Hackney always seems to get negative publicity, but this along with its reputation as “rough” is both far from the truth. The reality is that it suffers form similar inner-city problems as any other part of London. If the emergence of trendy bars are an indicator of progress, Hackney is going through a renaissance. The Hackney Empire has been a prominent feature in the area, playing host to acts from Charlie Chaplin to Dawn French. There is no underground station (the East London line is planned), but there are frequent overground trains to Liverpool Street.