Hackney Restaurant Festival Launches: Acme Fire Cult, EatClub Deals

Key Points

• A new restaurant festival launches in Hackney next month to spotlight independent neighbourhood eateries during the winter season.
• Founded by Dalston’s Acme Fire Cult and the hospitality app EatClub, the chef-led event runs throughout February 2026 to boost footfall.
• Aims to support Hackney’s culinary community by increasing accessibility and affordability when diners spend less.
• Features set menus, discounts including 40 per cent off deals at participating venues.
• Inspired by New York Restaurant Week to make top dining accessible.
• Hackney’s food scene described as vibrant, evolving, rooted in local community.
• Launch timing helps restaurants through a quiet period, encouraging socialising.
• Participating venues: Mangal 2, Tom’s Pasta, Corrochio’s, Alber’s, My Neighbours the Dumplings, Sune, Oren, Berber & Q, Big Night.
• EatClub CEO Pan Koutlakis states goal to fill tables in tough February month.
• Diners need free EatClub app to sign up, browse deals, redeem codes.
• Festival runs 1-28 February 2026; details at eatclub.co.uk/venues/london.

Hackney (Evening Standard) 13 January 2026 – A new Hackney restaurant festival launches next month, founded by Acme Fire Cult and EatClub app, to champion independent neighbourhood restaurants during the quieter winter period and drive footfall through discounts and set menus. The chef-led celebration runs 1-28 February 2026, bringing together acclaimed local eateries like Mangal 2 and Berber & Q to boost the borough’s culinary scene. Paul Rosser from Acme Fire Cult emphasised affordability, including 40 per cent off deals, inspired by New York Restaurant Week.​

What is the Hackney Restaurant Festival?

The festival spotlights Hackney’s independent joints in a chef-led format throughout February. As covered in the Evening Standard, it supports the community and borough’s talent during lean times. EatClub’s involvement provides the platform via its app for deals.​

Pan Koutlakis, CEO at EatClub, told the Evening Standard:

“February is a tough month for many restaurants so we have built this festival with one simple goal in mind: filling more tables at the time restaurants need them most.”

This addresses post-holiday slowdowns.​

Who Founded the Hackney Restaurant Festival?

Acme Fire Cult, a Dalston favourite, partners with EatClub app. Paul Rosser from Acme Fire Cult shared with the Standard his vision for accessibility. The duo draws from global models to aid locals.​

Rosser stated:

“I’ve always admired the impact of New York Restaurant Week in making top restaurants accessible to everyone, and this inspired our festival.”

EatClub handles digital access, free for users.​

Why Launch in February?

February marks a quiet season post-Christmas when diners tighten belts. Rosser noted to the Standard:

“Launching in February also helps restaurants through one of the quieter periods of the year, keeping these local institutions thriving while giving people a chance to get out, socialise, and enjoy the incredible food Hackney has to offer.”​

The initiative counters reduced spending. Koutlakis reinforced the focus on filling seats. It sustains neighbourhood spots rooted in community.​

How Does Hackney’s Food Scene Benefit?

Hackney boasts a vibrant, evolving scene with creative independents. Rosser described it as “deeply rooted in the local community.” The festival elevates these amid challenges.​

Offers include set menus and discounts up to 40 per cent off. This mirrors successful models, fostering loyalty and discovery.​

Which Restaurants are Participating?

Venues span Hackney’s diversity:

• Mangal 2
• Tom’s Pasta
• Corrochio’s
• Alber’s
• My Neighbours the Dumplings
• Sune
• Oren
• Berber & Q
• Big Night

The Evening Standard listed these highly regarded spots. Each offers festival deals via EatClub.​

What Deals Can Diners Expect?

Set menus and considerable discounts feature prominently. A standout is the 40 per cent off deal, making premium dining affordable. Rosser highlighted this to boost accessibility.​

These redeem via app codes. The structure encourages trial of neighbourhood gems.

How Do Diners Participate?

Download the free EatClub app, sign up, browse venues, and redeem codes. The app centralises latest deals for participating restaurants. No cost to join simplifies access.​

Users find offers instantly. Festival page at eatclub.co.uk/venues/london provides details.​

What Inspired This Festival?

New York Restaurant Week’s success influenced Rosser. He told the Standard it democratises top eateries. Hackney adapts this locally.​

Rosser added: “Hackney has a vibrant and rapidly evolving food scene, with creative, independent restaurants that are deeply rooted in the local community.” The model fits borough dynamics.​

When Does the Festival Run?

Precisely 1-28 February 2026. This full-month span maximises impact during winter lull. Early sign-up urged via app.​

Who is Paul Rosser and What is Acme Fire Cult?

Paul Rosser represents Acme Fire Cult, Dalston’s acclaimed spot known for fire-cooked dishes. He drives the festival’s ethos to Standard reporters. Acme’s popularity anchors credibility.​

Rosser wants to “increase accessibility and affordability during a period when diners traditionally have less to spend.”​

What Role Does EatClub Play?

EatClub’s app powers participation. CEO Pan Koutlakis outlined the table-filling mission. It connects diners to deals seamlessly.​

The platform lists venues and codes. Free access broadens reach.

Why Focus on Independent Neighbourhood Joints?

Independents form Hackney’s backbone, facing seasonal pressures. The festival spotlights them over chains. Community ties strengthen borough identity.​

Rosser praised their creativity. Support ensures survival.

How Does This Support Local Talent?

By driving footfall, it aids chefs and teams. Chef-led means talent curates offers. February timing sustains operations.​

Koutlakis stressed necessity. Long-term, it builds loyalty.​

What Makes Hackney’s Scene Unique?

Rapid evolution, community roots define it. Rosser to Standard: vibrant independents thrive here. Festival celebrates this.​

Diversity in participants reflects range.​

Are There Similar Events Elsewhere?

Inspired by New York’s, but Hackney-tailored. Rosser admired its accessibility impact. Local scale fits.​

No direct London parallels noted, filling a gap.

How to Stay Updated?

Visit eatclub.co.uk/venues/london for listings. App notifications alert deals.​

Follow Acme Fire Cult and EatClub channels.