Spark Cafe - Hackney

I visit this restaurant frequently and the staff is always very friendly. They offer a great selection of food including toasted sandwiches, ciabattas, and wrap... read more I visit this restaurant frequently and the staff is always very friendly. They offer a great selection of food including toasted sandwiches, ciabattas, and wraps at a reasonable price. The outdoor seating allows guests to enjoy the beautiful view for most of the year.

If this café were not so overpriced, my review would be much more positive. It is a charming park café with ample outdoor seating and a diverse menu. The only d... read more If this café were not so overpriced, my review would be much more positive. It is a charming park café with ample outdoor seating and a diverse menu. The only downside is the lack of butter in the sausage sandwich. However, due to the steep prices, my overall assessment is less favorable. It is an average café with inflated prices, located in a trendy neighborhood in East London. A small coffee costs £2.85 and a tiny Kit-Kat is £1.50, giving you an idea of the pricing. I organize a walking group in the Lea Valley, East London, and West Essex areas, and none of us would want to revisit this café. It seems the local residents feel the same way, as the café was nearly empty during our visit.

I decided not to stay at this restaurant because they were charging £2.85 for a black coffee, which I found to be outrageous. There are other options nearby, su... read more I decided not to stay at this restaurant because they were charging £2.85 for a black coffee, which I found to be outrageous. There are other options nearby, such as the rowing club cafe at the bottom of the hill, where black coffee is only £1.50. The view may be nice, but you can see it from anywhere in Springfield Park for free. I would recommend not paying such high prices for something you can get for cheaper elsewhere.

A lovely setting as we sat outside in the shade and being served our lunch looking at the vista over the park. On the downside, it was poor value at £7 for a pa... read more A lovely setting as we sat outside in the shade and being served our lunch looking at the vista over the park. On the downside, it was poor value at £7 for a panini and an extra £2 for a salad that was little more than half a tomato, two long slices of thin cucumber and a few green leaves. We were also surprised to be dealt with by staff who took ages to deliver the food and who we felt definitely didn't want to be there, or perhaps it was us, the customers they didn't want. Either way, it is very unlikely we shall go there again as there are lots of other establishments offering better value and friendlier service nearby.

After my review about the Riverside Cafe at Springfield that was awful a bit later we came here and had a nice ham and tomato sandwich in bread and not toast th... read more After my review about the Riverside Cafe at Springfield that was awful a bit later we came here and had a nice ham and tomato sandwich in bread and not toast they were very nice and friendly.