Esters

The story

Esters Brunch and Cafe Dining in London’s Stoke Newington

Kitchen philosophy and sourcing

Esters in London brings a relaxed Australian cafe style to a residential side street in Stoke Newington. The compact kitchen prepares every dish and baked good from scratch using ingredients sourced from small farmers across Cambridgeshire, Sussex, Kent, and East London. This focus on regional supply chains dictates the daily menu, which changes with seasonal harvests. The Good Food Guide recently recognised this grounded method when awarding the venue its Local Gem title, praising the way the creative cooking improves everyday meals through careful supplier relationships.

Seasonal plates and sweet finishes

Savoury dishes often centre on slow cooked proteins and robust vegetables. A braised lamb shoulder arrives alongside crushed chickpeas, spigarello greens, and a sharp pickled cucumber salsa verde. Guests seeking something sweeter can order French toast layered with Mairac apple slices, toasted hay cream, and a cobnut buckwheat crunch. These combinations reflect a kitchen that prioritises texture and balanced acidity over heavy sauces.

Room layout and daily rhythm

Light timber fixtures line the walls above a service counter displaying freshly baked pastries and loaves. Beyond the main floor, a sheltered garden space holds mismatched wooden tables that fill quickly during peak hours. The venue maintains a strict no reservation policy, which encourages visitors to arrive between nine and eleven in the morning or after one o'clock to secure seating without delay. Freshly roasted coffee from Hasbean anchors the brunch service throughout the day.