La Duchesse in Hackney

I love this cafe. The service is always great and the coffee and food always perfect. The guys can't do enough for you and always have a smile on their faces. Family owned and you can tell as they clearly care. Thank you.

Oh do these guys care! They were so sweet and gentle with us as we wandered off the street, not knowing where we were headed, in our day as in our lives. And yet, once we’d set foot across the understated threshold of this humble, hearty café, it was clear: this was where we were meant to be. Do you like quiche? Do you like salad? Vegan lasagne? Wraps? We certainly do! But then we are gay, and these are gay foods. (Don’t worry bros — there are meaty options too.) We were coaxed out of our shells of indecision as the waiter gave us the careful look a father hearing his child say for the first time ‘Thank you, you have given me everything I need and more, and I am grateful beyond words for the chance to live in this bountiful, unruly world’. What were we to have!? It could have been anything. It was all to be played for. And play we did! A game of back and forth, shying away from committing for fear of choosing something that would sway our partner off kilter. It all had to balance, be just right. We would decide together. Is this codependency? Or is it beautiful, high-flown love!? Eventually settling from the winds, we landed on our choices and made our way to the table. Antique cutlery adorns the walls, looking down as if to confirm: you are here to nourish, to engage in that most human of activities. The lasagne was delicious. The salads were fantastic. The ambience was soothing — a perfect Sunday balm to a throbbing head and parched throat. ‘My is that a good mocha!’ I now look back at that time with the fondest gaze. Were we lost? Yes. Were we deluded, living beyond our means? No! Because not only was it a genuine feast that filled us full the to the top and not a half-ounce more, but one that also left our finances very much still in tact — held together as they are in these tawdry days by a loose-string purse. So off we went — glowing with the satisfaction of meal well and truly had — into the world, unto the day, away to where we search still now, looking for a small morsel of the joy we found here, perched and ready for the next challenge life has to throw our way. What a lovely spot it was, bringing together all the most precious qualities of a local, independent café. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Absolutamente el amor que viene aquí. Sus desayunos son deliciosos y también lo es su café con leche. Cada vez que estoy en Londres desde Birmingham, me aseguro al menos una visita a este café / restaurante. El servicio siempre es excelente y el ambiente rústico y la decoración. ¡Uno de los mejores cafés y desayunos de la historia!

Vengo aquí a almorzar casi todos los días de la semana. Es una comida barata y saludable, con una gran variedad de opciones. También es ideal para vegetarianos. Los chicos que dirigen el lugar son extremadamente amables y serviciales. ¡Muy recomendable!

Vinimos aquí para almorzar. Tuve un quiche con una selección de ensaladas, ambas deliciosas y solo llegaron a 5. 95! Definitivamente regresaremos

La duchesse has in my experience the best coffee in town. In the mornings before work it is my must.

I pop into La Duchesse whenever I can for its great coffee and lovely French patisserie. I usually opt for one of their individual tartes or a pain au raisins, but on a recent visit I opted for something a tad more substantial - poached egg on sourdough toast with avocado. It came perfectly cooked and well presented. Great service, nice shabby-chic interior, one of the best in Stokey where - let's face it - there is plenty of competition.

This small cafe serves great food really nicely presented and delicious too. My daughter and I had a great breakfast and coffee. I'm gluten free and managed to have a tasty meal too. Very friendly and helpful - which made it a lovely relaxed unhurried breakfast.

Delicious coffee, pastries and cakes! The staff are super friendly and the cooked food is good quality & competitively priced.

Happened to be in North London and decided to grab some hot drinks. The hot chocolate was good however the Roasted Vegetables and Goats cheese pizza was absolutely brilliant! Best tasting pizza I've had in quite some time. Cozy, Clean and Comfortable...if you are in North London, Stoke Newington to be exact, you should definitely want to have a go!

Though this looked pleasant, was served inedible and very stale croissants, a almond one for me and two plain for friends - soft and buttery these were not! The coffee was also quite unpleasant, all three of us couldn't drink. A very poor experience for what is an otherwise great street - avoid!

Lovely food, all prepared on the premises. Gorgeous French patisseries and hearty meals. The staff are lovely and more always happy to see us. I've never had a disappointing meal here. 10/10

Based In the trendy stokenewington area you do expect to pay a premium for food. We ordered cofee and, croissant and chocolate tart. The cofee was quite bitter and not great presentation. The chocolate tart however was sublime, really crunchy pastry and smooth rich filling. The decor is quite eclectic and chic and exactly what you expect in this area.

I always enjoy going here - mostly it's for coffee but occasionally i have something more substantial. And very good smoothies. Highly recommended.

Last week I visited this place with my friends we got good portion food and reasonable price ..Excellent services and tasty food..