Welcoming staff and ideal location for a leisurely stroll in Hackney
Brags & Brams in Hackney offers a warm welcome, great coffee, and a vibrant atmosphere. While the food needs improvement, it’s a promising new brunch spot with potential to grow.
By Magdalena Walczak
Hackney boasts its fair share of brunch spots, but discovering a new one is always a welcome surprise, especially considering the perennial popularity of the established ones. I ventured to Brags & Brams on a sunny Saturday morning, and my first impression was a warm welcome from several attentive staff members. This alone speaks volumes, as many restaurants often suffer from understaffing and long waiting times, leaving diners yearning for a touch of personal attention.
This spot is ideally situated for those embarking on a leisurely stroll from Broadway Market to Shoreditch or after a visit to the bustling Columbia Flower Market. It’s the perfect pitstop to refuel and relax, and perhaps in time, it’ll become an essential part of your East London exploration. Originally an old shoe factory, it’s been completely reinvented by three friends into the brunch spot we see today, with plans to add dinner to its offerings. The restaurant is bathed in natural light, thanks to its large windows on two sides of the building. The design choice seems to aim at attracting a diverse crowd, resulting in a somewhat commercial vibe, combined with nice, comfortable chairs and art that, while not the most original, adds character. While their Instagram posts always feature great funky tunes, the music within the place itself doesn’t quite match up. It’s a bit of a missed opportunity, as the lively atmosphere and cool crowd seem perfect for a soundtrack that’s equally vibrant and trendy. It’s a place where you’ll find a mix of people, from families to friends catching up, and yes, even a few stylish and cute individuals!
Now, regarding the food, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. I opted for the £15 English breakfast, and while it had its merits, it left room for improvement. The English breakfast was on the dry side, with sausages that didn’t quite match the expectation of a classic Cumberland sausage, and hash browns that seemed unlikely to be house-made. However, it’s worth noting that there are several other dishes on the menu that I didn’t get to try. Given that the place is just six months old, it’s reasonable to hope that they might refine their food offerings over time. What truly stood out was the coffee, which was surprisingly delicious, a rarity in London. So, even if you’re not solely there for the food, the coffee alone is worth the visit. They also have Peroni and IPA Meantime on tap, which is a nice touch, along with a concise list of £10 cocktails, including three mocktail options.
While the food may need some fine-tuning, it’s evident that this spot has the ingredients to grow into a popular choice in the neighbourhood. I’ll be eagerly anticipating a return visit to see how they’ve evolved their menu and offerings. Brags & Brams is a promising newcomer to Hackney’s brunch scene, offering a warm welcome, great coffee, and an atmosphere with potential.
