We recently stopped off at Long White Cloud Café in Hoxton for a quick bite after work. This bright, intimate venue opened recently on Hackney Road to fill a gaping hole in the market for those who prefer their after-work sustenance in a less alcoholic form to that offered by the plethora of trendy cocktail bars in the immediate vicinity.

Long White Cloud – named by Kiwi owner Nikki and business partner Zuzie after the Maori name for New Zealand – offers excellent Monmouth coffee and simple, filling food in a relaxed, homey  environment. The space doubles up as a gallery for ongoing exhibitions of the team’s favourite artists so there is always a new talking point for regular customers. Our visit coincided with the opening of the aptly-named ‘Feast Your Eyes’ show by McGunnMedia, which featured some stunning and evocative food and  travel photography.

Long White Cloud’s evening menu is organised by the day – Mondays and Tuesdays are all you can eat Pasta nights, or you can visit on Wednesdays for pies, Thursday for Mexican (beef/veggie burritos or nachos) or Friday for burgers. The latter is famous locally for its brilliantly named ‘Fleetwood Mac and Cheese Beef Burger‘.

Morning/lunchtime is also a great time to stop by for a wide selection of tempting breakfast or brunch choices, including French toast, omelettes and various fritters and frittatas. With most meals here costing under £10 for a hearty plateful of locally sourced, free range and organic food – and a locally brewed beer or a perfectly brewed cuppa – it’s a delicious and affordable alternative to eating at home. Fridays also see weekly live jazz performances from 8-10pm – so what more reason do you need to check it out?!

Long White Cloud Café
151 Hackney Rd
London
E2 8JL

For more information, visit www.longwhitecloudhoxton.com