Riverside Cafe in Hackney

Great place, great spot, nice food, great staff... BUT, pleeeease get a modern coffee setup. Good beans (Monmouth, WatchHouse, Redemption, Climpson, whichever), train up, better equipment etc. You'd make so much more money as you'd have a tonne of people wanting takeaways too. Currently the coffee is pretty dire no offence

...specially the beans in their in-house-made tomato sauce! What a great breakfast. I'm set up for the day :)

Get the beans. They are special

It's straightforward, simple, and a lovely setting.

Possibly under new management? Owner/chef was so rude to person ahead of me in the queue I didn't bother and went up the hill to Springfield Park cafe.

Love this cafe- excellent for their bacon / sausage butties, fried breakfasts etc. Food super high quality, staff friendly and attentive and personally love their super strong coffee. Fab to people watch on the Lea, getting to see the rowers and narrow boats.

Great customer service coffee amazing quality huge thanks 👍

I was going into this cafe and wanted some food. But I needed to use the toilet. One of the Chef I think the same person mentioned in a comment. Told me to get to the back of the line. I pleaded with him to let me go as I have a medical condition. He was very aggressive and so I felt that I no longer wanted to use the facility. I sat outside on the steps away from the cafe. He (chef or owner) came out and called me names and shouted at me and wanted to fight me. I know this sounds crazy but it’s true. I have a mental health problems and this guy laughed at me and tried to humiliate me in front of everyone. I’ll never go back neither should you.

Felt like I was on holiday. Setting is beautiful. Staff were friendly, and the breakfast was scrumptious, but there was limited seated. They do not cater for allergens, although they do offer dairy free milk options. Very good quality bacon and sausage and nicely flavoured baked beans. If you/your children have a fear of dogs, this is not the place for you as you. Has an open kitchen. (Try not to visit close to closing time).

Don't bother. Sounds unreal, but is true. Chef with moustache is incredibly aggressive to the point of nearly being physical if you ask for some tap water. Apparently it's inconvenient for him. Absolutely bizarre behaviour. Had a quick read of past reviews and it's clear that this man-child has anger problems. Feel sorry for the lad who was working with him as he seemed quite nice. I've never bothered to review this place but felt compelled to after this incident. Food wise, eaten here once or twice before and it's always below average. They also kick up a fuss if you ask for any amendments. I'm not sure on the chefs credentials but I think he needs go back to culinary school, alongside some anger management classes.

Good simple well prepared food. If there is a criticism it's that it's not as friendly as it used to be

Love this place, been coming here for years!

It is a shame the owner is so aggressive towards people who use his loo despite his notice on the door. You can understand his frustration, but the woman even tried to apologise and he refused to accept her apology. It’s not the biggest crime really - I’m sure he’s done the odd little naughty thing in his lifetime - and the fact she wanted to apologise was a conciliatory act. I’m sure he could achieve his objective - which must be to put people off doing it again - in less aggressive ways. That way he could avoid the bad reviews (there have been a few) and not lose customers.

Amazing breakfast whilst sitting by the river side. Dog friendly.. A good place to stop when you're on a Sunday walk.

Lovely spot for a coffee and a snack

I witnessed verbal assault today at this cafe. Absolutely shocking behaviour from the workers. I actually caught it on my camera luckily and sent it over to the victims of this man.

The man and lady who work here are so aggressive and rude. Chasing shouting and swearing at customers. Such a hostile atmosphere I would absolutely not recommend this place to anyone, especially if you have children to witness such behaviour. Reported him to the police.

Service was warm and lovely, really makes a difference when you’re greeted by a friendly smile and amazing customer service! Thank you! ☺️

Lovely people, gorgeous views. Cosy atmosphere. Sadly the food has gone downhill. I really didn’t enjoy my veggie breakfast and barely ate it.

One of my favourite places to stop off on my canal walks, lovely selection on the menu.

Top quality food and nice people who work there nice scenery nice place to dinner

What Joke you can have a Sausage Brioche bun But not a Sausage sandwich Or you can have something on Toast "Granary" Brilliant,Was happy to pay £4.80 but for the sausage sandwich. But no, you've got to have the Bun. I like the choice ill have granary bread with a sausage please no we don't do that.....

Amazing cafe on the river. With the most delightful and calm staff turning out very delicious bacon buns and such. Highly recommended for a stop when walking the towpath!

The male owner is aggressive and rude, shouted in my face twice in a week and followed me into the bathroom today and grabbed my wrist. Vile behaviour and will be reporting him to the police.

The male who runs this cafe is aggressive and rude and grabbed me by the wrist today after following me into the toilet to get water for my dog as it was a hot day. I am a female and he has no right as a proprietor to follow any woman into a toilet, shout in her face and physically assault people. I have lived in Hackney for over 25 years and never in my life witnessed this kind of behaviour by an owner of a cafe. I am reporting this to the Lea Valley Secretary and to the police. Unless you want to be verbally and physically abused by a man and you are female do not use this cafe. This man needs to be sacked.

Great well earned brioche bun Cumberland sausage roll after a walk along the canal!

Great place, had sausage in brioche bun. Was delicious and much needed after a wonderful walk along the canal

The reason you didn't get 5 stars is just my eggs were not sunny side. Come on gang ... you know it's a deal-breaker!

Lovely view of water. Chefs are awful. Staff OK. Doesn't seem a happy place to work but food is tasty.

I'm surprised by previous reviews as my experience was very friendly staff from morning to eve. Delicious and interesting marmalade flapjack slice was my breakfast. Lunch of Lentil bake was very tasty, came with roast potatoes. I sat and read there all day ordering coffee and eating.

Would have been a treat to have been waited on by Adele back in the day...

Friendly staff and good food! Nice place to watch the river !

Welcome break during a 66km ride. Really friendly and helpful staff. I had the cheese burger and it was served with salad and new potatoes. Just what I needed!

All I wanted to do before buying something at the counter was quickly use the loo. The toilet door was hammered and even though I had Metallica on my earphones I could sense the urgency. Upon opening I was shocked at the public bawling out over use of said facility. In front of other customers I was taken to task for using this apparently hallowed turf in their cafe. I’ve been coming to this cafe for years. I offered to buy something and was told ‘why was I still here?’ I’ll never come here again after that episode. All so unnecessary and petty. Even if it was a one off bad day at the office and I don’t really care about customer service, this was something else. It was borderline threatening

Friendly staff and great location but the breakfast was disappointing. Lovely location and hopefully a one off but not sure we'll return soon.

Always busy it was nice to go on a weekday afternoon when a little quiter.

Brioche breakfast buns to take out. Very good and portions packed to warrant the price. I'd go again no danger.

I have been using the cafe for 10 plus years. The food is OK, but the coffee is good. During the shutdown, the place was re furbished, and something has changed. .they are so miserable now and the Spanish women was recently rude to me. .i will continue to visit this lovely spot. , but will take my own flask and flapjacks and use the public bench next door. .shame

Loved my veggie breakfast! Doggy friendly. Thank you!

The best cafe on the canal, our favourite place when we visit Picketts Lock. The food is great as are the staff and surroundings.

Nice relaxing spot. You can people-watch rowers, runners, cyclists, dog-walkers etc.

Under new management, revamped interior and healthy delicious food. A tranquil oasis on the river Lea!

Had brioche bun filled with Dodgy bacon, cheap low meat content sausage and egg. Over priced at £6 Worst ov all was their Watered downbrown sauce in HP branded bottles . Disgraceful!

Nice coffe and a lovely coffee, very welcome after a long walk

Today’s experience is the Chocolate Brownie! For some (clearly now MAD) reason I’ve overlooked this for years but do not be fooled by the cling film, this little piece of heaven has it all: chocolatey, gooey, buttery, AND wait for it: crunchy crispy, and cherries (i think, correct me if I’m wrong) possibly some nuts (but steady on). This Springhill brownie easily beats anything on Camden Passage outright. It is a dirty indulgence compared to its healthy next door neighbour the flapjack, but the days are colder so that makes it alright. This being said please leave me one each Sat and Sun!

Food and pricing ok, but no logical system to take orders, pay and wait. Long,slow queue, which is totally unnecessary. Not worth the wait.

A wonderful cafe/restaurant. Tasty, wholesome food. I especially love their very tasty burgers; doughnuts and hot chocolate, but everything here is praiseworthy. Sit inside or out. Picturesque spot, next to the canal.

