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Well Street Kitchen - Best brunch places in Hackney

Best brunches in Hackney to get your brunch fix

Let me start by saying this – I can’t say no to a good avocado on toast with poached eggs on top. I know, it’s such a millennial thing, isn’t it? But sometimes the good things in life come in the form of ripe and ready avocado mash. After several successful and failed attempts at making poached eggs myself (the trick is in the white wine vinegar, they say), I can say I’m really excited about going out for brunch again. The Covid-19 pandemic and self-isolation rules clearly haven’t decreased my love for food. Now, Hackney is one of the best places to get brunch in London. So I thought I’d throw in a post with some the best brunches in Hackney that I’m most looking forward to going to once they reopen.

Note: check each place beforehand to see their current Covid-19 measures.

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Lily Vanilli Bakery miso butterscotch toasted peanut and chocolate tarts

Lily Vanilli, a dreamy bakery in London

Tucked away in a little brick courtyard on Ezra Street, just off the hustle and bustle of Columbia Road, lies Lily Vanilli, one of the daintiest little bakery gems in town. This captivating little spot could easily go unnoticed if it wasn’t for the hundreds of recommendation lists it keeps on popping up on. This, of course, was more than enough to make me stop by after a busy Sunday morning battling the crowds on Columbia Road Flower Market in search of the perfect pot plant and seasonal blooms. Any excuse for a slice of cake and a cuppa…

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Cherry blossom at Broadway Market, London

A guide to Broadway Market in Hackney, London

There are so many hidden treasures in London that I love, all of which cater to a variety of budgets, especially when the food and drink department is involved. Whether you’re after the ultimate afternoon tea room (the oh-so amazing Sketch or even classier Fortnum & Mason) or suddenly decide that you fancy waffles on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower (did anyone say Duck&Waffle?), I can guarantee you will find something in London.

Being the food market lover that I am, I tend to be drawn to foodie hideaways and pop-ups that scream local and deliciousness all over (my guide to best food markets in New York says it all). The beautiful Camden Market, Borough Market and Brick Lane Market, although a favourite pit stop to many, are some of the most publicised markets in every London guide there is which, in return, has made them incredibly touristy and busy. A much less crowded but still trendy and buzzing hot spot is Hackney’s Broadway Market. Let’s get straight to the facts – this charming and vibrant market is a tricky one to resist if you’re after some locally sourced goods, delicious food, sustainable/vintage clothing and artsy books and homeware.

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Patty and Bun Smokey Robinson burger

Patty and Bun, out of this world burgers in London | REVIEW

Sam and I have been on a mission to find the best burgers in London. Although we’re yet to sample all of the big smoke’s grilled delicacies (no pun intended), it’s safe to say we’ve been to a fair few places that have significantly won a place in our hearts. Truth is, I’m not a big fan of fast food chains and try to go for more quality, free-range, locally sourced and sustainable options.

Patty and Bun wasn’t somewhere we were new to, but who wants to resist yet another visit to a mouth-watering menu boosting some serious burger choices? Not me, that’s for sure! Hear me out – their organic gourmet patties are quite something.

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Sky Pod, Sky Garden

Sky Garden, the best free views of London

London’s architectural diversity has always fascinated me. The more I walk these old streets and get to know the city, the more I realise how differently shaped the British capital is. Throughout history, London has faced the need to rebuild from scratch after several catastrophic destructions and the transformation brought by the economic and social evolution. The Great Fire of 1666, historical wars and the Industrial Revolution, to name a few, have defined London’s skyline. As a result, a mix of architectural styles have become inextricably intertwined. You can see buildings ranging from historical architectural styles (Victorian, Baroque, Edwardian) to innovative modern buildings (Brutalist, Skyscrapers). All in the same place!

Now, what if I told you, you can admire London’s most iconic buildings, parks and the River Thames from above? And even better, that you can do so for FREE? Our latest adventure took us to the top of 20 Fenchurch St. where the magnificent Sky Garden rewarded us with the most incredible views over the city.

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Sketch London

Afternoon Tea at Sketch, London | REVIEW

Sketch is at the top of the game when it comes to afternoon tea. To be honest, I have been a bit obsessed with it ever since it was included in Vogue’s guide for best afternoon tea in London for 2018. An iconic pink plush heaven in the middle of Mayfair, with playful illustrations by David Shrigley and a quintessentially British afternoon tea experience? Plus it blooms every May to host the Mayfair Flower Show? Naturally, I couldn’t resist adding it to My Ultimate London Bucket List.

So on one of the most glorious sunny days of this year’s early May Bank Holiday weekend, we finally headed west to 9 Conduit Street to one of the most instagrammable spots in London. You can find our Sketch afternoon tea review below!

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