COFFEE TRAWL #5 – HACKNEY PIRATES
07/08/2015
One thing I love about working for myself, is the ability to shut up shop – pompous chat for “put my laptop down and ignore emails, posts and the general blogosphere” – and escape the world for a little while. We all know that blogging can be stressful at times; add in to the mix that most of us full timers spend most of our time all alone, staring at the same four walls all day long (bar events, meetings, shoots etc. which are a total god send) so it’s no surprise that sometimes you just need to leave your pitt home, get into the fresh air and of course… top up on that coffee that you’re living off. #ThatCaffeineLifeThough
For today’s continuance of my coffee trawl – a blogging series
totally invented to indulge my coffee/lunching habit – the other half and I (who had a day off of work, huzzah!) – headed to somewhere a
little different for a caffeine hit. Move over minimalist, nordic inspired coffee shops, and enter
Hackney Pirates. A cafe, shop and enterprising charity working to develop the literary confidence of young people in Hackney. To say this is a coffee shop with a difference is just a
slight understatement.
On to the cafe…
As you will no doubt see from the above photo’s, Hackney Pirates really did go hard or go home with their interiors. From the whole cafe having curved edges to mimic the shape of a boat, to the globed lights and trunks, just being in the cafe is a bit of an experience in itself. *Cue many “oh my god this is so cool” and many eye rolls from said other half.
After perusing the menu for a time that was more embarrassing than Mark Wright’s attempts to get Ed Sheeran to perform at his wedding, I finally settled on a Matcha green tea latte which was easily the best I’ve ever had. Sweet, but not overly so, and despite being a “proper matcha latte” it wasn’t too gritty/powdery either… it even got the thumbs up from my boyfriend who is very much a “what’s this green shit stuff?” kinda guy. Nuff said…
Let’s just take a moment to appreciate that I want to shoot myself in the face for using “nuff said” as much as you want to. [insert guilty/but sod it, yolo… emoji here].
For what it’s worth, the latte – which I tried, because I am that girlfriend that tries at least half of their boyfs meals/drinks (the fact that he puts up with it is enough reason to marry him in itself) – was perfect too. Strong/creamy/not bitter/whatever actual coffee connoisseurs would say.
One reason that I was drawn to Hackney Pirates – other than the fact that it was voted in the top 10 coffee shops in the UK by Shortlist – was that the food (and more importantly, the gluten free menu) looked so tasty. Dan opted for the sandwich of the month which was the Wiltshire ham and diyonnaise and I’m 99% sure he chose it because I wouldn’t be able to eat it 😉 Either way, he said it was delicious and would highly recommend.
After mentioning to the lovely Andrew who worked at Hackney Pirates that I had coeliac disease, he spent quite a while going through all of the options of what I could and couldn’t have. In the end, I went for the Goats cheese, pesto and beetroot salad and it was genuinely one of the best salads I’ve had. Those three things individually are some of my favourite things so combined together… cue all the slightly dodgy, grunting sound effects which basically meant I loved it and not that I’m having sex with my salad.
Just in case you needed further proof that we both loved – and demolished – our lunch…
Another element that I loved about Hackney Pirates was the fact that they’re also a shop. Stocking the most gorgeous cards, books, art, jewellery… it’s fair to say that I spent a good while browsing everything. Everything they sell is made locally and of course, any money made goes right back into the charity.
I just felt really
uplifted speaking to the managers (and maybe owners? totally not sure and forgot to ask #ShitBloggerSays) of the store, their passion for what they do was so evident and it’s amazing to see/hear that so many young children – plus their parents and teachers too – have said that it’s helped them so much. I’ll leave a link
here because let’s face it, that’s going to explain exactly what they do 10x better than I will, but yes… all the admiration coming from me.
