I learned about the Hornbeam Community Cafe (or rather The Gleaners) on a podcast. Back then, I still lived im San Francisco, but I quickly bookmarked this place as it sounded right up my alley: worker owned, using up surplus food, community-centered... I now live in London and so one beautiful sunny Saturday morning, I got on my bike and rode out to North-East London (between Walthamstow and Lea Valley). And it was all that I'd hoped for: the food was tasty, the atmosphere was just so welcoming and the people working there were super friendly. The clientele is a very nice mix: there was a bohemian-looking gentleman reading the newspaper while eating his curry, two Bengali women chatting over a cup of chai and a young chap typing away on his phone. The Gleaners Cafe is truly a Community cafe: they operate on a scaling price list and you pay what you can afford. Their menu has different symbols: a star (being the most affordable), a triangle, a circle and a square - the latter being the priciest option. When I was about to pay, the lady asked me what I want to pay and I said "the regular price" (I meant the square) and she clearly ignored my comment. She asked me: what symbol would you like to pick. At that point it dawned on me that what is "regular" for me, is not regular for someone else. I also bought some homemade jam and next time I might try their home-brewed kombucha or water kefir. They also seem to make kimchi, but that wasn't available during my visit. 6 stars! read more

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This little community oasis is located on a busy street filled with fast food, phone shops, and a vehicles rushing up and down Hoe Street. I've dined here twice and enjoyed my second visit far more than the first. The first time, Club Mexicana, a vegan enterprise usually in the form of a food truck, took over the restaurant for the weekend. We had high hopes with visions of BBQ jackfruit tacos and other fabulous vegan Mexican inspirations, but we were told that they didn't have any and settled for the Mexi-English breakfast, a plate of tacos, and one brownie. The brownie was cardboard dry and we had to wait an hour for our food while we noticed that two other parties that came in after us were served. We asked the Club Mexicana women at the counter and they couldn't explain why the food had taken so long; the first one didn't apologize and walked away, but the second one was deeply sorry for the delay, saying some of the food had run out and the kitchen staff had to make more. My fiancé was quite upset that we weren't told before we had to wait an hour for our food and I was ready to walk out when the plates arrived. The dishes were good, but not outstanding, likely affected by the bad taste of service left in our mouth. However, I did want to give the Hornbeam a second chance since it was a plant-based (though I'm told they serve eggs on the weekends), community center with ties to a local organic farm network and a small farmers market on Saturdays from 10am-3pm. I wanted to get some fresh-farmed carrots with flavors that none of the supermarket roots have, so I convinced my fiancé to head back the following weekend and try out the regular menu. The two ladies that greeted us with smiles this time at the counter were much more friendly than our first experience. The vegan flapjack and chocolate-chip oatmeal cookie were yummy, sweet, chewy confections. And the other customers were quite willing to make friendly chat on this mid-Saturday afternoon. The whole experience was calm and relaxing. The English breakfast used the same vegetables from the farmers stand outside, which had terrific, local produce and was accompanied by two pots of house-made relish, green tomato and a rhubarb ketchup. The condiments were a welcome addition to our food as the baked beans and separate chickpea patty were lacking in much flavor. The Earl Grey tea was lovely with soya milk and the rest of the veg sausages, salad, and other bits were good. With the friendly and helpful service and welcoming vibe, this cafe will be on our rota of repeat visits. Parking? Free after 4pm on Saturdays and all day on Sundays. There's some on the front end of Bakers Ave, a side street bordering the cafe, but check the signs to make sure the section where houses are situated isn't just for residents with permits. If you need to pay per hour, you may need to duck into the shops listed on the sign to purchase a permit or use the online app. read more

The Hornbeam Cafe - Chickpea & sweet potato patty on the left w/ pita bread and salad. Vegan English Breakfast (right) w/ unique house-made relish and ketchup. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - London, XGL

A solid three stars for the chickpea and sweet potato burger with the red cabbage and chutney sides, and two pieces of flatbread. The women behind the counter were very nice and the venue puts out a very chill vibe. Sadly, I have to dink two stars for the terrible- but amazing-looking!- vegan chocolate hazelnut cake. It's just awful. I think I may have finally learned my lesson as the only amazing vegan desserts I've had have been in NY. I would defo return for the food if this place wasn't so far out of the way from me. read more

My favourite local cafe! I feel so lucky to live round the corner from the Hornbeam! As a fairly recent vegan it makes my life so much easier. Everything is vegan and delicious. Their lunch plates of various salads and tarts are always fresh, interesting and yummy, the hot plates of daal, flatbread, soups and bread are cheap, filling and also delicious, and don't even get me started on the cakes! I used to come here before I was vegan and half the time didn't even realise that I was eating fresh, locally sourced, vegan food. I just knew it was good value and really tasty. The Hornbeam is run by volunteers, which I assume explains how the cafe is so reasonably priced - it really is excellent value and means I don't feel guilty about spending an afternoon there working (with the help of their free wifi) because although I may have had lunch, a coffee and cake I've not even spent a tenner! And in London, that's a rarity! The staff are lovely, I love its environmental ethos and affiliation with the Hornbeam Centre (part of the same building) and the paint recycling centre next door (future reviews) and if I ever leave Walthamstow I will definitely miss this place! read more

This is a lovely little cafe. It it vegan, organic and most of the food is locally sourced. As well as coffee and cafe food, they often do evening events where they sell organic beer and vegan cocktails. Their vegan Sunday lunch is tasty too. It is run by volunteers and open from Wednesday - Sunday usually. read more

A wonderful pearl in the heart of kebabs and curries area. Organic healthy yummy vegetarian and cheap. Friendly and casual service. Loads of character. read more

I have just joined the box scheme a mix of very fresh veg and fruit boxes , all organic, very tasty and the price is good as well!!! Great product , Highly recommended read more