A bit of colour on Roman Road! From the inside decoration of Mae + Harvey, to its colourful waffles everything is joyously stylish. The genuine warmth and friendliness of its small team will make you pass by for breakfast, and stay for a late lunch. They do take away bread, pastries and turn the cafe into a charming brasserie at night (evening would be more accurate) If you’re around, you’re doing the right choice by stopping there. Definitely go for the waffles!
Bastante pastas and pizzas! Too often, we forget that Italian’s food is not only about pizzas and pastas. Symposium is a wine shop, a deli and a restaurant with a great Italian chef. If you are a true food lover and appreciate quality cuisine, that place is for you. Their menu is seasonal and authentic and their selection of wines is amazing.
Magus and the Fool is an independent Art Cafe that displays temporary art exhibitions featuring local artists as well as comic books for sale. The place is nice and cosy, with a fantastic staff. You can go there for a quality coffee or a glass of good wine. Not trying their food would be a major mistake. Everything is home made, even the bread they are using to make the sandwiches! To be honest I won’t be able to advise you something in particular as all their food is quite exquisite. Why not trusting the Chef’s special and let it surprise you?
The Pizza Room is two minutes across Park Villa (literally!). They have a nice menu, including yummy salads, pizzas (freshly baked in front of you) and a really exquisite tiramisu. The place is cosy and comfortable, with a gentle staff. They even have a vegan pizza option, never tried it but people are apparently happy about it.
Spring is here! We are finally able to stay on a bench outside without being wrapped in a massive scarf. Pavillon Cafe is re-opening every spring, offering the perfect place to brunch or to have breakfast on a sunny day in East-London. Everything is home made or locally sourced. Their coffee is awesome and their Sri Lanka’s breakfast is pretty good. The other breakfasts are mostly pricey, it’s still good, but you might consider going somewhere else to have an avocado on toast. The place is for sure a great spot to enjoy the heart of the park, just keep in mind that sunny weekends you will struggle to find a table to sit.
Lardo is a hip pizzeria with a ‘disco ball’ oven, for brunch, drinks and Italian plates. Between the trendy Hackney Central and the chilled London Fields, the place is a great way to start your Friday evening. Inventive pizzas, fresh pastas, delicious Italian antipasti and a staff who’s passioned about food.
Thai Room serves traditional Thai food in an elegant venue with immaculate tablecloths and smart plates. Their menu offers a great range of traditional Thai dishes ranging from drunken beef to massaman lamb or even salads. Thai Room is a great local venue if you are around, craving for some Thai food.
Coborn is a relaxed ale pub serving traditional and seasonal British plates. They have a big terrace in front, and a cosy space inside. Nothing fancy but food is good and that’s typical. Go there for the cockney experience and the scotch eggs.
Moreover it’s only few minutes away from Park Villa 🙂
The Coffee Room is a nice venue in the bustling Mile End. They offer nice cakes, coffee, breakfasts, sandwiches and salads (maybe even more since I don’t know their menu by heart) The cafe is small but they have also a cosy outside at the back. That is not the best location ever, but the spot is great if you are looking for quality food or coffee. Sitting right in front of Mile End Park, you can always order a take-away and enjoy it in the park.
The Sky Garden is a public space on the 35 top floor of 20 Fenchurch street, in the heart of the City. I wouldn’t call it a garden, as you might be disappointed if you go there expecting to visit a garden, but more a 360 degree spot with great view across the City of London. The entrance is free but you’ll need to book it on their website in advance. They do have a pricey restaurant with unanimous reviews advising you to avoid it. Go there for the view and for the wander around, that’s worth the sight (But remember not for their restaurant!)