Welcome to Take 5 - a video series that highlights some of the places that make Hackney so special. Fit This is an independent gym in the heart of Hackney Central. It’s a one stop shop for anyone that wants a safe and welcoming place to improve their fitness. See here for further details.

Take 5: Welcome to Take 5 - a video series that highlights some of the places that make Hackney so special. In Hackney, we’re lucky to have so many outdoor community gyms – like this one at Mabley Green. These gyms are free and Hackney Council has partnered with Our Parks UK to offer free classes on Saturday mornings (including Boxfit classes on Mabley Green). See here to reserve your spot: https://ourparks.org.uk/borough/mabley-green-0

Take 5: Welcome to Take 5 - a video series that highlights some of the places that make Hackney so special. London Fields Lido is a 50m Olympic size heated outdoor swimming pool open all year round. And thanks to the support from Hackney Council, there are solar panels on the roof and soon an air-source heat pump to help further decarbonise the heating of the pool. There are lots of programmes on offer for both adults and children so there is something for everyone.

Take 5: Welcome to Take 5 - a video series that highlights some of the places that make Hackney so special. Hackney Wick Community Sauna Baths are a not-for-profit Community Interest Company that believes everyone should have access to affordable, inclusive, and authentic saunas. Born in the car park of The Bath House in 2021, they offer 6 wood-fired saunas and one electric, as well as plunges ranging from 3-15 degrees. It's good for your health, good for your wallet, and go

Take 5: Welcome to Take 5 - a video series that highlights some of the places that make Hackney so special. Hackney BMX Club are a community BMX club run by a dedicated group of volunteers. Their key message: BMX is for everyone – young or old. All you need is to be confident on a bike standing up.

Take 5: Great Beyond Brewing. Founded by three beer loving friends and experienced brewers (Ollie, Nick and John), Great Beyond Beer's approach emphasises sustainability, community, and quality. As well as serving tasty beer, they also team up with Hackney Foodbank for food drive events called A Can For A Can – in return for donating a can of food you receive a free can of beer!

Take 5: 40ft Brewery. After beginning life as a home brew project, Dalston's 40FT Brewery grew into becoming the UK's first shipping container brewery. It is now a certified b-corp - which means it embeds sustainability into everything it does

Take 5: Five Points. First brewing in 2013 at The Pembury Tavern, Five Points – and its XPA - is a local favourite.

Take 5: e5 Bakehouse, a bakery in the arches of London Fields that mills flour on-site and runs a baking scheme to support women refugees

Great to be at route 38 heritage day. Join my campaign to #SaveRoute38.

See here for my latest Hackney Gazette column.

Take 5: Dusty Knuckle, an award-winning bakery with a mission to mentor and train at-risk young people through baking.

Download your 'I <3 Route 38' sticker

Take 5: Yeast Bakery: a family-run bakery with some of the best croissants in London.

Take 5: FORNO, an Italian bakery known for its excellent maritozzi.

Take 5: Rainbow Bakery in Dalston - the UK's only St Lucian bakery.

Hackney's Hidden Gems: Kahaila Courtyard Café

See here for my latest Hackney Gazette column.

Have your say on TfL's proposed changes to bus routes.

Christmas opening hours and useful organisations for support over the festive period.