Railroad Cafe, Hackney

On Sunday Natalie and I trekked east for brunch. I'd seen the Railroad Cafe on an ABC news segment Mum told me about that also featured Lantana. I love Lantana so I thought Railroad would be worth a try.

Set on a main road opposite the railway, the small cafe was busy and filled up with east end hipsters quickly.

My two favourite things about the place were the mix of old school desks and big timber tables in the two rooms which are charming; and the crockery. The square mile coffee (nice but not amazing) was served in a cute little pottery cup and saucer.

The breakfast menu only had 4 items so choosing was easy - I had yoghurt with granola and poached rhubarb (I can never go passed rhubarb on a menu) - simple but nice. Nat had a bacon sandwich. The kitchen is pretty small so I guess they can't put anything too complicated on the menu. If you were hungry you'd be a little disappointed as there's nothing hefty on offer.

I thought it was odd that such a tiny place didn't have table service as the waitress clearing tables had to race back to the counter to take orders when she could have easily been flagged down for a second coffee as she was passing by.

I liked the place, but for an hour's journey I wouldn't necessarily go back. If it was my local I'd pop in quite often, especially for a quick, cheap breakfast. My two coffees and yoghurt were a very reasonable £9.

Breakfast