Can anyone tell me about the Hackney Empire?

You can get a train from Liverpool Street to Hackney Downs and walk from there and walk from there- easy. Or just park at the theatre- according to the website you can use Tesco's carpark so no issues re finding a space.

If you're worried about parking in Hackney because you think your car will get stolen, I really wouldn't think twice. I have never, ever met anyone whose car has been stolen in London. The only person I know who had their car broken into lives in Chelsea ? Honestly, it's just the same as anywhere.

There is not much parking around there that i can think of but others may know of some. You can get a 242 bus from liverpool street straight to The Empire which takes about 40 mins

Not sure how your getting to Liverpool st but if your going via Stratford its probably quicker to change there to the London overground 3 stops to Hackney central and the a 5 min walk.

HTH

Oh yes I forgot about Tescos carpark

Tis 2 minutes from my front door. ? They seem to do lots of kiddies shows at the moment.

It's an old fashioned theatre on the main High St in Hackney Central (it's called Mare St). I would get the train personally - once you get into Liv St, get on a train to Hackney Downs (trains towards Enfield Town, Cheshunt, Chingford or Hertford East). HD is about 10 mins max from Liv St. I won't lie, the station looks a bit grotty but I would have absolutely no concerns about safety in the middle of the day. HD has no lift or escalators so you would need to carry your buggy if you bring one. From the station it's 5 minutes walk to the Empire.

If you wanted to drive (I wouldn't) I would go via the M11 although you could do the A12 all the way (slower). If you're coming via the M11, come off it at the A12 (Redbridge Roundabout), then off the A12 it's quite easy (can give you better directions if you want) and about 15 minutes. We take about 35 mins from the Bishops Stortford junction of M11 (?8). Parking in Hackney Central is mostly P&D, there is a car park close by. Again, I really wouldn't worry about security of parking unless you drive a Jag? ?

Eating: bit of a weak point if you want to make it a day trip. The dreaded Maccy D's & KFC and a 'Spoons opposite, Subway etc. Good pub food at the Pembury pub though probably not as kiddie friendly as Spoons.

If you let me know when you're coming I'd be more than happy to collect you from HD and walk you to the Empire ?

Edited to make my driving instructions clearer.

True, if your train stops at Stratford I would do this. HC is marginally closer to the Empire than HD.

I also forgot about Tescos carpark. Doh. It's cause I never park anywhere in Hackney apart from outside our front door!

Thanks all.

I hadn't realised that I could avoid the underground/busses and change at Stratford. That's handy to know, as at least 1 in 3 of the London-bound trains from Chelmsford stop at Stratford.

I thought driving would be a bit of a 'mare, but my Dad thought it was doable, Mum was worried about the parking. Am mortified now that I have to admit to owning a 4 year old Citroen Picasso ?? Hardly a joyrider's dream car, is it?!

R-A, thanks for the offer of a security escort?, its very kind, and I may take you up on it if I'm feeling particularly fragile at the time (I suffer from anxiety/panic attacks)

Both options enable you to avoid Tube/Buses - either just change at Liv St (busy but clearly signed, no steps/lift) or Stratford (less busy, also pretty well signed, may have to do some steps but there's a lift). HC and HD are both within 5 mins of the Empire.

I'm serious about the offer, feel free to mail me on X or give me a shout on here if I can help.

The drive is easy peasy from Chelmsford - it would probably be quicker than the train, taking changes into account. It's really not far off the A12, very straightforward. The train might be more exciting for E though! (and definitely change at Stratford, much easier)