Meet the influencer: Katya of East London Mornings shares the best spots to Instagram in London

Known by the handle @eastlondonmornings, Katya Katkova gives us the lowdown on the hottest spots to Instagram in the capital
Coffee connoisseur: Katya in east London
Luke Abrahams1 January 2018

Say a massive Insta hello to Katya Katkova, otherwise known as @eastlondonmornings on Instagram.

Originally from Lithuania, Katya has been exploring every nook and cranny of our grand metropolis since she moved to the capital in 2008.

A self-confessed 'gram and coffee fanatic, she's social media manager to coffee company Timberyard from 9 to 5 and an avid east London ambassador the rest of the time.

Her blog ​East London Mornings started off as a publishing project in 2010. After releasing a sold-out art guide to Hackney, Katya decided to adapt the project into an Instagram version with a stronger focus on lifestyle and food culture in London.

The result? A beautifully curated account which explores all the hidden corners of Hackney, the city and beyond. Seriously, what more could you ask from an Instagram account?

As part of our Meet the Influencer series, we asked to Katya to name some of her favourite spots in the city (and for some tips, too). From swanky hotels like The Ned to Italian gems in Stoke Newington, here's London through Katya's eyes.

Where are your favourite places to Instagram in London?

I don’t usually limit my Instaself to any area but as the name of my blog and Instagram suggests, east London, of course.

Who is the most influential person that’s been most important to you, and why?

My Friend Roma. I just published the first edition of my East London Mornings guide book and got my personal account on a new app called Instagram. At a Christmas dinner back in 2011 he said 'why don’t you start an Instagram account for the East London Mornings project as well?' I didn’t take him seriously at first, but then on a whim just decided to register for an account anyway. Now it has 62 thousand followers. My life would be a lot different without it.

Name your top five Instagrammable restaurants? And tell us why?

As long as there is plenty of natural light and the food is pretty, any restaurant can turn into an Instagram jewel in my book.

My top five at the moment are:

The Malibu Kitchen at The Ned...

Italian gem Wolf in Stoke Newington...

Dishoom (a 'grammer's dream) in Kings Cross...

and finally Brawn on Columbia Road.

As you see from all of the above, I'm absolutely obsessed with white marble tables!

What are your thoughts on hashtags?

I do use hashtags although I'm not a big fan of them. This is one of just a few free tools of promotion that Instagram left for us.

What’s your go to neighbourhood to Instagram in London, and why?

I Instagram my life, not the other way round. I wouldn’t go anywhere specifically just to Instagram it. I suppose that makes Hackney the most Instagrammable neighbourhood for me. I do like to Instagram central London as well, because a lot of my followers are fans of London but not Londoners. They want to see all sides of the city.

If you were an Instagram filter, which one would you be and why?

I am certainly A6 of VSCO with a slightly reduced contrast. Very natural but with a bright side highlighted (would love to think that about myself).

What tips do you have for all of us novice ‘grammers?

As a former photographer, I’d recommend to learn basics of photography. Composition and lighting are the key to Insta sucess.

Tell us all the secret spots you like to ‘gram in the city.

Is the word count of this article limited?

St Katharine's docks and Wapping. You never can go wrong with red brick loft style docks, the river and a bit of history.

Regents Canal. Slow walks by the water with a take away coffee, what else do you need for a Saturday morning?

And finally Spitalfields. Where every single corner is an Instagram win!

Everyone loves taking pictures of coffee. Who does the best cup of java in London?

A good cup of coffee for me is a combination of a drink, a cup which it comes in, a table, a chair, a sofa which I sit on while having it and a music that plays at that very moment. It’s more of the whole experience that matters. I know a few coffee shops that make perfect coffee but I wouldn’t stay there. Modern Society on Redchurch street is my favourite at the moment.

If you were visiting London for the first time ever, where would you go first?

I’d walk through the old wharfs from the old Design Museum all the way to Southbank and pop into Borough Market for a lunch.

What are your top tips for taking the perfect photo?

You need to find the perfect balance between mood and light, Don't overthink it. I know a few friends who do take a lot of nice pictures but end up never posting them because they can’t choose the best. Just take it easy and enjoy it.

What’s your favourite club/bar in London?

Night Tales in Netil house. First of all because of it’s views over The City and secondly, because it's just around the corner from my house.

What do you love most about living in and taking pictures of London?

London is like a living creature; it changes every day. I can take pictures of the same coffee shop at Broadway market for years and years and it will always look different. After ten years of being a Londoner, I've found there is always something to explore.

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