Pockets

The story

Pockets London: Legendary Pittas and Modern Middle Eastern Street Food

The kitchen and its founder

Pockets London delivers modern Middle Eastern dishes that trace directly to Tel Aviv street stalls. Founder Itamar Grinberg grew up watching local vendors prepare these exact pockets, a childhood memory he now shares with diners across the capital. The venture recently traded its familiar Netil Market pop-up pitch for a permanent storefront on Mentmore Terrace. Regulars still line the pavement outside this Hackney location for the same straightforward menu that secured a Local Gem award from The Good Food Guide.

Signature pittas and fillings

Each order arrives as a warm flatbread packed with freshly fried falafel and crisp cabbage slaw. Sliced tomatoes, pickled sumac onions, fresh parsley, cucumber rounds, and wedges of fried potato complete the assembly. The bread stays deliberately soft so the heavy fillings slide out without tearing the crust. This uncomplicated take on Middle Eastern cooking prioritizes fresh produce over elaborate presentation.

House-made sauces and daily service

Every condiment originates inside the same compact kitchen, including thick houmous, smooth tahini, and fiery red zhug. A chopped green herb sauce and tangy amba, or pickled mango, round out the lineup. The counter operates strictly as a takeaway spot, which keeps the workflow efficient and the vegetables at peak freshness. This streamlined setup matches the casual rhythm of the surrounding area.