Also, for the coeliac/gluten free readers out there, above is not me chewing the ear off of the the poor guy working, I was actually checking through an allergen booklet that they’re putting together and am pleased to note that they are very “on it” when it comes to allergies… always such a relief. You go Glen coco Hackney Pirates [insert hand clapping emoji here]
The most comfortable jeans in existence: American Eagle*
Shoes that I’ve worn to death: Tesco (old, identical
here)
Outfit wise, I kept it so simple – basic bitch alert – with an oversized shirt, pointed loafers and jeans that had enough stretch to accommodate as much food and drink as possible 😉
So that brings me to the end of this post. I really hope you enjoyed me taking you out on my little “I’ve been staring at photo’s of myself on screen all day and need to get away from life” journey. I really did have such a lovely time at Hackney Pirates and would highly recommend checking it out for amazing food and coffee, but also some inspiration whilst you’re at it.
As always, thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed this post!
xx
Beets? Goat cheese? PESTO?! Oh my God that salad sounds totally divine. What a sick place to get some work done!
COOCOO FOR COCO
Haha it really was lovely 🙂
xx
Ok, so this place looks flippin' incredible! I've been wanting to make more of an effort to get my coffee fix from somewhere rather than the typical big brands, so this is definitely going on my list! Also, absolute make up goals! 🙂
Style Sunrise☀
🙂
x
Ooh definitely check it out hun, I love independent coffee shops too (although I still have far too many starbucks haha)
xx
Now, this looks like my kinda place! It looks so beautiful and a great place to just sit down and escape from the world 🙂 xx
Sam // Samantha Betteridge
It is EXACTLY that Sam, I loved it! 🙂
xx
Oh my gosh I love matcha anyway so that matcha latte looks amazing, and the foooooddd omg, not good when I have already eaten breakfast. You look like a dream as always hun xx
Haha sorry love, always makes me hungry too! Ahh thank you, I felt rough as anything so pleased you think so 🙂
xx
"Not having sex with my salad" CRYING! This place looks AMAZING though, that extra dark hot chic got me salivating…
Lauren x
Britton Loves | Lifestyle Food Beauty
Hahaha I'm so glad you appreciated that line 😉
xx
East London always has the quirkiest hangouts! The food looks so yummy!
http://www.duchessoffashion.co.uk
Really does, doesn't it? Such a fun place 🙂
xx
What an unusual, yet super duper cool place?! It looks so quirky and I love how they've made everything look so cosy, too!
Oh, and yes, after blogging more often this summer, looking at theses same 4 fours is really starting to annoy me! haha!
xoxo,
BerryBloomXO.com | Beauty & Lifestyle Blog 
also on BLOGLOVIN 
Haha I'm so glad you feel the same lovely, it's such a cool place too!
xx
I spend most of my life in Hackney how have I not come across this awesome coffee joint!? I am going to check it out super soon, maybe I will see you there and we can chat all thing blogging over a brew.
http://www.emmainks.com
Ahh you definitely need to go and try it out lovely, it's amazing. Yes, would be lovely to see you 🙂
xx
The "V60 filter" on the sign made me laugh haha! Great review, the coffee looks so good here!
http://www.abigailalicex.com/2015/08/places-you-need-to-see-in-your-20s.html
Thank you lovely 🙂
xx
Firstly, cute outfit. Secondly, I need to get my butt to Hackney and go to that cafe. Definitely my kind of spot.
Jenn | Jennifer Jayne
Thanks lovely, so pleased you liked it 🙂
xx
What an adorable coffee shop, and I love the book selection! Such a perfect midday blogging break!:-)
Thanks lovely, it really was 🙂
xx
this looks like such a cozy and lovely place and I'd like to sip on your tasty looking matcha right now
http://www.thefashionfraction.com
It was amazing, so would I 🙂
xx
I have never tried a green latte before but it looks amazing!!! Love cool coffee shops!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
It's so amazing Shannon, highly highly recommend 🙂
xx
Sometimes, I also really need to get the hell out of my house too haha! This place looks lovely! I will definitely try it as I have never tried a green tea latte and just by looking at it I can tell it's delicious! Xx
Alexandra | Glam O’Clock
Haha so with you on that, definitely try a green tea latte, amazing 🙂
xx
Love the globe lampshades, what a quirky and fun place – would definitely try a green tea latte
Suze | LuxuryColumnist
So cute isn't it? Loved the decor 🙂
xx
LOVING your eye makeup!! So gorgeous!
xoxo,
Ananda
http://www.superfashionable.com
Ah thank you lovely, so pleased 🙂
xx
THe globe lamps are amazing! Love it! That looks like my kind of coffee shop! Love your outfit too. So chic!
