Hackney Restaurant Festival: Acme Fire Cult, EatClub 40% Off Feb

Key Points

• Restaurant Acme Fire Cult has partnered with hospitality tech app EatClub to launch The Restaurant Festival in Hackney.
• The event runs from 1 to 28 February as a chef-led celebration to boost footfall at independent restaurants during a quieter trading period.
• Exclusive 40% dining offers available at participating venues via the EatClub app to enhance accessibility and affordability.
• Confirmed participating restaurants include Acme Fire Cult, Mangal 2, Papi, Tom’s Pasta, Corrochio’s, Alber’s, My Neighbours the Dumplings, Sune, Oren, Berber & Q, and Big Night, with more announcements expected.
• The festival spotlights Hackney’s culinary talent, supports the local hospitality community, and connects restaurants with EatClub’s engaged diners.
• Diners access offers by downloading the free EatClub app, browsing venues, walking in, and redeeming discounts at payment via linked card.
• Pan Koutlakis, CEO of EatClub, emphasised filling tables in tough February trading through smart tech and admired operators like Acme Fire Cult.

Hackney (East London Times) January 16, 2026 – Restaurant Acme Fire Cult has joined forces with hospitality tech app EatClub to launch The Restaurant Festival, a month-long chef-led event bringing top independent restaurants to Hackney from 1 to 28 February. The festival offers exclusive 40% discounts at select venues to drive footfall during a traditionally slow period, spotlighting the area’s exceptional culinary scene. Participating spots already confirmed include Acme Fire Cult, Mangal 2, Papi, and others, with further names due soon.

What Is The Restaurant Festival in Hackney?

The Restaurant Festival emerges as a neighbourhood-wide campaign curated by Acme Fire Cult and powered by EatClub. It unites a handpicked group of restaurateurs to support Hackney’s hospitality community while making top dining more accessible. Designed for February’s dreary weather and quieter trade, the event focuses on limited offer-led tables at in-demand independents.

As detailed in the initial announcement, the festival represents a cross-section of Hackney’s dining landscape, from long-standing cult classics to newer favourites popular with Londoners and tourists alike. Confirmed restaurants encompass Acme Fire Cult, Mangal 2, Papi, Tom’s Pasta, Corrochio’s, Alber’s, My Neighbours the Dumplings, Sune, Oren, Berber & Q, and Big Night. Further announcements will follow in coming weeks, broadening the selection.

EatClub fuels daily momentum with its technology, connecting highly engaged diners seeking standout experiences. The app ensures seamless redemption of 40% offers directly at payment, boosting incremental revenue for venues.

Why Launch a Food Festival in February?

February poses challenges for restaurants, marked by post-holiday slowdowns and inclement weather. Pan Koutlakis, chief executive officer of EatClub, stated:

“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.”

He added:

“By partnering EatClub’s smart dining technology with operators we admire, like Acme Fire Cult, we’re able to drive real footfall, introduce restaurants to new diners, and celebrate the neighbourhoods that make London’s food scene so special.”

The initiative counters these pressures by increasing affordability at premium spots. It spotlights culinary talent in Hackney, an East London hub known for vibrant independents. By curating offers, organisers aim to draw diners out despite the season’s gloom.

Which Restaurants Are Participating?

The line-up showcases Hackney’s diversity. Acme Fire Cult leads as curator, renowned for fire-cooked dishes. Mangal 2 offers Turkish grill classics, while Papi brings vibrant Caribbean flavours. Tom’s Pasta specialises in fresh handmade options, and Corrochio’s delivers Italian authenticity.

Alber’s focuses on refined European fare, My Neighbours the Dumplings excels in steamed parcels, and Sune presents innovative Nordic influences. Oren serves Middle Eastern small plates, Berber & Q smokes meats North African-style, and Big Night rounds out with bold fusion. These venues span cult favourites to rising stars, appealing broadly.

Additional participants will join post-announcement, expanding choices across the neighbourhood.

How Do Diners Access the 40% Offers?

Participation requires downloading the free EatClub app and signing up. Guests browse participating restaurants, walk in, and access the exclusive 40% off automatically. The deal redeems in-app at payment by linking a card, ensuring seamlessness for diners and staff.

This tech-driven approach eliminates vouchers or codes, minimising friction. EatClub’s audience, actively seeking deals, aligns perfectly with the festival’s goals.

What Makes This Festival Chef-Led?

Acme Fire Cult, as chef-led curator, shapes the event around culinary excellence. Owners and chefs select peers, ensuring quality aligns with Hackney’s reputation. The focus celebrates independent talent over chains, fostering community ties.

Unlike generic promotions, this ties directly to operators’ visions, from fire-grilling at Acme to dumpling artistry nearby. It elevates February dining beyond discounts, positioning Hackney as a destination.

When and Where Does the Festival Run?

The event spans 1 to 28 February across Hackney venues. Diners find tables at participating spots neighbourhood-wide, from Acme Fire Cult’s base to outliers like Berber & Q. Walk-ins via EatClub suit spontaneous visits amid winter evenings.

Hackney’s compact layout aids exploration, with venues clustered for easy hopping.

Who Are the Key Partners Involved?

Acme Fire Cult spearheads curation, leveraging its status as a Hackney staple. EatClub provides tech backbone, with Pan Koutlakis driving strategy. Restaurateurs from Mangal 2 to Big Night commit tables, pooling efforts.

No external sponsors noted yet; focus remains operator-led.

Why Focus on Independent Restaurants?

Independents define Hackney’s scene, facing steeper February dips than chains. The festival bolsters them via targeted footfall, preserving diversity. It counters rising costs, post-pandemic recovery strains, and seasonal lulls.

By highlighting locals over tourists-only spots, it nurtures community loyalty.

How Does EatClub Enhance the Experience?

EatClub’s app handles discovery, booking-free entry, and payments. Its data targets engaged users, maximising uptake. Seamless redemption cuts admin, letting chefs prioritise kitchens.

Pan Koutlakis highlighted tech’s role in real footfall and new introductions.

What Impact Does the Festival Expect?

Organisers anticipate filled tables, revenue lifts, and buzz for Hackney. Diners gain affordable access to sought-after spots, potentially sparking year-round loyalty. It models scalable support for hospitality.

Further coverage may track participation, diner feedback, and expansions.

Broader Context for Hackney Dining

Hackney thrives as East London’s food epicentre, with independents drawing acclaim. Festivals like this sustain vibrancy amid challenges. Acme Fire Cult’s involvement underscores its influence, following past collabs.

EatClub’s model, blending tech and hospitality, gains traction UK-wide.