When you think of Clapton, the chances are you wouldn’t associate the Hackney neighbourhood with the palm-lined streets of Florida. But we’ve recently stumbled across a new eating and drinking spot that’s aiming to do exactly that. Meet Cafe Miami - a pastel-hued, art deco slice of Miami and the brainchild of foodie Sophie Wright (who happens to live upstairs).
Recently opened and already getting plenty of attention in the overspilling East London cafe scene, we’ve fallen for Miami’s simply sweet decor and their equally enticing menu.
After growing tired of working in the fashion industry, Sophie chanced upon the cafe premises after moving into the art deco Strand Building on Lower Clapton Road. The building is a bit of a landmark in the area; originally built as an electricity showroom, the listed building is art deco perfection - think baby pink and blue door frames and 1920s architecture.
The cafe itself serves a mix of American-inspired dishes, “The food combines a lot of the flavours of Miami” says Sophie, “Traditional and modern American with touches of Mexican and Spanish.”
Sophie loves mixing sweet with salty, so expect dishes such as Avocado and Halloumi with Sweet Chilli Jam or American-style Waffles with grilled Culatello (a type of parma ham that Sophie sources locally), Blueberries and Maple Syrup.
Cafe Miami are also dab hands at recreating some classic American guilty pleasures with a good dose of tongue-in-cheek humour to boot. Sophie’s homemade versions of Oreos, Pop Tarts and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are enough to please the nostalgia in us and partner perfectly with the diner-esque setting. Not to mention being oh-so-Instagrammable.
What we love most is that Cafe Miami doesn’t take itself too seriously. Hackney may be spoilt for choice when it comes to coffee and brunch spots, but we don’t think they come as fun and lighthearted as this. You won’t find wordy menus or overpriced coffee - napkins come from silver dispensers and if flat whites aren’t your thing, why not order a hot Ribena instead?
If you go for one thing on the menu, Sophie recommends the Fish Finger Tacos (yum) and we suggest swinging by on a sunny morning to take full advantage of the floor length windows and bright, breezy interior.
Who knew that such a match made in heaven would be made when Miami met Clapton? Take our advice and head to Cafe Miami for a slice of art deco, sunny-side up Americana.
Words: Lucy Vincent All images: Cafe Miami
