WAVE

Vibrant Vegan Brunch Delight in London

I recently found myself nestled within the unassuming, sun-dappled embrace of WAVE, an earthy haven in the bustling heart of Hackney. With a name like We Are Vegan Everything, it evokes not only a gastronomic pledge but a spirited one, immersing patrons in a symphony of plant-based delights. From the street-side, this café exudes a buoyant demeanor with its rustic facade and ample outdoor seating, almost inviting you to pause your day for some culinary joy. On my recent visit, the kitchen served a cheerful parade of varied breakfast and brunch choices, entirely vegan and presented with flair. The scrambled tofu on an English muffin – known perennially here as ‘Sunny Side’ – wore its hollandaise quilt bravely, never backing down on flavor despite the absence of traditional ingredients.

WAVE’s menu teeters expertly between innovation and comfort, a delicate balance exemplified by their splendid, deftly constructed vegan pancakes. Equally delightful was the Lions Mane Cacao – a robust cup that beautifully contrasted the sweeter, foliage-crusted option on the tables. While some offerings, such as the notably contentious salted coffee, conjured divisive opinions, standouts like the PB latte were crowd-pleasers without faltering under scrutiny. Amid the casual, almost self-service nature of the place, a laid-back atmosphere fosters lingering mornings among locals and stray visitors alike. It is easy to be swept up in the good-natured hubbub, despite the occasional lapses in spotless ambiance or the humbling underfill of artisan hot drinks. Yet, WAVE maintains charm—a refugee within London’s mosaic of culinary experiences, where the unyielding appeal of cruelty-free cuisine carves out its indisputable niche. — Audrey Al Dente