Pacific Social Club
8 Clarence Road, Hackney, London E5 8HB
One of a growing number of hip little cafés that have been popping up in unlikely Hackney locations. On an otherwise rundown street near Clapton Square, this friendly Australian-style place lures punters in with its great coffee, Venezuelan empanadas (a delicious pastry encasing chorizo, black beans and avocado), lovely baking and fresh juices and smoothies. The walls are lined with vintage album inner sleeves, and you can sit in little booths, or hole up in the salon at the rear. Mismatched china, an esoteric collection of books and a scattering of kitsch bric-a-brac adds to the relaxed boho aesthetic. There's also amazing, inexpensive Japanese food and drink Thursday to Saturday evenings.