Rude and Everyday Sunshine Cafe | Parklet in Hackney

Client

Hackney Council

Location

Sectors

Products & Services

Project overview

Located in the heart of Stoke Newington, this parklet for Rude & Everyday Sunshine café transforms a single on-street parking bay into a vibrant, people-focused space. Delivered as part of a wider programme of public realm improvements, the scheme contributes to Hackney’s ambition to prioritise streets for people over cars.

Set on a quiet residential corner just moments from Church Street, the parklet extends the café’s welcoming atmosphere into the public realm – creating an inclusive space for customers, neighbours and passers-by to sit, relax and connect.

Goal

To reclaim road space for community use by creating an inviting, green and accessible parklet that encourages social interaction, supports local business, and contributes to a healthier, more people-friendly street environment.

Scope

The project formed part of a wider rollout of six parklets across Stoke Newington. Works included the design, build and installation of a modular timber parklet incorporating seating, planting and cycle parking, alongside coordination with the local authority and the café owner acting as a parklet keeper.

Solutions

The parklet was designed to maximise the value of the street by transforming a redundant car parking space into a multifunctional, community-led asset. By combining seating, planting and practical infrastructure, the scheme delivers both environmental and social benefits while integrating seamlessly with the surrounding area.

Integrated seating

Comfortable, informal seating encourages dwell time and supports both café customers and the wider community throughout the day.

Planting & biodiversity

A mix of herbs and flowering shrubs introduces greenery into the street, enhancing visual appeal while supporting urban biodiversity.

Cycle parking provision

Integrated cycle stands promote active travel, making it easier for visitors to stop and enjoy the space sustainably.

Modular timber structure

The robust platform helps transform the carriageway into a functional and vibrant green space.

Impact

The parklet quickly become a well-used and valued addition to the neighbourhood – supporting community interaction, enhancing the local high street and demonstrating how small interventions can have a meaningful impact on urban life.

Support for local business

By extending the café’s outside space, the parklet increases visibility and provides additional seating capacity in a low-impact way.

Greener streetscape

The introduction of planting softens the urban environment, contributing to a more attractive and ecologically beneficial street.

Reclaiming space from cars

The scheme exemplifies how underutilised road space can be repurposed to better reflect community needs, particularly in areas with low car ownership.

Community activation

The parklet offers a welcoming green space for people to gather, rest and socialise, supporting the local community.

Testimonials

It’s been amazing for us. We really wanted one because it’s the perfect spot. What’s lovely is that it’s used all the time. We’re only open four days a week but people are constantly here. We’re a community cafe so everyone feels comfortable sitting here.

Abi

Owner of Rude and Everyday Sunshine