Reviews of Hackney Bureau

Unassuming industrial decor yet somehow comforting escape from the dreary winter rain. Full breakfast is possibly one of the best I've had, tasty black pudding, lovely sourdough toast, near perfect poached eggs, crispy bacon, spicy sausage and wonderfully flavoursome handmade baked beans. The little garden salad was a nice touch.

Would strongly recommend this place for breakfast but be warned very popular for a good reason and you may have to wait for a table for short while - though it's worth the wait. Good friendly service which is matched by excellent coffee and a good menu. Would vouch for the Bircher muesli or the full English.

A real surprise. Went there randomly with some friends and decided to get food. Staff incredibly friendly and relaxed. We got some ricotta and spinach balls, sea bass and the French soup. Food was cooked very well, it was very tasty but not heavy or overly loaded with sauces. The dessert was again great. It felt like a proper restaurant with proper cooking. Also the prices are reasonable so...highly recommended.

What a cute place with great food and lovely prices. Sides were a bit overpriced, please put a bit more effort /ingredients in the salad etc. They take reservations and are now open 7 days a week! On a Saturday night all tables were occupied, but no people waiting at the door. At 11 pm the coffee machine was cleaned and all guests left. Broadway market is just around the corner and great to continue the night. Thanks and see you soon.

It's a small but really comfortable place serving good food at reasonable prices. There's always a wait for a table, but you can be sure the wait is well worth it. Their sandwiches are absolutely amazing and the cakes are to die for. As we all know, free wi-fi is always a plus, so just go there and enjoy.

Nice brunch, lovely eggs Benedict on a really soft and fluffy muffin. The place is a bit on the small side, but has a cozy vibe to it. I also find the open kitchen to be a nice and honest touch. Friendly service and good price. The music builds a nice atmosphere.<br/>Gutted we couldn't try the pecan pie, but the cheesecake... dear Lord, amazing experience.

What should actually be a really cute place on a corner that serves wonderful food with wonderful vibe, is actually quite the opposite. For starters, they don't take cards (who doesn't take cards in 2015?) and there is no warning of this. Food is okay. Not incredible, but edible. What really brings this place down is the attitude. It's almost as if you're forcing these people to take your order, bring your food on time, and also make sure that you are looked after. Possibly the worst service I have received this side of London. Why work for a deconstructed East London cafe, if you don't want to be there?<br/><br/>On top of all this, when asked about the non-existing wi-fi and when making a suggestion on taking credit cards, we were faced with shrugs and bad attitude. <br/><br/>Thanks guys! We won't be joining you again, and will make sure our friends in the culinary industry know exactly what kind of joint you run. Keep it moody, keep it edgy, keep it lame.

As a lover of brunch my pal Anne insisted I visit her local, Hackney Bureau. Despite the Sunday morning rush we managed to secure a table without a wait- albeit right in the service area... We were ignored for a while before a rather cranky waitress took our drink orders. We were also promptly told we'd need to wait to order food. As our coffees were slammed down in front of us we ordered (all the same thing) smashed avo and feta on sourdough with a poached egg and a side of bacon. Delish. Food quickly arrived and again slapped down in front of us with not an ounce of grace. The avo and feta was delicious, a pairing that I can never manage to get enough of. The bacon was insanely good and despite the horrible and rude service, worth coming back for. As soon as we finished our meals we were quickly rushed out the door. I can't say it was the most pleasant experience but the food was solid, and the barista very attractive (can't not mention it!) I'm glad I visited but likely won't be returning (unless the lure of the bacon gets the better of me...)

My friend and decided to meet there for a late lunch on the last bank holiday afternoon to check it out. Lunch specials are written on the blackboard inside and we were both attracted to the two dishes featuring avocado. In the end, Alison got the smashed avocado with feta and poached eggs on sourdough, and I had the harissa chicken and avocado sandwich. Other options included truffled mushrooms on toast, butternut squash, and a variety of cooked breakfasts.<br/><br/>We also had a cheeky spritz to go with it – Campari for her, Aperol for me.<br/><br/>The food arrived and we were both more than happy with our choices, although I admit, after having a forkful of Alison’s combination, I felt I'd chosen the slightly inferior dish. Her poached eggs were perfect – oozing thick yolk over the creamy avocado, and the feta gave it all a salty tang to it that was very agreeable.<br/><br/>I did enjoy my sandwich as well though. Delicious sourdough held together the strips of chicken and avocado, of which there was a generous amount. The chicken was soft and the harissa was more than just a token description. <br/><br/>Our spritzes were a little on the small side but were a perfect choice if I do say so myself for a spring day.<br/><br/>All in all this is a perfect little local, and I would like to come back in the evening to try some of their bistro cooking.