Even if you haven’t visited any of The Breakfast Club’s fleet, you’ll likely have seen the throngs of hungry brunchers queuing outside one of its cafés. This Hackney Wick branch has the same buzz, despite the slightly off-the-beaten-track location. Even so, the staff had a cheerful breeziness, and their attitudes matched the sunny setting, with retro wallpaper and Californian surf art on the wall.
There’s nothing revolutionary about the menu of affordable breakfast staples, served throughout the day. What’s impressive is how they extend this with a wider weekend brunch menu. Basically, whatever combo of eggs, bacon, beans and avocado you’re after, you’ll find it. The chorizo hash was a messy heap of meat, crushed spuds, peppers and onions with a poached egg on top, described by our waitress as ‘comfort food’ (although a more generous portion of paprika-spiked sausage would’ve helped us agree). Huevos rancheros looked simple but satisfied by pairing eggs with punchy guacamole, stodgy refried beans and wedges of toasted tortilla. Cold-pressed juices went down smoothly. All proof that you’re still very much in safe hands on a Sunday – and the Hackney hordes seem to agree.