Enjoy mezcal margaritas and big beats at Hackney Wick's Giant Steps
Something big is happening down by the water in Hackney Wick. Giant, in fact — and you’ll hear it before you see it.
This summer the cult Dalston Asian restaurant/music venue Brilliant Corners has expanded into a 500-capacity canalside party space. There are palm trees, smoke machines and magnums of natural rosé.
And a new name: Giant Steps. The name is a nod to the iconic John Coltrane album, and the whole project is a collaboration between Brilliant Corners and international sound supporters the Analogue Foundation. Together they’ve installed a world-class sound system for a four-month summer residency at Swan Wharf’s 20,000sq ft waterside warehouse complex next to the Olympic Park.
Music is the headliner. Four Tet and Jamie XX have featured on Brilliant Corners’ line-up in the past, and sibling founders Aneesh and Amit Patel promise appearances from some of their favourite acts every weekend.
Tomorrow, dance music DJ Mr G will be playing a live set, and Nick the Record takes to the decks on Sunday. Next weekend it’s Danny Bushes & Time is Away on Saturday, and Jan Schulte on the Sunday.
Outdoors there’s a giant sandpit and alfresco jazz performances on the terrace during the afternoon. Though it’s inside in the shade, that’s the highlight: the club space is in a former factory block above the main bar and features potted palms, flowing fog and Giant Steps’ bespoke sound system for an underground vibe.
As you’d expect from the founders of a restaurant, there’s a food line-up to match. Expect barbecued asparagus and lamb chops from Hackney institution Brawn and Brilliant Corner’s own chefs. Tapas restaurant Morito has popped up on the grills already this summer, and drinks follow Brilliant Corners’ tried and tested formula: magnums of natural wine, craft beer and summer cocktails. Expect white Negronis and Mezcal margaritas on tap.
A giant step for the capital’s summer scene.
Dace Road, E3, giant--steps.com