In the maze of East London’s historic streets, Hackney has quietly evolved into something special!
The best cafes in Hackney reveal a district that’s become the city’s unofficial coffee capital, where artisan roasters work their magic in converted warehouses, skilled baristas craft the perfect pour, and the aroma of freshly ground beans drifts through centuries-old neighbourhoods.
For those who understand that coffee is more than just a morning ritual—those who can distinguish their single-origin Ethiopian from their Brazilian beans, who appreciate the artistry in perfectly textured milk, and who know the satisfaction of that first sip of expertly pulled espresso—this guide is your map to Hackney’s coffee paradise!
Ready? Let’s explore!
1. Climpson & Sons Café
Climpson & Sons Café is a love letter to coffee that’s been steaming up Broadway Market since 2002.
When Ian Burgess opened its doors (sweetly naming it after his grandfather William), little did he know he’d be helping spark London’s craft coffee revolution.
Step inside, and you’ll find yourself in a buzzing hub where serious coffee expertise meets zero pretension. The baristas here are like coffee-loving friends who happen to know everything about their craft, happy to guide you through their ever-changing selection of beans and brews.
From perfectly pulled espressos to slow-brewed filter coffees that tell the story of their origins, each cup is a small masterpiece. Pair it with their mouthwatering pastries and sandwiches, and you’ve got yourself the perfect coffee break.
Address: 67 Broadway Market, London E8 4PH
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2. Palm Vaults
Palm Vaults is a popular independent café where Miami meets East London in the most delightful way possible.
This café is a pink-hued, plant-filled paradise that feels like stepping into your coolest friend’s Pinterest board come to life. Think vintage glamour meets tropical oasis, with every corner practically begging to be photographed.
But don’t let the Instagram-worthy aesthetics fool you – this place has serious substance too!
Their menu is a celebration of feel-good food that doesn’t compromise on flavour. Colourful lattes steal the show (try out their ruby-red beetroot and emerald matcha creations!), while their homemade cakes and treats cater to every dietary preference. Vegans and gluten-free folks are not an afterthought here.
Address: 411 Mare Street, Hackney, London, E8 1HY
3. Grow Hackney
Found between the industrial-meets-artsy streets of Hackney Wick, Grow Hackney is a hidden gem that seamlessly blends a cosy neighbourhood bar, innovative kitchen, and creative sanctuary – and it delivers on all fronts.
Born from a vision of authentic community connection, this space champions local social enterprises while proving that doing good can look (and taste) absolutely incredible.
By day, you’ll find yourself sipping expertly crafted coffee made from locally roasted beans, maybe while working remotely in their sun-drenched space. By night, the venue transforms into a buzzing cultural hub, hosting everything from intimate gigs to thought-provoking art exhibitions.
The food? Think seasonal, organic dishes that celebrate nearby producers. And don’t miss their flourishing community garden – it’s both a peaceful urban oasis and a living reminder of their commitment to sustainable living.
Whether you’re meeting friends for brunch or seeking out live music, Grow Hackney offers that rare combination of purpose and pleasure that makes a place truly special.
Address: Main Yard, Hackney Wick, E9 5LN
4. The Bodega 50
The Bodega 50 has mastered the art of making everyone feel like a regular – whether you’re a neighbourhood local or just stumbled upon their Instagram-worthy space.
The coffee menu reads like a passport stamp collection, featuring carefully selected beans from across the globe.
But what really sets this place apart is how they’ve created something for everyone: craving a perfectly flaky pastry with your morning flat white? Done. Looking for a hearty vegan lunch? They’ve got you covered with their creative plant-based options that could convert even the most devoted carnivore.
Beyond the excellent food and drinks, there’s just something about the eclectic décor and genuinely warm staff that makes you want to linger.
Address: 50 Allen Rd, London, N16 8RZ
5. AllPress Espresso Roastery
If you’ve ever wondered where some of London’s best cafés get their coffee, chances are it’s from this Hackney gem.