Amazing food, dog friendly and lovely staff! Highly recommend!

Delicious burgers! Very welcoming staff, plenty of tables (both inside and outside), dog friendly, and good vegan options too.

Nice cafe, nice staff, best doughnuts around!

Brilliant little cafe along the river front. Such a stunning location, dog friendly and best of all yummy food. Went for a dog walk along the river and stopped for a spot of lunch. it was a beautiful funny saturday so had to wait for outside seating as it was very popular. Highly recomend. Very lovely staff and all round makes for a great day our if you stroll along the riverfront.

Lovely food lovely service. Happy customer. Happy to endorse this lovely buisness

I've had lunch here several times with my family and found the food quite good (although don't bother asking for any modifications to the meals) but the attitude of the staff is unpleasant. I was recently in the area with my 3-year old son who suddenly announced he needed the toilet. As there are no public toilets in the vicinity and we are regular customers of this cafe I thought they wouldn't mind if we used their toilet. On arrival there were visible signs stating that toilets are for customers only, and a request not to "bully" the staff, whatever that means. I thought, no problem I'll buy a coffee and a cake to take away. After using the toilet (which we left as we found it, obviously) there was a long queue at the counter, and we couldn't wait as we were already late to meet a friend. Unbelievably, one of the staff pursued me out of the cafe and accosted me while I was unlocking my bike, telling me off for using the toilet. She said I should be "sympathetic to their situation" while showing zero sympathy for the situation of a small child needing the loo. As a regular customer this left a really sour taste and I won't be giving them my business again. If they are so upset by people using their facilities perhaps they should lobby the council for better public toilet provision in the area.

Not that cheap good food great place to sit When Sunny

Man in kitchen came out arguing with customers in toilet cue instead of focusing on food. Dreadful atmosphere.

We are a mixed male/female double scull rowing crew from the Lea Rowing club, next door to the cafe. We are (roughly🤣) 70 years old and have been eating here since they started, several years back. I just had to photograph my food today it was so lovely! We had done an eight mile row so I had a lovely burger with cheddar, roasties and a salad with a delicious mustard vinaigrette. The portion was rower sized! My partner had a bacon roll and we both had coffee. I can't remember the price (around £15-my friend paid🙂). Francisco and his team, mainly family, were, as always, so kind and pleasant towards us. A lot of us rowers eat here. The menu is small, as all the food is freshly prepared. Some of it is quite exotic, all of it is immaculately cooked. The setting is a little gem- an ocean of tranquility, next to the river. Saturday and Sunday are like a party, with rowing boats zooming up and down the river and lots of people. I'm Sean, this is a genuine review, look forward to seeing you!

This is the best chicken burger I’ve ever had. Amazing. Lovely view. Really reasonable. Total dream

Just by the canal, no clear signs visible so it can be easily missed. Toilet available Card payments accepted inc Amex Indoor and outdoor seating available Dog friendly £10 for a ‘full English’ and a cold drink.

Best bacon roll in London. Staff are friendly and helpful.

Great place, good coffee and food.

Beautiful Spot Next to a Rowing Club on the River Lea. When Sun's out is just perfect.

no chips, but lots of vegan and veggie options, and a nice bacon roll, coffees ice creams, a beautiful spot to sit and watch the rowers, and good to walk from/to along the canal and marshes

So lucky to live close by! The food is lovely, the staff are friendly, and it's a beautiful part of London

Great unpretentious cafe right on the river with solid food, lovely staff and nice atmosphere.

Great bacon roll and andcup of coffee

Very nice place to sit and watch the world Go by friendly staff helpful polite staff very busy for tables outside but it's Great place to have a drink and some food me I love it always have.

Great local cafe with delicious food and outdoor seating by the canal and park

Foods not to bad, staff were very pleasant

We’ve been coming on and off for some time and always surprised by the lack of courtesy by the staff. It hasn’t changed in all that time. Zero changes allowed to the menu. Staff rude. Tables not always cleared and cleaned but the setting is just wonderful which makes it hard to stay away. Ps: poached eggs often on the undercooked (runny white) side but can’t be asked to pick a fight and complain.

