoon. If I have ever have friends with kids visiting, I will always take them there. After the Olympics the council fitted a BMX track directly behind the farm, which is fun but not for the faint-hearted.

Also, an honourable mention for the Young V&A (formerly the V&A Museum of Childhood — due to reopen this summer). This is a great collection of toys from over the decades that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

My place looks out on to the canals, so I always feel like I am near a slice of nature. I can hear ducks quacking and barges chugging along. It is like an episode of Rosie and Jim most of the time.

Gorillas. Or for smaller bits I like to use Ozan Supermarket, a store on my estate that’s run by the cutest old couple. They stock a wide selection of fruit and veg and have everything you would need for a good breakfast.

I am either walking or cycling. I know that it’s not always ideal in winter but if you get yourself some good waterproofs and jump on a Lime bike you will be good. Old Street roundabout is a vortex of traffic, so buses and taxis are pointless.

Albion Square Gardens is made up of stunning Victorian townhouses tucked away in a conservation area. The square is surrounded by period housing and shaded by old trees. The grand villa-style buildings always remind me of old London. I love these enclaves of history, there is something very soothing about them.

I can’t enthuse enough how much of a service the Haggerston Park punching bags are doing for the community. They are not just reserved for people getting fit, I often see stressed mothers with prams working some stuff out as well.

All the shortcuts have now been closed down. It makes accessing places in a car a long, one-way process that cannot be finessed. This is another reason why cycling is the only real way to get about.

Real. Integrated. Community.

Haggerston has several primary schools nearby rated outstanding or good by Ofsted including Sebright school and Randal Cremer school. For secondary education, Haggerston School and Waterside Academy are deemed good.

Average flat price: £519,160

Average property price: £719,340

Average flat price, pcm: £2,030

Average house price, pcm: £3,200

Source: Hamptons & Land Registry