With a front row view of the Olympic Stadium's backside, this large-windowed, post-industrial canal-side cafe has high hangout potential. Within warehouse cum exhibition, performance and studio space, Stour Place, odds are there'll be some interesting art to ogle when you're there. And situated right next to Forman's Smokehouse, ordering some salmon off the chalkboard ain't a bad idea.
Yeah, much of the charm and appeal of The Counter Cafe is its Hackney Wick location, an area known for having the highest concentration of art studios anywhere in the world and for being smack dab right up against the the Olympic Park. Such a combo means a compellingly frothy cappuccino for folks contemplating the fate of this area during and after the Games. Fortunately, the cafe makes a great cappuccino for just such considerations.
The food's good too. Pouched eggs on crispy potato cakes with salmon (£6.50) is an especially tasty number. Portions are ample. Service is pleasant. The setting is striking.
The Counter Cafe is located at 7 Roach Road, E3 2PA.
Photo/Chris Osburn
