Guide to the best cafés in Hackney Wick

Guide to the best cafés in Hackney Wick

Located in the heart of East London, Hackney Wick is a buzzy neighbourhood that's made a name for being a hub for all things creative. However, it's also got a pretty impressive café scene, from classic greasy spoons to slightly gentrified but oh-so-nice coffee spots. Join us as we explore the hidden gems and popular hotspots that make up the thriving café culture of Hackney Wick, where you can discover everything from speciality brews to mouthwatering bites, all while soaking in the artistic and creative vibes that define this unique corner of the city. 

In this guide
  1. The best cafés in Hackney Wick
    1. Thingy Cafe – Coffee in a secret garden
    2. HWK – Good vibes all round
    3. Burnt Umber – Stock up on goodies
    4. The Wick Café – A classic
    5. Ethical Bean Company – A vegan favourite
    6. The Breakfast Club – For all things breakfast
    7. Mapps Cafe – A greasy spoon fav
    8. Clarnico Club – A community-focused coffee shop
    9. Saint Espresso – Coffee in a cool space
    10. The Roasting Shed Hackney Bridge – The finest coffee from around the world

The best cafés in Hackney Wick

Thingy Cafe

Coffee in a secret garden

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

Good vibes all round

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.

Burnt Umber

Stock up on goodies

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

A classic

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 Company

A vegan favourite

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 Hackney Wick – Cafés in Hackney Wick
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick – Cafés in Hackney Wick
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick – Cafés in Hackney Wick
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick – Cafés in Hackney Wick
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick – Cafés in Hackney Wick
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick – Cafés in Hackney Wick
The Breakfast Club Hackney Wick

The Breakfast Club

For all things breakfast

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.

Mapps Cafe

A greasy spoon fav

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

A community-focused coffee shop

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.

Saint Espresso

Coffee in a cool space

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 Hackney Bridge

The finest coffee from around the world

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.

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Editors

At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.