Sawmill

£7 / British, Eastern European, European, Vegetarian options

51-53 W Ham Ln, London

Opening hours

7AM-8:30PM

Sunday 9AM-10PM
Monday 7AM-8:30PM
Tuesday 7AM-8:30PM
Wednesday 7AM-8:30PM
Thursday 7AM-8:30PM
Friday 7AM-11PM
Saturday 8AM-11PM

Cozy Café Excels in Flavorful Breakfast Delights

Stepping into this quaint enclave near Stratford, I was met with an invitingly rustic interior and a menu that felt like a promise of comfort and culinary indulgence. The cozy atmosphere, amplified by the unexpected expanse provided by a mirrored wall, suggested quiet decadence—exactly what one seeks when venturing out on a leisurely morning. Particularly notable were the vegetarian options: vibrant breakfasts lavish in both color and portion size, highlighted by a medley of Eggs Florentine and Benedict that spoke warmly of homely English classics. The flat white struck just the right balance, demanding to be savored and sipped slowly amid intimate murmurs of conversations that filled the place.

Service at this cafe is an elegant dance between amiable efficiency and understated attention to detail, further complemented by an evocative selection of pastries unmistakably presented in the window. One cannot help but gravitate toward their sweet offerings; a pistachio croissant begged me to return twice in as many mornings. While a singular misstep here—a less-than-authentic shakshuka—seemed rare against the stellar ensemble of dishes paraded from the kitchen. Beyond just food, it was an affirmation of community—as plates were swiftly cleared and families welcomed—that resonated throughout my visit. A place that threads Ukrainian undertones with resilient British charm; it’s an autograph that speaks beautifully authentic, making it a spot worthy of return visits as much for the flavors as the serene homeliness it caresses every patron with. — Audrey Al Dente