Area under spotlight: Hoxton, London's hottest neighbourhood

Twenty years ago, Hoxton, found in the heart of East London was rough and ready - full of seedy strip clubs, pie and mash shops and Cockneys selling cheap clothes on market stalls.

Then the artists moved in to the derelict warehouses, with Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst and Gary Hume all having exhibitions in the area.

Once the artists give an area the nod, it isn't long before it is transformed, leaving behind the edgy grimness that attracted them.

Today, the back weaving lanes are no longer frequented by people soliciting sex and drugs.

Instead, the area is now the go-to for that group who like to stay one step ahead of what's hot on the London scene.  The hipsters. The cool kids.

So, where to start….

Foodies Heaven  

Perhaps brunching isn't the first thing to come to mind when hitting Hoxton but the scene is quickly growing. With Beagle really the must-go for anyone visiting.

Nestled in the arches of Hoxton Overground station, head chef James Ferguson's menu has a "back to basics British ethos".

Our favourites? The House Smoked Seatrout and scrambled eggs ($22) - with a side of the buttermilk pancakes ($17).

Oh, and a Bloody Mary. The vodka is infused with chorizo so not only does it have a deep, smoky flavour, it blasts away any hangover in super-quick speed. 

If you're a coffee connoisseur then Friends of Ours is cafe is where you need to be for the best coffee in London. A bold statement but a title they have deserved. Best to have with the smashed avocado ($21) or the baked eggs ($15.70.)

The Jones Family Project is also worth a mention - set up by a group of friends, this place has a passion for food and drink. 

Go on a Sunday for the mouth watering roasts. Start with the Cornish crab and then order the beef with all the trimmings. Make sure you save yourself for dessert - Anna's Triple Chocolate Brownie with coconut sorbet and salted caramel sauce is out of this world. 

Where to stay?

There really is only one place to stay and that's The Hoxton, a grand and edgy establishment in the heart of the area.

The rooms are all one size, with the hotel stating that there's "no diva demands" when it comes to suites. We love.

But perhaps the best of a stay here is the fancy Hoxton Grill, with exposed brickwork, red velvet chairs and a laid back vibe.

Work your way through the cocktail menu, with the porn star martini being a must, and a side of small plates, including the chicken wings.

Top tipples 

Want to go to Nightjar, the bar voted second best in the world? Of course you do. Be warned though, it's hidden behind a very discreet door and for those not in the know, they'd walk straight past.

Head underground to this uber glam, 1920s drinking den complete with live music and an impressive cocktail list. But a reservation is a must to avoid disappointment. 

You won't ever want to leave Nightjar but we urge you to try out Callooh Callay -  a bar with a stylised vision of life through Alice’s looking glass.

Venture through the wardrobe to find another drinking space at the back. Upload lots of Instagram pictures and watch the likes roll in.  

And where to party?

There's only one place to end the night in Hoxton - the Electricity Showroom. There are cosy booths upstairs but what you're really after lies in the basement.

A 1980s light-up dance floor complete with flashing coloured squares, the must-visit for any Saturday Night Fever wannabes.