WHO WE ARE
GROW is an independent, self-organised music and arts venue, cafe, bar and kitchen in Hackney Wick, founded in 2014. Set within a former canalside factory, the space has been shaped over time through conversation, making, and collective effort - built by people working with what was already there.
Nothing here arrived fully formed. Grow has evolved step by step through shared skills, resourcefulness, and experimentation. This is what makes is complete unique.
We host a diverse cultural programme that celebrates and nurtures both local and international creative talent. Across the site, artists, makers, and small businesses collaborate, share knowledge, and build opportunities together - creating a local creative economy rooted in trust, proximity, and mutual support. All are welcome.
At its core, Grow is an ongoing experiment in ethical and sustainable business. We ask: is it possible to run a financially sustainable venue in London while prioritising people and planet? Our approach is grounded in ecological, social, and economic sustainability—working with local and independent suppliers, reinvesting into the space and community, and aiming to remove barriers to access.
Sustainability runs through every part of the project—from reusing materials and circular practices to renewable energy and ecological interventions along the canal, including floating habitats that support biodiversity.
Our commitments include:
Paying the London Living Wage
Using renewable energy, eco-cleaning products, and recycled materials where possible
Sourcing local and sustainable products and ingredients where possible
Partnering with independent and ethical businesses
Offering free or affordable access to cultural events
Sharing knowledge through talks, workshops, markets, films, and supper clubs
What we’ve achieved so far:
Remaining solvent as an independent venue
Offering free and low-cost space to artists, charities, and community groups through a profit-share model
Redirecting significant funds into local and ethical supply chains
Fundraising for local social and environmental causes
Creating an atmosphere rooted in fun, transparency, inclusivity, and a sense of belonging
Grow continues to evolve - shaped by the people who pass through it, the materials that find their way into it, and the wider city it sits within.
GROW’S BLOG
This April and May, we’re joining forces with Hearth Bakery at Grow Studios to host a series of free and pay-what-you-can events, bringing people together around growing, sharing, more sustainable ways of living and live music.
Of course, the flavour profile of the bean; the roast; the temperature of the milk… You can get these anywhere. Grow has a different philosophy: a key ingredient of our coffee is connection and relationships. Find out more about our recent collaboration with Square Mile Coffee Roasters…
Grow has proudly hosted Growing Communities’ veg box pick-up since 2021. Built by and for our community, Grow supports their mission to transform food systems. For over 30 years, Growing Communities has connected people with local farmers through a veg-box scheme that champions sustainable food, strengthens communities, and helps tackle climate change.
To mark the occasion, we’re hosting an opening event on Wednesday 14 January, 6–11pm, where you can see the newly refreshed installation alongside an additional temporary installation by Weston in the Mezz Gallery.
Following on from its monumental success last year, Grow once again hosts Join-In January, a month-long programme of free events and food/drink offers!
We’re excited to announce the launch of the Canalside Snug Series, supported by the Arts Council England’s Grassroots Music Project Fund: a new winter programme of 12 co-created live music events designed to bring warmth, creativity and connection to Hackney Wick during the coldest months of the year.
This November, Grow is proud to once again be part of the EFG London Jazz Festival, one of the most exciting celebrations of jazz and live music in the city. Across five days, our canalside venue in Hackney Wick will be alive with an eclectic programme that reflects the energy and diversity of the scene from intimate sessions and late-night jams to dancefloor parties and deep listening experiences.
Come to Grow during Open House London 2025 for a weekend of events on Sat 20 and Sun 21 September.
At Grow, we’re proud to support some of London’s brilliant small businesses who share our values of quality, creativity and care for people and the planet. When you enjoy a drink with us, you’re helping keep money in the local community and backing independent makers who do things properly.
Productive City: Stratford Civic Hub was a collaborative project led by University of East London architects Fernanda Palmieri and Carsten Jungfer. Working with students, Grow Studios, Creative Land Trust, Purcell Architects and Newham Council, it explores Stratford’s civic future, inspired by Grow’s Hackney Wick model of creative practice, community connection and ecological awareness.
Two years after their first collaboration,Guildhall School returns to Grow for Charge, a free summer showcase spotlighting some of the most exciting student talent. Read their stories in this blog!
We’re thrilled to be part of ‘London Creates Music’, a cross-city campaign launched today by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to celebrate and support the capital’s world-leading grassroots music scene!
We’re excited to introduce Gionatan Scali as the latest artist featured in our mezzanine gallery at Grow Hackney. With a captivating mix of creativity and personal experience, Gionatan’s work reflects both his musical journey and evolving visual exploration. From abstract landscapes to deeply emotive expressions, his paintings invite you to delve into a world of colour, texture, and meaning.
Join us on Tuesday 28 January from 6pm in Hackney Wick for an evening exploring the outcomes of experimental project - Speculative ReMemory. The event includes audio and visual work made as part of an engagement project run by the Grow team at Alice Billing House in Stratford.
Maybe you’re looking to organise a group to come together to learn a language, talk about art or a host book club? We encourage you to book yourself a table or two at Grow to host the group at no cost to you.
As 2025 begins, we want to share some updates about our event entry pricing. Starting in February, we’ll be introducing a small increase in ticket prices. This decision hasn’t been made lightly, but it reflects the reality of rising costs, inflation, and bills, as well as the need to fairly compensate the artists and promoters we work with—who we truly value and hope you do too.
We’ve always viewed Grow as a garden, taking time to mature and put down roots. Our 10th year was a chance to celebrate what’s been ‘grown’ with partners and patrons, old and new, and what we need to do to give us the best possible chance to thrive as we move towards our future.
Join us for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration that promises to be the ultimate party of the year! This is the place to be for a night filled with fun, electrifying live music, and the best of Hackney Wick's underground DJs—without breaking the bank.
For Black History Season, we ran several events funded by Hackney Council’s Black History Season with some of our collaborators and partners. The focus of this year was on the topic of reclaiming the narrative.

