Beigel and Brew

You'll find yourself on the scruffy, brilliant stretch of Hackney Road where independent shops still outnumber chains, and Beigel and Brew fits right in. It's the sort of place that does one thing properly: excellent espresso drinks paired with proper New York–style beigels—chewy, not bagels, and stuffed with things like salt beef, cream cheese, or just butter. The vibe is properly casual; you're squeezing past people at the counter, catching the smell of fresh coffee and toasted beigels, and chatting with whoever's next to you. There's no pretension here, just good coffee and the kind of food that makes you want to come back tomorrow.