Restaurants

This laid-back café is deservedly packed on Saturdays, when all-day breakfasts that are worth dragging yourself out of a warm bed are dished up to the Bethnal Green bourgeoisie. Couples recover from the night before, over the papers; families with young rugrats liven up the atmosphere; and the occasional sandal-wearer keeps the vegetarian stereotype alive. The decor features changing contemporary art, while there’s a cute flower-sprinkled courtyard for the sunnier months. The star of a veggie take on the full english were some crushed, intensely flavoured tomatoes. The sausage was so meaty it made us do a double-take, but the eggs were a little so-what (no fear, tabasco sauce is at hand for peppering). If you’re hankering after a sugar rush, plump for the US-style pancakes drenched in maple syrup; a cinnamon-infused fruit salad of dates, apricots and figs added a semblance of virtue to our indulgent stack, which was magnificently topped with scoops of vanilla-flecked mascarpone. Portions are vast, and the Buddhist staff are serenely smiley – as you will be once you’ve imbibed the goodness of Wild Cherry.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2008