Violet

Violet's pink building, chalkboard menu, and elegant green signage sets the California-inspired tone of this bakery in Hackney. That menu is scrawled with brunch dishes of the day—usually toasties, avocado on toast, and quiches–but everyone’s here for something sweet. Specifically cake. The Chocolate Chocolate Cupcake is a standout—small in size but rich enough to make Miss Trunchball proud—and anything with seasonal fruit is a must-order. Shuffle into the tiny space, gaze upon the heaving counter, and order to go or sit at the outside tables. It’s pleasant when the weather is attempting to cosplay California—which we’ll admit is not a lot of the time.

photo credit: Aleksandra Boruch