Alongside breweries, timber workshops, and furniture makers, Blackhorse Workshop Cafe is on an industrial estate-cum-workyard in Walthamstow. In other words, the location is giving bacon butty and a builder’s tea. But don’t let the basic, exposed steel interiors fool you, because this place is worth seeking out for its breakfast menu of tried and tested classics with fancy touches. Like our go-to weekend order of fluffy french toast, finished with a perfect blob of whipped peanut butter. Or the bowl of porridge with blood orange marmalade which was made for cradling on a cold day. On the weekend, laptops make way for young families and the bleary-eyed—both seeking caffeine and blackboard specials like those jenga stacks of french toast. There’s limited seating inside, but you’re pretty close to Lloyd Park, which means if you can’t get a seat, you should get a halloumi bagel and coffee to go.

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch