The Hackney Coffee Awards: Where to Find the Perfect Cup
Hackney. A place where you're never far from a flat white, a man in a bucket hat and an opinion about single-origin beans.
Welcome to the Hackney Coffee Awards, a completely unofficial, entirely subjective, and deeply necessary ranking of the borough's best brews. Whether you're a seasoned espresso snob, a brunch addict, or someone who just needs caffeine before they can form a sentence, this is your guide.
The Best Flat White award goes to…Sons
Sons has quietly built a reputation as one of Hackney's most dependable spots for a truly excellent flat white…and after one sip, it's not hard to see why.
The espresso is bold without bitterness. The milk texture is silky in the way that only comes from someone who cares. And the ratio? Perfect. Not too much milk to drown the coffee, not so little that it's just a tiny latte with delusions of grandeur.
This spot is tucked inside Hackney Churchyard, with big wooden benches and a steady stream of locals and their dogs. And if you can resist ordering a toastie alongside your flat white, you're stronger than us. The beef brisket grilled cheese is a must-try.
The Best Hidden Gem award goes to… Lodestar Coffee
A chic neighbourhood coffee shop on Clarence Road in Lower Clapton, Lodestar feels like a reward for wandering off the beaten track. Speciality beans are served on espresso and filter, with guest options that rotate frequently.
The sense of community sets this spot apart, with regulars as warm and passionate as the staff and a cosy vibe that could keep you there all afternoon. Keep an eye out for their occasional Night Café events too.
The Best Laptop-friendly Spot award goes to… Pretty Earth
Upgrade your WFH set-up with a visit to Pretty Earth. There are lots of plugs and tables, the Wi-Fi works and the coffee's delicious enough to keep you going, which, when you're deep in a spreadsheet, is really all you need.
If you’re not in a caffeine mood, they also have freshly squeezed juices, naturally infused water on tap, a curated selection of independent wines and plenty of non-alcoholic options too. Oh, and on your way out? You can pick up fresh flowers!
Most Dog Friendly Spot award goes to… Fika
Perched on the bustling Chatsworth Road in Clapton, Fika draws its name and spirit from the Swedish tradition of slowing down to enjoy coffee and pastries with friends. And as it turns out, that philosophy extends to four-legged friends too.
The relaxed, homey atmosphere makes it a natural choice for a slow afternoon, whether your companion is a friend, a laptop, or a very good dog. Grab a window-side table overlooking Chatsworth Road and settle in.
The Best Espresso goes to… Simmos Coffee
Founded by Xiaoye and Louis after discovering a mutual love of coffee through travels across Japan, China and Europe, Simmos knows exactly what makes great coffee.
Reviewers consistently praise the perfect espresso and seasonal drinks, and with rotating roasters from across the UK and Europe, every shot is guaranteed to be delectable.
Short, sharp and exactly as it should be. Just like the drink itself.
Most Instagrammable interior goes to… Sevente
Established in 2023 by Emilio and Christopher, Sevente was created as a space where mouthwatering coffee and cocktails meet design and community.
The modern-chic interior, with a nod to 1970s Italy, is built around a sleek concrete bar. A cosy espresso bar by day and a wine bar by night, it earns its place on your camera roll before you've even ordered.
The Best Brunch Spot goes to… The Ethical Bean Company Coffee Shop
Nestled among the murals and graffiti-covered walls of Hackney Wick, The Ethical Bean Company does brunch properly. The menu runs from a full veggie breakfast to wraps, burgers, bagels and open toast with award-winning pastries and smoothies to round things off. Almost everything is vegan or vegetarian —and absolutely delicious.
Its signature coffee blend, Anaiya, is a four-origin, 100% organic Arabica ethically sourced and roasted in the South of England.
Find your perfect home (and coffee) with NHG Homes
Great coffee has a way of making you fall in love with a place. And if these spots have done their job, you might just be thinking about staying for the long term. Hackney Yards is a new collection of homes in the heart of Hackney Wick, available through Shared Ownership, designed for first-time buyers who want the best of East London on their doorstep.
Ready to make Hackney Wick home? Find out more about Hackney Yards.
