I have walked past this cafe every day for months, and never gave it a second look until now. Maybe it’s because secretly I’m a snob, or maybe it’s because I have a tendency to judge a cafe based on it’s neighbourhood. Whatever my reasons for not trying this cafe before today, I’ve learnt these two valuable lessons…one, never judge a cafe by it’s neighbourhood and two, stop being such a snob!
From the outside it really doesn’t look like much, but this probably has to do more with the area than the cafe itself. Once inside though, it’s a completely different story. The cafe is very clean and stylish, with both indoor and outdoor seating. There’s also a small lounge area with sofas. A great deal of effort has obviously gone into the decor.
When it comes to choice, the Hamlet menu tops the bill. Whether you simply fancy a light snack, tasty salad or a builders lunch, the menu has it all. But this is me remember, so I ordered burger and chips!!
The staff at Hamlet Cafe are extremely friendly and I didn’t feel pressured into placing my order, though it did take me a while.
Excellent selection of food and beverages, brilliant atmosphere and great staff. If you ever find yourself passing by Hornsey Road, I highly recommend that you take a break at Hamlet Cafe.
Hamlet Cafe, 437 Hornsey Road, Islington, London, N19 4DU
Rating:
Great discovery in an undeniably tatty neighbourhood High Street. You can’t tell a book by its cover. Good choice of food, good prices, happy staff. Long may it prosper. I’ll be back.
Lovely place for relaxing meal, with exceptionally friendly staff, a lot of space inside , welcome atmosphere, really recommend this place.
@Nicola: I actually admit to being a snob in the original post.
😉
U sound like a total snob. There are plenty of other nice places in the same neighbourhood, there’s nothing wrong with the area.
I met this place a year ago when I came to London and must say everything is wonderful about it. The food, the music, and specially the staff as they really grow on you. Now I’m leaving London and feel I will miss everything about this caffe.
I wish nothing but the very best to all of them.
Joao Verissimo
I am a regular at this cafe and everything about it is fantastic. Great food, great staff, great prices. I can’t keep away! Top Notch!
Be lucky,
The Guv’nor x
I had a similar attitude as the poster above; I kind of wrote the place off due to the unsavoury neighbourhood but was pleasantly surprised! The food, staff, and décor are excellent and they even have their radio tuned to a very relaxing classical radio station!