Picture of Black Cat Cafe, E5 8HB

Historical version 10 of Black Cat Cafe, E5 8HB (view current version)

Co-operatively run vegan cafe in Hackney, located at the former Pogo Cafe.

Like its previous incarnation, there is a small selection of cookery and vegan lifestyle books. The atmosphere is less politically charged, but there are still animal rights and other political leaflets, including one entitled "Kittens" (a tract about Marxist thought on capitalism illustrated with photographs of kittens) available alongside free newpapers.

There are two chillers with a small selection of vegan drinks, and one for take away groceries stocked with sausages, cheeses and other goodies. The cafe is bright and airy, and the sofas have been replaced with basic wooden tables, creating more seating space. Free wifi is available.

Bec visited in late September 2013 shortly after it reopened, and sat for an hour or so with a friend over a basic tea (£1). Soya, almond, rice, and oat milk were available. The cafe was pretty quiet and like at the Pogo cafe, there was no rush to move us along.

On a busier afternoon visit in November 2013, the weekend breakfast menu offered a "fry-up" version including tofu scramble, mushrooms, sausage, and beans (£7) and a "healthy" version with porridge and fruit, though the menu was being taken down for the evening meals as I ordered. The menu varies from day to day, featuring a selection of standard salads, burgers and soups sample menu from 20 November 2013.

I ordered a carrot cake with vanilla cream (£2.50) photo. It was dense and moist, with excellent vegan cream that was not overpoweringly sugary. I also had a hot chocolate (£2.30), a bit pricey for the size but indulgent and delicious.

Bec's verdict: I would happily return to sample a main as well as more cake.

Child-friendliness: One highchair available and free nappy wipes in the toilet.

Accessibility: One small step to get in; step-free throughout. The toilet is step-free but very cramped.

See also:

Last visited by Bec, November 2013. Opening hours taken from the Black Cat Cafe website, November 2013.
OS X co-ord: 534911 OS Y co-ord: 185399 (Latitude: 51.550851 Longitude: -0.053957)
This is version 10 (as of 2013-11-24 21:51:32). View current version. List all versions.