Guide to the best cafés in Hackney Wick

Located on a quiet street in Hackney Wick, this hidden oasis offers a cosy, plant-filled space to enjoy coffee and a light bite to eat. The lush garden area boasts ample outdoor seating, perfect for those who prefer to dine al fresco. If you're searching for a peaceful spot to set up and work, this is an ideal location to do just that. They also host occasional events like comedy nights.

HWK, situated just a stone's throw away from Hackney Wick Station, is all about the perfect blend of music, wine, and good vibes. Whether you're in the mood for Mediterranean sharing plates or simply looking to sip on some fine wine, this place has you covered. And for those needing a quick pick-me-up, they offer coffee all day long to keep your spirits high. They also often host live DJ events in the outside courtyard, which are especially fun in the summer.

At Burnt Umber, your go-to neighbourhood café and deli in Hackney Wick, you can enjoy a selection of freshly-baked pastries and stock up on essential pantry items while sipping on top-notch coffee. Their menu is diverse, featuring everything from traditional English breakfasts to filled croissants and shakshuka. Plus, their lunch menu caters to a wide range of tastes, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate.

The Wick Café embodies the vibrant and creative essence of the surrounding area. Beyond its cuisine and coffee, it fosters a sense of community among local artists, residents, and visitors. With its welcoming vibe, eclectic interior design, and a menu catering to a wide range of tastes, The Wick Café serves as an ideal destination to unwind, immerse oneself in Hackney Wick's artistic atmosphere, and enjoy a delicious meal or a steaming cup of coffee while basking in the area's dynamic energy.

Ethical Bean is one of the area's favourite coffee shops, located amongst the colourful murals and graffiti-adorned walls of buzzy Hackney Wick. As an independent establishment, it takes pride in offering superb vegan and vegetarian cuisine, with its standout being the ethical "Beefy" burger made from thoughtfully-sourced and fair trade ingredients and produce.

The Breakfast Club sure lives up to its name, offering an extensive menu filled with classic breakfast dishes, from the beloved Full Monty to All-American pancakes with bacon, sausage, and more. You can even upgrade to the Deluxe version with rib-eye steak. They also serve French toast, sandwiches, burgers, spicy options like the Club Burrito, and chicken wings. Top it off with pancakes and a variety of drinks. Veggie and vegan alternatives are available, making it a brunch favourite in London. The Hackney Wick location stands out with its outdoor seating overlooking the River Lea, and its proximity to Hackney Marshes and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park makes it an ideal spot for a post-meal stroll.

Amidst the ongoing gentrification in Hackney Wick, Mapps Cafe stands as a long-standing favourite for traditional greasy spoon-style breakfasts and bites, traditional East London culture. This enduring establishment has been a local staple for over three decades, offering a menu brimming with quintessential British breakfast fare and straightforward dishes. Inside, football memorabilia adorn the walls, and a few tables and chairs provide cosy seating for customers.

Clarnico Club has established itself as a leader for coffee and light bites in Hackney Wick. They offer the ideal spot to get your head down and get some work done while enjoying high-quality coffee. As an independent coffee shop, they offer a selection of espresso-based beverages, filter coffees, and teas, rounded off by freshly-baked pastries, cakes, and sandwiches. Clarnico Club also serves as a training hub for SEND Coffee, an organisation dedicated to roasting and selling coffee, and providing training opportunities for individuals with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

The brews at Saint Espresso are truly top-notch. But it's not just the exceptional coffee that people come here for; the atmosphere exudes a refined industrial-chic vibe complete with stylish black light fixtures and exposed plumbing – it's very East London. There's also a concise food menu that perfectly complements the coffee offerings.

The Roasting Shed at Hackney Bridge is famed for its dedication to sourcing the world's finest coffee beans and expertly roasting them on-site. Inside, the atmosphere is minimalist yet welcoming, offering a cosy space for coffee enthusiasts to sip on their brews. The skilled baristas take pride in their craft, whether you desire a creamy flat white or a luxurious single-origin pour-over.