Everyone calls it “Vicky Park.” It’s East London’s living room with 86 hectares of grass, lakes, winding paths, playgrounds, and weekend markets that draw families, dog walkers, cyclists, and picnickers year-round. At the weekend, you’ll find kids on slides, paddle boats in the pond, and a food market between Gore and Bonner gates. On summer Sundays, the air fills with live music, spontaneous sports games, and the faint jangle of coffee cups.
If you’re set on making Victoria Park the backdrop to your next chilled weekend, your picnic blanket deserves better than a soggy sandwich. That’s where the cafés come in. Cozy indoor tables, outdoor garden nooks, big breakfasts before a jog, and perfect coffees for long park reads, these are the places you end up making a routine of. Here are the best cafés around Victoria Park with space, quality, and just the right vibe to complement your park day, every single time.
A cosy gem in a hectic area, Kiss the Hippo serves single-origin lattes that hit every note — smooth, rich, and clean. The baristas are welcoming, and the atmosphere is compact yet comfortable. It’s exactly the kind of place that makes you linger before heading back into Soho’s buzz. Great for coffee lovers who appreciate craft and care.
Tucked just a few minutes from the park’s east side, Jungle Electric feels like an indoor garden party. Lush plants hang overhead, quirky décor adds charm, and there's a chill back courtyard if you want a sun-dappled table. Their brunch menu is solid: think eggs, toast, bowls, plus sweet treats to nibble. Coffee is dependable, and the whole place hums with friendly ease.
Right inside the park, sitting on the lakeside promenade, this café offers brilliant views before and after a stroll or paddle. Sri Lankan breakfasts inspire its menu, which includes daal, toast, fresh iced teas and flaky pastries. It hits that sweet spot between laid-back weekend picnic and proper café experience.
A little corner tucked just outside the southern gates, Simmos is where East London meets cozy professionalism. Plenty of seating makes it a great place to land with a laptop or meet a friend. Their coffee game is strong—especially iced lattes—but it’s the homemade food that seals it. The service quietly stands out too: warm, helpful, and always ready with a suggestion.
Think elegant meets relaxed. Inside, jazzy vibes float above quietly polished décor, and small tables encourage conversation or solo moments with a book. They serve Ozone-roasted espresso and nice pastries during the day, and transform into a bar serving cocktails on Saturday evenings.
Found on the east end, just by the playgrounds and sports fields, The Hub is built for families and local groups. It offers solid breakfasts, flat whites, mochas, and a clean, modern interior. If you’re hanging with kids or meeting friends before a skate or kickabout session, The Hub is dependable and fuss-free. It’s casual and comfortable, with enough seating even on busy weekend mornings.
A small, welcoming spot that pairs classic café offerings with a thoughtful menu twist. They’re known for standout Eggs Benedict and gluten-free options, a cozy layout, and quality coffee. They pay attention to detail, your bacon butty feels handmade, and your latte arrives just how you like it. It’s calm enough for reading, bright enough for meeting a mom-friend group at midday.
A bold neighborhood choice with modern flair, Well Street Kitchen is a brunch hub. Expect smashed avocado on toast, generous hash browns, big portions, and flawless coffee. The space is airy, and servers are happy to explain menu highlights, making it feel relaxed, even on a busy morning. Here, a weekend brunch turns into an event before heading out onto the grass with a packed-to-the-rim picnic treat.
Head slightly east from the park’s hill, and you’ll find Copper Car, a quiet haven that’s made for work mornings or chilled afternoons. There’s comfortable seating, reliable Wi‑Fi, and quality iced lattes and mochas to sip as you type or sketch. Cakes and pastries come from local bakeries and pair with coffee to make a simple but warm stop.