Speciality Coffee at Embassy East in Hoxton

In my search for the “best places to enjoy good coffee”, I have recently stumbled upon a new gem called Embassy East and located at the back end of Hoxton Street, Hackney.

It’s not easy to please me: you need to show a passion for good coffee; have friendly staff; a welcoming space; big windows with natural light (as much as London’s grey sky can offer); tasty food. Good music is a plus. Embassy East has got it all and much more: the whole is more than the sum of its parts. It just feels right and makes you feel welcome and at ease. A feeling that only a few places in London are able to convey, to me at least.

I came to know about Embassy East via Twitter, as often is the case. It happened through Workshop Coffee (my favourite London cafe, I am there nearly every day!) as Embassy East uses their beans.

So one day I decided to visit Embassy East during my lunch break. It’s a long walk from Farringdon and I ended up having time for just a quick macchiato. A week later I was back for more, but on a Sunday afternoon this time.

The cafe is small, with only four tables in the main room and a bar with stools by the window. There is also a longer table at the back, which feels like a private room, a lovely and quiet one.

Chris and Lehi, who opened the coffee shop in January, introduced themselves to me, probably recognizing me from my tweets. I like when a business read tweets from their customers and welcome them to the shop. It is not feasible for a big restaurant, but it’s nice when small shops do it, as it shows that they are happy to see you and to interact.

Lehi was busy brewing Workshop’s Buf coffee in the chemex, while Chris was taking espresso orders on La Marzocco machine.

Instead of a complicated menu of coffee drinks (macchiato, piccolo, cortado, cappuccino, latte, etc.), Embassy East is keeping it simple: you can choose between espresso, black, white or filter; and between three sizes (4oz, 6oz, 8oz). But don’t worry if you want a Flat White, they will know what to do! ;)

I haven’t been to Embassy East for lunch yet, but I hear the Haggis Toastie is a must-try. I am sure they apply to food the same passion they reserve for coffee. A good reason for me to go back soon.