Elbows Cafe - Hackney

Having elbowed our way through the Victoria Park crowd, we found a table to rest our elbows. This place is dog-friendly, so you might get your elbow licked by a friendly fluffy one. Coffeewas on the heavily roasted side but still decent. Poached eggswere tender and dripped all over my elbows. Dining room was busy, and kitchen staff are clearly not afraid of a little elbow grease. Service staff were friendly, except the two elderly grumpy ladies who gave us the cold shoulder and elbow upon seeing our dog while trying to get past. There was no space in the room to swing an elbow, so they should show more considerations with their mannerism. Outdoor area is now shut, so you would have to refrain from sticking out an elbow when getting out of seat. Generally pleasant, but until the outdoor area is open again I wouldn't want to be back in fear of other customers' extending elbows in a crowded space. Once open again, I may return and hopefully see the dog-unfriendly big-elbowed ladies in better form.

I recently moved back to this area and delighted to find Elbows still going strong. Always a warm welcome, great coffee and delicious cake and other homemade delights on offer. The service is consistently good whether I’m eating in or taking out. Nice tables outside to watch the world go by and meet other locals.

A simple request for cheese and salad on toasted ciabatta seems to me a simple request. The whole thing was toasted with melted cheese. Definely not what I ordered. And the salad consists of lettuce but no tomato or cucumber. Elbows unfortunately has gone down hill since the refit.

I have been a regular customer for many years at elbows café under the previous owners, firstly my cappuccino did not contain the caramel shot that I had paid for, my cake was pre-sliced and crusty, when I raised this issue with a member of staff his response was “ok,ok”. Extremely rude and unprofessional staff. I’d rather go to a greasy spoon cafe as you know what to expect and the service in it self is far better than here, Staff are quick to run and take your order and your money (it’s not worth the prices they charge) but not efficient at taking care of their customers. I was so disappointed and can certainly say that I will not be returning to Elbows café again.

Excellent food in this cafe, freshly prepared and wonderful service from the friendly staff. Lovely seating area, always clean. Always visit for breakfast or lunch when I’m working in the area