Cafe. Stoke Newington, UK

April 2021

I can't remember how on earth I originally came across this place, but I'm so glad that I did.  A real hidden gem, unassumingly tucked away in a residential street behind Stoke Newington High Street.  With it's conservative shop front it would be easy to miss, but whatever you do, don't miss it!  The compact inside has a buzzy neighbourhood vibe, and outside is a lovely, sheltered courtyard.

Has Bean coffee is expertly crafted, whether as a pour over or espresso based beverage, and they've taken milk alternatives up a notch with their own home made almond milk.



The food is always exceptional - one of those places where you know that whatever you choose will be well executed.  Unusual combinations of bang in season produce means the menu is never dull, whilst keeping things simple enough to really showcase the flavours of quality produce.

The French toast is my go to option - thick slices of chewy, tangy Little Bread Pedlar sourdough, usually served with seasonal fruit, something creamy and something to make it pop, whether that's a zest hit or some crunch.

I recently had probably my all time favourite toasted sandwich - green tomatoes, wild garlic pesto, radicchio and creamy stracciatella between toasted homemade focaccia - banging with flavour, and all the warmth and comfort I want from a toastie, whilst managing to be light and refreshing at the same time - a difficult balance to perfect!

They also have a range of enticing cakes, and pastries and sourdough loaves from Little Bread Pedlar.

Find Esters on Kynaston Road in Stoke Newington, and why not build up a good appetite with a stroll around Abney Park - a jungle of ancient graves entwined with nature.

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