Seemor
Tram StoreB+Worth Trying
38 Upper Clapton Rd, London E5 8BQ
· Cafe, Bar, General store
· 4.5/5 Google (351 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
A lush, plant-filled cafe-gift shop hybrid with enjoyable brunch and pastries, strong ambiance, and occasional service inconsistencies; good dietary range and fair pricing for the area.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Tram Store delivers a compelling brunch destination anchored by exceptional historic ambiance and solid food quality with standout vegan options and artisan bread. However, inconsistent execution on egg doneness and bacon crispness and uneven service pacing during peak times prevent a higher grade. The cafe excels as a relaxed weekday retreat and weekend brunch spot, though service reliability and speed remain the limiting factors.
Restaurant Summary
Step into a former tram depot turned green oasis where the room feels warm and bustling on weekends and calmer midweek. Reviews gush about the interior—brick, iron and a canopy of plants—with one diner calling it a space that is simply beautiful to sit in. Service is generally friendly, though at busy times you may wait longer at the counter or feel the quiet cowork vibe around laptop tables. The cooking leans elevated comfort with artisan sourdough, rich rarebit, generous fry-ups and standout vegan options. The culinary approach is elevated traditional: quality ingredients and careful plating over theatrics. Highlights include the eggs-on-rarebit, the vegan tofu scramble, and pastries; occasional hiccups appear with egg doneness or bacon crispness, but remakes are offered and ingredients are praised as fresh and well chosen. Families fare well here: pancakes, porridge and toast are reliable options for kids, and portions are generous enough to share. The atmosphere is relaxed and plant-filled, though on weekdays the many laptops can make it feel hushed for conversation. No dedicated kids menu, but the current menu has several approachable items for younger diners.
At a Glance
- Gorgeous historic space with lush plants and gift shop charm
- Strong brunch game with solid vegan and vegetarian choices
- Service can be slow or inattentive at peak times
- Coffee pricing and wait times feel high to some
- Good for solo work sessions and calm weekday visits
What Sets It Apart
- historic_tram_depot_setting
- lush_indoor_plants_and_gift_shop
- broad_vegan_and_vegetarian_brunch_options
What People Love
- The serene, plant-filled interior that feels like a greenhouse
- Hearty rarebit and flavorful mushrooms on artisan sourdough
- Vegan dishes that feel substantial and thoughtfully made
- A courtyard and big communal tables that invite lingering
Points of Concern
- Service attentiveness dips at peak hours with reports of slow ordering and follow-through
- Coffee queues can be long and prices feel steep to some guests
- Older sandwich-related safety complaints (2022) raise lingering caution despite no recent clusters
- Weekday laptop crowd creates a hushed vibe that some find too quiet
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleHybrid
Average Cost£17-25 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose vegan tofu scramble or smashed avocado for plant-based brunch under £10
- Pair rarebit with a simple coffee to keep a full meal around £17-20
- Families: pancakes or porridge for kids, share a savory plate for variety
Perfect For
- Weekend brunch with friends who appreciate design-forward spaces
- Weekday solo laptop sessions with steady coffee
- Casual family brunch with approachable kid-friendly plates
- Coffee and pastry stop while browsing gifts or plants
Location Insights
Area: Leafy, creative East London pocket with a mix of young families, remote workers, and artists; relaxed daytime rhythm.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic along Upper Clapton Road; typical urban vigilance at night.
Nearby: Near Clapton Country Club and independent boutiques; daytime draw for coffee and cowork, evenings quieter except special pop-ups.
ClaptonA trendy and evolving neighborhood with a mix of Victorian terraced houses, emerging food scenes, and a bohemian urban character. Known for its independent cafes, vintage shops, and progressive community atmosphere.
Upper ClaptonA transitional area blending traditional East London residential character with emerging gentrification, featuring a diverse dining and social landscape.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday07:30–16:00
Tuesday07:30–16:00
Wednesday07:30–16:00
Thursday07:30–16:00
Friday07:30–16:00
Saturday08:00–17:00
Sunday08:00–17:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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