Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
A creative all-vegan cafe with standout pastries, pancakes, and specialty drinks, offering counter service and a relaxed vibe—but pricing, occasional hygiene lapses, and inconsistent drinks/pancakes are recurring pain points.
WAVE delivers solid vegan brunch fare with standout pancakes, tofu scramble, and creative specialty drinks in a charming tucked-away courtyard setting. However, quality varies noticeably—matcha strength and pancake doneness slip inconsistently, and counter-service model limits table attention during busy periods, preventing higher-grade performance. Worth visiting for plant-based brunch lovers seeking a relaxed neighborhood spot, though expect occasional execution gaps.
Hidden off the main drag, WAVE feels like a calm Hackney nook with a courtyard and pale-wood minimalism that draws brunchers and laptop-toters. Guests describe the team as friendly and welcoming, though the counter model means you may fetch your own plates while buzzers chirp in the background. One diner summed it up: "Great vegan plates in a relaxed space, just expect a little bustle." Noise and table-clearing can slip at peak times, but when the kitchen is on, the food leaves people smiling. The cooking leans modern plant-based comfort with creative touches rather than high-concept theatrics. Expect excellent vegan pancakes when timed right, a rich tofu scramble, and mushroom-driven riffs like the New York "brisket" roll. Specialty drinks—peanut butter or salted coffee, mushroom cacao, beetroot lattes—are a signature draw. Portions are decent overall, though some items feel light for the price. The culinary approach leans contemporary and produce-driven: elevated vegan cafe fare with an emphasis on flavor and accessible originality. Families do fine here: staff have made space for prams and even brought banana for a baby, though a few mentions flagged inconsistent highchair cleanliness. Kids who like sweet breakfasts may enjoy pancakes or simple toast, while savory-leaning little ones can pick at tofu scramble, avocado toast, or fries-and-sides style items. It is casual and flexible, but come early for pastries and avoid the busiest hours if you need a cleaner, calmer setup for small children.
Area: Creative East London pocket with indie cafes and studios; attracts brunch crowds and remote workers.
Safety: Generally safe with steady daytime foot traffic; occasional petty-theft mentions typical of busy spots.
Nearby: Near Hackney Central/Empire; mix of residential streets and boutique retail; courtyard seating noted in reviews.
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →