Cooperatively run, non-profit vegan cafe est. 2013. Serves a variety of vegan snacks and meals like sausage rolls and samosas plus cakes, milkshakes, Zapatista coffee. Sells some retail items including chocolates, cheeses, mock meats, tofu, tempeh, and vegan cookbooks. A ramp is available to provide wheelchair access, however the toilet is reported not wheelchair accessible. Reported re-opened Sept 2024. Open Mon 11:30-16:00, Thu-Fri 11:30-16:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-16:00. Open hours vary so check ahead.
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76 Clarence Rd, Hackney, East London, England, E5 8HB
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Last update on 20 Sep 2024 by craigmc
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165 Reviews
First Review by HelenGi
MasonLegrange
Points +71
AMAZING, best London Vegan place in London - Edit
Never got bored of this place, it's tasty, inventive, friendly, it has a cool book section ... and the chef is great :)
Read morePros: Delicious and tasty, Friendly, Menu changes often
Cons: far from the west end , Busy as hell for Sunday lunch and Breakfast
Guest
con_mi_perrita
Points +481
best cafe in London - Edit
black cat has been an excellent place to go for food for years now - it is busy even on a monday afternoon because it is consistently good. The food is fresh, varied, generous portions, good value, flavoursome.
Read morePros: very tasty, good value, can also buy books, snacks etc
Cons: can be busy so hard to get a table
MasonLegrange
I second that, it's definitely the best vegan place in London :)
Read moreGuest
AtiyaDavids
Points +481
big, tasty breakfast - Edit
Very hearty breakfasts- too big to finish!
Read moreGuest
sfio
Points +3242
One of my faves for brunch or lunch - Edit
Been a few times at weekends. The place is usually busy. Nice coffee, good cakes (think they are from Manna). Great cooked breakfast. Haven't had the chance to try more yet.
Read moreAlso has some vegan products for sale.
Updated from previous review on 2017-07-15
Pros: Vegan brunch / cooked breakfast , Cakes
Cons: That it's not in my neighbourhood ;)
Guest
Kamai
Points +104
Nice little place! - Edit
I've been here on several occasions now, having had the opportunity to try breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as desserts and milkshakes. The staff are always friendly and welcoming, the atmosphere is lovely, and best of all, dogs are allowed! Whilst I've never brought my own dogs along (too far to travel) I always enjoy coming in to find a canine friend waiting for some fuss.
Read moreThe food, however, can be a bit hit or miss. I've had some lovely meals here, and also some distinctly average ones (admittedly, though, the food has never been bad). The portion sizes are also somewhat excessive; I've never been able to finish my whole portion, which seems a little bit wasteful.
On the whole though, this is a nice vegan place to eat and no doubt I will be back again.
Pros: Nice atmosphere, friendly staff, mostly good food
Cons: Food can be hit or miss at times, overly large portion sizes
Guest
SinemKılınç
Points +22
Amazing - Edit
Really tasty and affordable food! Really nice portion size
Read moreGuest
SineadBarnett
Points +42
Amazing food and lovely place - Edit
My (only vegan) friend brought me here for my birthday as a surprise and it was such a great surprise. We could bring our own drinks which makes eating out a bit more affordable if you're having a few glasses of wine as well. There was a lovely atmosphere and the staff were lovely too. We spotted the jackfruit burger being brought out and it looked so good we both ordered it! It tasted as good as it looked! The skin on chips were perfect and there was a delicious side salad as well. We asked for the garlic and herb sauce as extra - ask for it if you go - it's so good!!! We were noth stuffed and couldnt finish everything. You can take away the leftovers if you like too. Couldnt have asked for better food and fun. So highly reccommended!!! I haven't stopped raving about it since we went! Cant wait to go back and try more of the options!
Read morePros: bring your own drink, nice variety on the menu, cool vibe
Guest
CherylKqy
Points +157
FOOD IS AMAZING - Edit
I had a vegan fry up... Every part of it was amazing. The pancake is one the tastiest I had. The tofu scramble, full of flavor. Everything on it is a 10/10
Read moreI also had a peanut butter milkshake which I will HIGHLY RECOMMEND.
One of the best I had so far
Guest
augstone
Points +174
Excellent Establishment! - Edit
I LOVE this place, have eaten here three times my past two trips to London. Made a special trip for lunch there today, not that it's all that hard to get to. Right in Hackney with good transport links. The portions are so big you will be stuffed halfway through your meal. And delicious too. 100% vegan. Including the halloumi "cheese". There are usually two gluten-free options as well. I'm a big fan of the Vegetable Pancake. Very large, comes with salad, yummy mayo, red cabbage, and quinoa. Had a slice of their Lemon Almond Polenta cake too which was very nice. Very reasonably priced. Most mains were £7.50. The atmosphere is also very nice - it's a workers co-op and it is well kept with big tables and books, art, and vegan advertisements along the walls.
Read morePros: 100% Vegan, Delicious, huge portions, Reasonably Priced
Guest
Skyzieboo
Points +3507
Big servings!! - Edit
The bowls are so big!! I had a seitan bowl but the seitan was pretty chewy. Otherwise, everything was good. The decoration is cute and there is lots of seating but it can get really busy. Also they menu changes so often I don't really know what will be serving until I get there.
Read morePros: cute decoration, lots of seating, big servings
Cons: changing menu, can get busy, small daily menu
Guest
veganeli
Points +96
Ah-ma-zing - Edit
Definitely one of my favourite places in London. Given it is a non-profit place kinda assures you you get your money's worth. Prices are very cheap for the heap of food that soon will land on your table. The menu changes slightly all the time and there are always options for gluten free people. Their hot chocolate is great too. Cheapest place where to get Vego chocolate from!!
Read morePros: Fast service, Delicious food, Cheap
Cons: May be too busy to get a seat straight away
Guest
M3R3D1T4
Points +31
nom nom - Edit
Fabulous place for Sunday brunch. I had the full English and couldn't finish it even though I asked for no bread. Some GF options/alternatives as well. Soups, curries and salads are recommended for late lunches. Go before it opens on a weekend because the queue is massive.
Read morePros: lots of food , great variety, gender neutral toilets
Cons: too much food eg food waste?, only 1 or 2 toilets
Guest
p4V_
Points +73
Saturday Lunch - Edit
UPDATE :
Read moreOk, so been back a couple of times and very much enjoyed!
The staff were lovely and the atmosphere can either be buzzing or warm and homely. Had the Chef's plate which was a HUGE (seriously ..erm 2 meals in one) mix of salads/dips, very tasty plus some vegan halloumi. The other half had the chick pea curry which was basically along the lines you might get at the Sikh temple, can't get realer than that.
[update end]
Jumped on the No.48 bus from Liverpool St (under half an hour) to make a visit having seen the place on Happycow - then realised I'd been there a few years ago when it was called the Pogo cafe which was a similar setup!
Nice interior, with a funky folding facade to let one catch some 'rays on a summers afternoon. Lots of books and interesting flyers about to.
Had a vegan fry-up, lots of food but a little bland for my tastebuds. Not put off on the whole, would return to try some other offerings.
Updated from previous review on 2015-08-02
Pros: atmosphere, value
Guest
MarkoObradovic
Points +545
Great food, rude staff - Edit
I went to the Black Cat for my first meal in London and the food was delicious. The burger was super tasty as was the soup, but the server was possible the rudest person I've encountered at a restaurant.
Read morePros: Good vibe, Great food, Reasonable priced
Cons: rude and unhelpful server
Guest
vegan007
Points +46
Amazing good quality food - Edit
I'd highly recommend the food to anyone, its delicious, the portions are large, and the atmosphere is great.
Read morePros: lots if vegan options
Cons: none
Guest
mascott514
Points +35
The Greatest - Edit
Look- you just need to go.
Read moreThe food is carefully prepared, the value for money is off the scale.
The staff are great.
The place rocks. I almost live there. It's what all cafes should be.
Pros: Hearty portions, great menu , Friendly staff, interesting book selection.
Cons: Laptop table hoggers!
Guest
mcld
Points +1076
Ace - Edit
Liked it a lot
Read moreGuest
bridget_claire
Points +70
Hooray! - Edit
I was very sad when Pogo closed but I am so happy that Black Cat replaced it!
Read moreAs it is around the corner from me, I have been to Black Cat several times and it hasn't disappointed. I recommend the burger and chips, the chef's special and the pie. The cakes are great too, and the coke float reminds me of being a kid again.
Black Cat is clean, warm and friendly. I really like the shop, as it is a great place to stock up on vegan goodies. The bookstore is also great.
I just wish they were open later, as it would be a nice place to go have a drink and play cards with friends. I also miss the social events that used to happen at Pogo. It would be great if Black Cat had some film nights, fundraisers or other events.
EDIT : Changed to five stars due to general awesomeness of new staff.
Updated from previous review on 2014-01-09
Pros: Tasty food, Cheap, Warm and friendly
Cons: Closes too early, No events
JennyMiles
Hi there, thanks so much for your review!
Read moreWe would love to open later, and it's definitely something we're planning to do as soon as we can, but unfortunately it's just not possible for us yet :( However, we do have great plans, including more events and meetups, so it might be worth checking our Facebook page or Twitter occasionally as that's where we post updates & news first.
Thanks again! :)
Guest
VeganRowH
Points +119
Pretty good but needs improvements - Edit
I've been to black cat many times and the food quality and availability as well as service fluctuates considerably. Staff hygiene (long hair flowing and nose wiping) was a let down and means I probably won't be back. Upon opening they also had no ice cream despite it being a really hot day. Service is generally quite slow. On the positive side the big breakfast was pretty good and they have a good selection of vegan food products.
Read morePros: good selection of vegan products
Cons: staff hygiene
Guest
adelesalle
Points +55
Delicious sweet treats - Edit
The atmosphere is lovely and it is beautifully decorated. I have been here twice for their cakes and milkshakes and they were delicious. I had the coffee milkshake both times and they were the best ones I've ever had, even when I wasn't vegan! I have never had a meal there, but I have seen other people's food and it looks absolutely incredible. They even sell Vego bars!!
Read morePros: Decent prices, Great atmosphere, Delicious desserts and milkshakes
Cons: No cons!
Guest
themurphette
Points +136
Wish I lived closer!! - Edit
The tofish is so good here!
Read moreThe atmosphere is great, very Boho!
Guest
YokeMunLim
Points +1011
One of my favorite spots in London - Edit
I fell in love with Black Cat the first time I went there. My sister and I were just dropping by for some sweet treats but we were very pleased with our experience. The cafe is warm and cozy with interesting books and flyers promoting veganism.We had the cinnamon roll and vegan Lamington which were absolutely amazing. The second time we returned for dinner and tried the burger and lasagne which really satisfied our comfort food cravings. The pizzas were hit or miss because I didn't like the commercial vegan cheese they used, but it was priced reasonably. I highly recommend this cute little place and will be returning to try more of the menu!
Read morePros: Delicious comfort food and desserts, Warm and welcoming space, Friendly staff
Cons: Some foods can be hit or miss, Neighbourhood is not very safe
Guest
redshift
Points +748
Used to be better, expensive - Edit
I've been here 4 or 5 times now and my earlier visits were the best. The food is hit and miss. Sometimes it is excellent, and other times it is distinctly average. The menu isn't fixed and changes from day to day.
Read moreWhile the oat milk lattes are good, they are expensive for the portion you get. The cup is perhaps 1.5-2 times the size of a small espresso cup and the cost of the latte is £2.70. Felt a bit ripped off by the coffee. The food is a bit hit and miss too. I won't be back until things change (cheaper coffee or a bigger cup), and more consistency in quality of the food.
Cons: expensive rip off coffee
Guest
milos99
Points +671
wonderful little cafe - must do in Hackney! - Edit
This is a great little area in the heart of Hackney. We had a "sausage" roll wrapped in phyllo dough, a "chicken" avo club sandwich and sweet potato, coconut and lentil soup. Delicious meal, great atmosphere and very friendly staff - highly recommended :)
Read moreGuest
TARAMCDONALD
Points +8744
Loved it so much that I had to go back! - Edit
Luckily me I was working around the corner last year and went here everyday. Great amount of choice and friendly staff.
Read moreI ate in one day and had a take away the next, really friendly staff and they also have a range of vegan condiments to buy here.
Didn't realise the staff were volunteers so love it even more now!
Pros: wide choice, eat in or take away, non profit
Cons: none
Guest
dgravity
Points +64
Amazing ❤️ - Edit
One of the best vegan places in London.
Read moreDelicious homemade food. I always go for the big salad plate that is a mix of several things: wild rice, couscous, potato salad, chickpeas, coleslaw, etc and it's super filling.
The tofu scramble and the fry-up are also good. Vegan cakes and milkshakes.
On the weekend go before 1pm to get a table. The place isn't too big and fills up quickly. Super nice staff
Pros: 100% vegan, homemade delicious food, super nice staff
Cons: can get super busy
Guest
ElliottGold
Points +34
Vegan Home - Edit
Lovely little place with nice choices! When it's busy it can be chaos and end up feeling bad for the staff and wanting to help but the fact it's volunteers and non profit and it's all cruelty free makes it worth it!
Read moreGuest
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