Thanks so much lovely, I loved it too 🙂
xx
This is such a beautiful post. This coffee shop looks is so cozy and nice, love it.
http://www.elabellaworld.com
Thanks so much lovely, so glad you liked it 🙂
xx
This is so cute! All of that food made me hungry. Plus you are right, blogging can be super stressful. Everyone assumes it is a relaxing hobby, but it takes a ton of work to maintain a blog!
Omnivogues
Haha oh no, so lovely 😉
xx
Exactly the king of place I would look for! The lattes looks so delicious and it would take me forever to pick a sandwich! The decor is so cute too. A really fun post!
http://leftbankgirl.blogspot.com
Thanks lovely, it really was such a cute place! 🙂
xx
The salad! it looks amazing, I'm all over pesto and cheese, like literally all over it – don't judge 🙂
Rosy / sparklesoflight76.blogspot.co.uk
Haha no judging here lady, I'm all over it with you 😉
xx
This is a coffee bar I would ADORE. Looks like there's so much going on there and there's such a story behind it, love-love-love!
x- Naomi in Wonderland
Thanks lovely, so with you on that, it had so much character 🙂
xx
I love a good coffee shop and this one looks amazing, what fun interior 🙂 The menu looks fab too, would love to try that green tea drink, it looks fab 🙂 I love your simple outfit, it's very classic
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
It was so lovely Rachel, if they have a green tea latte where you are definitely try it out 🙂
xx
After perusing the menu for a time that was more embarrassing than Mark Wright's attempts to get Ed Sheeran to perform at his wedding —- this just made me laugh so much I couldn't finish the rest of the post. BUT I BET IT WAS GREAT. xxx
p.s. you are such a beautiful babe
http://www.fashionnomads.com
Haha oh no, must refrain from jokes that stop people from reading posts 😂
xx
Love this coffee shop 🙂 Bisous from France, *-* Sand. *-*
http://www.taimemode-fashionblog.com
Thanks lovely 🙂
xx
Oh fuck me I need to go here! I see from the menu there are vegan/vegetarian options too omg! I've only tried matcha tea, I'd be sooo down for trying that latte! Checked out their site just now, this honestly looks amazing! Pinning it to my London board hehe…
amber love
Haha aww thanks so much lovely, so pleased you liked it. Definitely go when you can 🙂
xx
Youre so pretty and this cafe looks so cozy! 🙂
GIRL ABOUT TOWN blog
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Bloglovin
Ah thanks so much Nicole 🙂
xx
Excellent post! The coffee place looks super fun and the green late looks delicious! I loved your outfit and the way you write is amazing! 😀 😀
xx,
Dany | Dew Light
Thanks so much Dany, so so pleased you do 🙂
xx
Love the photos! You look amazing!
Dora
http://www.BangsBang.com
Thanks so much lovely 🙂
xx
That place looks amazing! I need to venture out from my usual Neros/Starbucks!
Rubi | Instagram | The Den | http://www.the-den.blogspot.com
I know that feeling lovely, I'm a starbucks everyday kinda girl usually but this was lovely 🙂
xx
amazing post, kisses!
http://itsmetijana.blogspot.com/
thanks hun
xx
This place looks so cozy and I really like the design of it – what's more it's great to know that it's a store as well, where you can buy something unique 🙂 And I really like your outfit, Elle! 🙂
http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/
Thanks so much lovely, so pleased you liked it 🙂
xx
This is such a lovely little cafe/shop! Lovely photos and the food looks so yummy 🙂 xx
Thanks lovely, it really is a gorgeous place 🙂
xx
The place looks amazing – as do you in these photos 🙂
Claire | Stylingo.co.uk | xx
Thanks lovely 🙂
xx
This cafe looks so lovely!! I'm a huge goats cheese fan 😀 You look gorgeous as always by the way I'm so into shirts lately!
hellomissjordan.com xx
Thanks so much lady 🙂
xx
I love your writing, you never fail at getting me to literally lol. Looks like a fab place!
The Beauty Bloss