Giant Steps, Swan Wharf, Hackney Wick

Exciting times for east London party-goers: the team behind Dalston bar-restaurant Brilliant Corners has reunited with sound connoisseurs the Analogue Foundation to launch a multi-purpose venue: Giant Steps. Based at Swan Wharf, a Victorian warehouse complex in Hackney Wick, this adults’ playground comes complete with pop-up bars and food stalls, an indoor dance space and, most excitingly, new and vintage hi-fi analogue equipment to pump out the tunes.

Brilliant Corners first teamed up with the Analogue Foundation last summer to test out their Giant Steps proposition at the Houghton Festival in Norfolk. Proving a success, the concept has now taken over the 500-capacity waterside venue in Hackney, hosting revellers from morning till evening on weekends (11am – 11pm specifically) and 5pm –11pm Wednesdays – Fridays.

Every Saturday and Sunday a line-up of top DJs will be getting the party started. Brilliant Corners has welcomed DJ sets from the likes of Jamie xx and Four Tet in the past, so we’re expecting big things. Saunter next door and you'll find a swanky indoor music venue where the star-of-the-show analogue system will be evoking soundscapes from bygone decades.

The menu at Giant Steps is largely of the BBQ variety, with a rotation of chefs on-hand to keep guests well-fed. Exmouth Market tapas and mezze bar Morito, and Hackney-founded Rita’s are among those serving up tasty morsels. Meanwhile the Brilliant Corners team are in charge of the bar, serving wines (including some natural varieties and magnums to cater for larger groups), craft beers and classic cocktails. All of which can be enjoyed on sunny days with views of the twinkling River Lea.