Very friendly staff and dog friendly cafe on the side of the river Lea. There is plenty of choice of Food and drink which tastes lovely. Throughly recommend it.

Beautiful views. Good cheap basic food

A fully filled bacon roll and fresh brewed coffee... yummy 😋

Really convenient spot for a cafe if you've been walking along the canal and you need refreshments. I had the vegan aubergine/lentil lasagne outdoors on a warm spring day by the water and it was a truly divine experience 👌

Nice food and cafe but unfortunately the waiter (think he is also a chef) who served me was incredibly rude. He shouted at people next to me for moving the tables in the sun, picked up my phone, bag etc when wiping the table without asking me and when I finished my food and was reading a book he came up to me quite aggressively asking if I had ordered anything and said that I shouldn’t be sitting at the table if I hadn’t ordered anything. It’s a shame as it’s a nice spot but I won’t be coming here again as there are lots of other places nearby with better service.

Good location and good food, but everything would be better if the waitress was more polite. While we were choosing the menu, he asked us to get up from the table if we weren't going to order anything. Very unpleasant customer service.

The food is not bad here but the people who work here are absolutely dire and rude. I wouldn't trust them to cook for me if they were having a bad day. . They were nasty to my family and I over nothing just asking some questions as my partner has allergies.. this was when we came one lunchtime. Treating POC badly but being nice to white people is always noted especially when POCs are the aggressors Something is deeply wrong with the staff here..

Nice place to enjoy a coffee or more

Nice cafe, good coffee and cake, after a long damp walk

Nice coffee and food place by the river, a stop on your cycle or walk.

Go there nearly every day and have my veggie burger. Not vegetarian but love it. Chef brilliant but he is cooking on his own and uses more the microwave now. So my veggie burgers not crispy anymore. Sad! Loved it.

Excellent breakfasts and lunches. Excellent service. Everything is fresh, home made and tasty. Veg options are really good. This is a real gem. it was done up over lockdown so previous complaints about scruffyness and lack of decent loo no longer relevant. The staff are extremely busy as it's so popular. So maybe don't have endless patience, I've found it to be fine. Just enjoy.

We stumbled upon this little gem while out for a long walk. The coffee is really good, and we had excellent bacon/sausage baps served in fresh brioche. Fantastic 🙂

Really lovely place. Good food at reasonable prices…pretty much impossible to find in Hackney these days. Lush views over the canal, love it.

Great breckfast, amazing eggs benedict, ohh and the grilled chicken burger 🤤

If you’re vegan, don’t bother with the trip. Staff weren’t interested in helping.

Muy buena atención, la comida muy rica y el sitio muy bien ubicado

The staff could be a lot friendlier. The place is a little run down and unkept. Could do with sprucing up the outdoors area too. This place could be a really lovely spot if done up properly. I won’t deny that the food is delicious and reasonably priced :)

My local cafe. I love the scenery. The staff are exceptional. Best place to sit while the sun is out. Prices are reasonable for the location. They accept card payments too.

Great for coffee and breakfast as sit and watch the canal

Brilliant café right next to the water, very good coffee and super friendly :)

Rude staff member refused service because I had a folding bike with me. Shan’t visit again.

Beautiful setting by the canal, but staff were a little unapproachable.

Amazing food.. Great staff.. our favourite place.. love it here 💜

This cafe us great. Unfortunately it is currently closed until further notice a detail sadly omitted on the site.

Lovley place for a breakfast and coffee. Interior could be improved but the food they serve is good and very fairly priced.

I had forgotten my mask and wanted to keep my bike with me outside after having ridden for miles. Dying for a bite to eat I came accross this little gem that brought me back to life. Tasty food, great scenery and easy to order. Thank you

A light at the end of the tunnell. I had forgotten my mask and wanted to keep my bike with me outside after having ridden for miles. Dying for a bite to eat I came accross this little gem that brought me back to life. Tasty food, great scenery and easy to order. Thank you.

The cafe is in an amazing, quiet location next to the River Lea. They serve good coffee, delicious hot chocolate, and they also have donuts. They do make hot brioche sandwiches, and I had serious food-envy, because they looked great. Definitely worth stopping by if you're in the area.

Great place for a coffee and bacon roll by the river

Friendly service and tasty food