Violet
GO HERE: because it’s worth the trip to leafy Hackney to enter California transplant Claire Ptak’s world. Her snug bakery and café is both a neighborhood hub—especially when you can sit outside—and a food-tourist draw. Here, you can try your favorites from her cookbook as well as seasonal tarts, savory treats, and legitimately craveable cupcakes. Wash it down with a strong mug of Barry’s tea or a lovely house-made cordial, then buy a prune scone for tomorrow’s breakfast.
ORDER THE: butterscotch blondies with caramel shards, almond-polenta muffins, banana buttermilk bread, spelt cake with seasonal fruit, cinnamon bun pudding, toasties, egg-yolk chocolate chip cookie.
THE VIBE IS: sweet and cheerful. Lots of girl dates, graphic designer couples, and young families.
PRACTICAL STUFF: Open daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. on weekends. Afterward, do some shopping at Ptak’s favorites: the well-curated Japanese home and design store Momosan Shop (see below) and J. Glinert, where you’ll find gorgeous beeswax church candles, fountain pens, and more.