Allpress Espresso isn’t just another pretty café – it’s a proper coffee powerhouse with a fascinating origin story that started in New Zealand back in ’89 and has since spread its aromatic influence from Tokyo to Sydney to right here in East London.
Step through their doors and you’ll find yourself in coffee heaven: part bustling café, part working roastery. There’s something pretty cool about sipping your perfectly crafted flat white while watching master roasters work their magic on beans sourced from the world’s finest coffee farms. (And yes, that incredible smell is included in the price of admission!)
Whether you’re a coffee purist who geeks out over single-origin espressos or someone who just knows what they like, Allpress hits all the right notes. Pair your brew with one of their freshly baked pastries, and you’ll understand why this place has built such a devoted following.
Address: 55 Dalston Ln, Dalston, London, E8 2NG
6. Pophams – London Fields
Imagine the most heavenly scent of butter and coffee mingling in the morning air – that’s your first hint you’ve arrived at Pophams. This beloved Hackney institution has turned the humble pastry into an art form!
Since opening their doors in 2017 (first in Islington, then blessing London Fields with their presence), founders Ollie Gold and Florin Grama have been quietly revolutionising London’s pastry game.
Think Scandinavian sophistication meets French finesse, with a distinctly London twist. Each pastry is a tiny masterpiece, handcrafted with the kind of attention to detail that makes you feel a tiny bit guilty about devouring it – but only for a second.
Their viennoiserie deserves its own fan club, combining time-honoured techniques with a creative flair that would make a French pastry chef both proud and slightly jealous. Pair any of their buttery creations with a coffee sourced from local London roasters, and you’ve got yourself the kind of morning ritual that makes getting out of bed genuinely exciting!
Address: 197 Richmond Road, London, England, E8 3NJ
7. Ozone Coffee Roasters
From humble Kiwi beginnings to becoming one of East London’s most respected coffee destinations, Ozone Coffee Roasters brings a slice of New Zealand’s legendary coffee culture to Hackney’s buzzing streets.
Since 1998, they’ve been on a mission to prove that exceptional coffee can also be ethical, it’s essentially where coffee obsession meets conscious sourcing.
They’re hands-on at every stage, from personally selecting sustainable beans at origin to perfecting each roast with a blend of time-honoured techniques and cutting-edge tech. It’s like watching mad scientists who happen to be really, really good at making coffee.
Their café space feels like a coffee theatre where you can watch master roasters at work while sipping your perfectly crafted flat white, or dive into their seriously good brunch menu.
Address: Creechurch Lane, London, EC3A 5AY
8. The Bach
The Bach (that’s pronounced ‘batch’, by the way) brings New Zealand’s famously chilled café culture to Hackney – and does it beautifully.
Named after the laid-back holiday homes dotting New Zealand’s coastline, this spot captures that same “kick off your shoes and stay awhile” energy that makes you forget you’re in bustling London.
The menu is a delightful mix of comfort and innovation: think classic Eggs Benedict done just right (a proper Kiwi breakfast staple) sitting alongside vibrant Açai Bowls that look too pretty to eat (but you definitely should).
Whether you’re popping in for a quick morning coffee, lingering over brunch with friends, or seeking a peaceful corner to work, The Bach feels like that perfect holiday moment – relaxed, rejuvenating, and exactly where you want to be.
Address: 12 Broadway Market, London E8 4QJ
9. The Dusty Knuckle
If you haven’t experienced the heavenly scent of fresh bread wafting from The Dusty Knuckle yet, your Hackney bucket list needs an update. This artisan bakery has mastered that rare sweet spot – creating food that’s both absolutely sublime and genuinely purposeful.
The stars of the show are the spectacular sourdoughs and pastries that practically beg to be photographed (before being devoured, obviously).
Each creation showcases their old-school baking techniques and obsession with quality local ingredients. Pair anything with their expertly crafted coffee, and you’ve got yourself a proper London moment.
But here’s what makes The Dusty Knuckle truly special: while they’re busy crafting some of London’s finest baked goods, they’re also changing lives.
The team works with young people who’ve faced tough breaks to provide real career opportunities and help build stronger communities.
