Violet Café London
Hackney's Sweetest Hidden Gem
Best known for its impeccable baked goods, ranging from signature cupcakes, chewy cookies, and the kind of cinnamon buns that make even the gloomiest mornings feel better, Violet Café is a hidden gem that cake lovers will highly appreciate. Founded by Claire Ptak, a former pastry chef at Chez Panisse, this tiny California-style bakery-turned-Café exudes warmth, from its pastel-coloured shopfront to the scent of vanilla wafting through the air. What’s on offer changes with the seasons. Their famous buttermilk banana loaf is a must-try, although personally, I go for the Halva Tahini Brownie.
Beyond cakes, the menu includes brunch classics such as avocado on toast and sourdough sandwiches, all prepared on the premises with organic, locally sourced ingredients. The daily-changing selection of pastries is impossible to resist, while if you’re in the mood for something savoury, the tartines and quiches hit the spot. Pair it with a cappuccino or a pot of loose-leaf tea, and you’ve got an ideal mid-morning or afternoon treat.
The café itself is small, but its lovely outdoor seating area on Wilton Way, a quiet leafy street that runs between Dalston and Hackney Central, is perfect for lingering over a coffee on a sunny day and watch the world go by. Whether you are after a quiet solo moment with a book, a catch-up with a friend over something sweet, or a cosy place to work Violet Café delivers a welcoming vibe and a touch of indulgence in every bite.
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