Richmond Road, London, E8

Positioned on the seventh (top) floor of a former paper mill in London Fields, this penthouse apartment sits at the apex of a striking red-brick building reimagined by Lynas Smith Architects. Retaining its industrial character, the building centres around a dramatic internal atrium - a vast, light-filled volume lined with cedar-clad balustrades that functions as a naturally ventilated 'indoor street', connecting each apartment to the outside.

Inside the apartment, light is the defining feature. Triple-aspect windows and overhead skylights flood the space throughout the day, lending an ever-shifting atmosphere to each room. At the heart of the plan is an open-plan living space that flows between a sleek, modern kitchen and a generous private roof terrace. Framed by concertina doors, the terrace offers uninterrupted views across north and east London, perfect for both quiet moments and entertaining.

Both bedrooms are comfortable doubles, each with built-in storage and overhead glazing that brings the sky indoors. The principal bedroom includes a private en-suite shower room, while a second, full bathroom is positioned off the hallway - clean-lined and contemporary in its finish.

London Fields pulse is unmistakably local - a blend of independent spirit, creative energy and enduring charm. Directly outside the apartment building, Pophams is your local coffee spot. While moments away, along the quiet, tree-lined stretch of Wilton Way, Frans E8 brings a playful mix of Italian comfort and American diner culture to Hackney. Its all-day menu shifts from espresso and pastries in the morning to meatball sandwiches, silky pastas and natural wines by night served in a relaxed space that feels both nostalgic and new. Just steps away, Violets offers a slower, homelier rhythm: a cosy, light-filled café known for its handmade cakes, daily bakes and unfussy seasonal fare. From pistachio loaf to expertly layered pastries, everything is made in-house, often served warm from the oven.

A short walk leads to Allpress Coffee, anchoring the eastern edge of Broadway Market with its industrial roastery, pared-back interiors and reliably good coffee. Its freshly prepared sandwiches, made with care and quality ingredients, draw regulars from across the borough. Just opposite, Little Duck The Picklery combines a kitchen, fermenting lab and intimate dining space, where the ever-changing menu is built around seasonal produce, house-made pickles and natural ferments, a quiet celebration of slow, intentional food. Tucked just off London Fields, Tom's Pasta is a neighbourhood favourite known for its handmade pasta, natural wines and unfussy charm. What began as a lockdown project is now a permanent spot, serving a concise, seasonal menu in a warm, timber-lined space that feels both understated and personal.

Broadway Market itself remains one of East London's defining thoroughfares. Independent to its core, the high street is home to butchers, booksellers, florists and one of the city's most vibrant Saturday markets. From vintage stalls to farm-fresh produce, it's a place where the week's rhythms come to life.

E8 is well connected yet quietly tucked away. London Fields and Hackney Central Overground stations offer direct access to Liverpool Street, Stratford, and beyond. For those on foot or two wheels, the neighbourhood unfolds along peaceful backstreets and canal paths, linking to nearby green spaces including London Fields, Victoria Park, and the Regent's Canal.