Address: Abbot St, London, E8 3DP
10. Hackney Coffee Co
Situated in a former Victorian textile factory, Hackney Coffee Co effortlessly blends historical grandeur with East London’s creative spirit.
Inside, towering brick walls and cascading plants create a space that feels both grand and intimate – the perfect backdrop for your morning coffee ritual.
The space doubles as a rotating gallery, championing local artists and adding an ever-changing creative energy to your visit.
Their coffee menu is carefully curated and expertly prepared, while the food offerings strike that perfect balance between comfort and creativity – from freshly baked croissants to seasonal salads that make lunch something to look forward to.
Address: 503 Hackney Road, London, E2 9ED
11. Snapery East
Snapery East is where the soul-warming scent of wood-fired sourdough mingles with freshly ground coffee.
This cafe has mastered the art of slow living – their custom-built oven isn’t just for show; it’s the heart of their operation that adds that coveted hint of flame-kissed perfection to every loaf.
For the super curious, their sourdough workshops offer a window into the ancient craft of bread-making.
Meanwhile, their coffee game is equally strong, partnering with premium roasters to ensure your morning brew is nothing short of awesome!
Address: 373 Helmsley Place, London, E8 3SB
12. Dark Arts Coffee
Dark Arts Coffee is an edgy, eclectic coffee shop known for its strong, bold coffee and unique atmosphere. The café offers a range of specialty coffee drinks, pastries, and light snacks, catering to those with a taste for the unconventional.
Established in 2014 by a group of friends with “twisted visions of using alchemy to combine fire, water and magic beans into a divine elixir”, Dark Arts Coffee has carved out a niche in Hackney with its distinctive style and commitment to quality.
The remarkable coffee shop also produces unique coffee blends with quirky names and bold flavours like their cold brew orange mocha frappuccino, reflecting the café’s rebellious spirit.
Address: 1-5 Rosina St, London, E9 6JH
13. Paradox Design + Coffee
If you’re seeking the intersection of caffeinated perfection and creative energy, look no further than Paradox Design + Coffee.
Tucked into the buzzing Netil Market, this isn’t your typical coffee spot – it’s where East London’s creative souls come to dream, design, and sip some seriously good coffee.
They’ve got expertly trained baristas who treat coffee-making as an art form, beans sourced from the finest roasters, and a space that somehow manages to be both energising and calming at once.
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Practical Tips For Visiting The Best Cafes In Hackney
From artisan pop-ups to quintessential coffee shop homesteads, Hackney brims with unique cafes that are more than ready to serve your morning caffeine fix.
Here are some practical tips to enhance your coffee shop visits:
- Research Local Coffee Shops: Before heading out, look up local coffee shops. Explore reviews, ratings, and recommendations to find places that will suit you best.
- Be Open to Variety: Try different types of coffee, brewing methods, and specialties. It’s an excellent opportunity to expand your palate and discover new favourites.
- Consider the Atmosphere: Choose a coffee shop based on the atmosphere you’re seeking. Whether you prefer a cosy ambience, a vibrant social setting, or a quiet space for work, find a spot that suits your mood.
- Respect Seating Etiquette: If the coffee shop is busy, be mindful of taking up space for extended periods. Some places might have a limited number of seats, so it’s considerate to leave when you’re finished.
- Bring Your Own Reusable Cup: Reduce waste by bringing your reusable cup. Many coffee shops offer discounts to customers who bring their own cups, and it’s an eco-friendly choice – it’s a win-win!
- Ask for Recommendations: Don’t hesitate to ask the barista for recommendations based on your preferences. They often have insights into their specialty drinks or popular choices.
- Be Mindful of Laptop Usage: If you plan to work on your laptop, check the coffee shop’s policy on Wi-Fi usage and table occupancy. Some places may have specific areas for those wanting to work.
- Support Local: Opt to support local, independent coffee shops. They often offer unique blends and a more personalised experience compared to larger chains.
Hope this list helps you find the best of Hackney’s coffee shops, each revered for their superior beans and enticing aromas.
Want to explore the best cafes in Canary Wharf? Click here.
