Sarra from London

I was born and raised in Greece before moving to London in 2004. What was meant to be a temporary adventure turned into nearly 20 years of calling one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals my home. These days, I work as a freelance researcher and writer, loving the flexibility that remote working brings. When London feels a bit too much, I escape back to Athens or set off to explore new corners of the...
Oct 17, 2025

Premises Cafe London

Hackney Beats, Turkish Eats

"Whether for breakfast, a casual lunch, or a place for a pint after a studio session, for a full East London experience The Premises Café is a must!"

If you find yourself wandering along Hackney Road, The Premises café & Bistro is a must-visit spot. Part of The Premises Studios complex, a hub for rehearsals, recording sessions, and media work, this café is much more than a place to grab a coffee or a quick bite. It is a vibrant community institution with a strong cultural presence.

Still run as a family business, what makes this quirky café special is its unique blend of Turkish hospitality and East London creative energy. With deep roots in the area’s artistic and music scene, it draws a lively, creative crowd and offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere paired with delicious food served throughout the day.

From early morning, Nural, who runs the café with her brother, greets the guests with a full English breakfast, fresh salads and mouth-watering wraps. At lunchtime, a variety of traditional homemade Turkish dishes are on offer, with their vegetarian Moussaka totally worth trying, while evenings feature grill platters and small plates that blend Turkish and Latin flavours. These are complemented by a good selection of draft beers and cocktails, all at very reasonable prices.

Its “wall of fame” celebrates the many stars and creatives who have passed through, making it a touchstone for locals and visitors alike. Whether for breakfast, a casual lunch, or a place for a pint after a studio session, The Premises Café offers a full East London experience.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

About this spot

209 Hackney Rd

Veggie Moussaka:

£

15.95

Our London City Guide

Find your way with 265 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our London guide.

Join as a Spotter?

Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in London

91 Living Room

Midweek Jazz Nights

On Thursdays, Jazz re:freshed transforms Ninety One Living Room on Brick Lane into a vibrant hub of live, boundary-pushing jazz. Start here to feel London.

002-building
Art & culture
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

by

Sarra

Kassem

Oct 17, 2025

Dark Sugars

Artisan chocolate in Greenwich

Dark Sugars in Greenwich is all about West African cocoa and warmth. Shavings of solid chocolate melted into your drink make every cup unforgettable.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Danielle

Broadhurst

Oct 16, 2025

One Tree Hill

Greenwich Park Historic Viewpoint

Hidden left of the crowded observatory hill, from One Tree Hill has quiet views of Greenwich. Just you, the bench, and London beneath a cloudy sky.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Danielle

Broadhurst

Oct 16, 2025

Old Royal Naval College

UNESCO Heritage site

Stroll Greenwich’s old naval college and take in all the sights: painted halls, chapel and the music by the river. Enjoy this peaceful escape in London.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Danielle

Broadhurst

Oct 16, 2025

Arapina

Vegetarian and vegan bakery in Greenwich

Arapina on Little Thames Walk is a vegan-friendly bakery with fresh pastries, cronut, hearty dishes. Enjoy a relaxed, tasty breakfast in Greenwich!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Danielle

Broadhurst

Oct 16, 2025

Coffee Island

Turkish coffee by the river

Discover Coffee Island in Greenwich, a riverside spot with homemade food, own coffee, and a warm welcome from Menul, Dave and Chappy the dog.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

by

Danielle

Broadhurst

Oct 16, 2025

Chesham Arms

Cosy Fireplace Meets Beer Garden

Chesham Arms is a historic local pub saved by the community. The interior is full of character, with two fireplaces making it cosy on chilly winter days.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Sarra

Kassem

Oct 15, 2025

Stepney Market

Goats in East London

Make a day of the market of Stepney City Farm on Saturdays, with a petting zoo and a fantastic cafe using organic produce from local growers,

017-plant-1
Relaxing
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Ramona

Liberoff

Oct 8, 2025

Eltham Palace and Gardens

Art Deco haven

In the heart of Southeast London sits "Eltham Palace and Gardens". Once a medieval estate, in the '30s it was styled with mesmerizing art deco furnishings.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Ellie

Swain

Oct 6, 2025

Aux pains de papy

Best croissants in London

They have an array of all the classic pastries you’d expect from a French bakery, from pain au chocolat & croissants to my favourite croissant aux amandes.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Angelina

Ivanova

Oct 4, 2025

Wellcome Collection

Let's talk about health

Their Reading room is a mix between a gallery and a library with books and lots of places to sit and read or do some work on your laptop.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Angelina

Ivanova

Oct 4, 2025

The Barbary

North African small plates

The Barbary pays homage to the culinary traditions of the countries from the Atlantic Coast through to the Mediterranean Sea leading to the Middle East.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Angelina

Ivanova

Oct 4, 2025

Heading to London?

265 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

London app Home
London app Home
London app Map
London app Home

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

265 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Coffee & tea

Our team loves London

Get to know our other Spotters from London

As featured on:

[paywall_activator]
false
0
false
19
Made with the 💚 of 500 Spotters.
Filters