
Number 1 Cafe Hackney
Quick info
About Number 1 Cafe Hackney
Number 1 Cafe Hackney is a family-run cafe in London at 36-38 Well St, with around 30 years in business and the owner on site. The cafe appeared in the TV show Top Boy, so fans of the series can visit a room that looks like its scenes. Pictures on the walls include the Kray brothers, Al Pacino as a gangster and Ashley Walters from Top Boy. The English breakfast comes as numbered set menus, among them the Top Boy Breakfast and the #3 set, and changes to a set can be requested. Hash browns, tea, coffee and cake are on the menu too. The cafe is walk-in only, and dogs are welcome.
Good to know
- ReservationsWalk-in only
- ParkingPaid street parking
- AccessibilityWheelchair: entrance, seating
- Good for kidsGood for kids · High chairs · Kids' menu
- DietaryVegetarian options
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention top boy breakfast, traditional english breakfast, top boy filming location and crispy hash browns.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention top boy breakfast, traditional english breakfast, top boy filming location and crispy hash browns.
Customer Review Summary
Most reviewers come for the Top Boy connection, and the traditional English breakfast is what they praise most, from the Top Boy Breakfast with a cup of tea to the #3 set and crispy hash browns. Diners describe a homey, local atmosphere with pictures of the Kray brothers and Al Pacino on the walls, and one visitor sat in the seat from the show. Several single out the friendly staff and the owner, and one notes the staff accommodated changes to a set menu. Others mention nice coffee and cake, generous portions, and fair prices. The recurring complaints are few but specific. One longtime customer says the ketchup and vinegar seem watered down, portions have shrunk, and table service is gone. Another reports being screamed at to leave for taking photos after flying a long way for the show. A reviewer who visited on a quiet Sunday morning notes the cafe has been running for about 30 years, run by a family.
Customer Review Summary
Most reviewers come for the Top Boy connection, and the traditional English breakfast is what they praise most, from the Top Boy Breakfast with a cup of tea to the #3 set and crispy hash browns. Diners describe a homey, local atmosphere with pictures of the Kray brothers and Al Pacino on the walls, and one visitor sat in the seat from the show. Several single out the friendly staff and the owner, and one notes the staff accommodated changes to a set menu. Others mention nice coffee and cake, generous portions, and fair prices. The recurring complaints are few but specific. One longtime customer says the ketchup and vinegar seem watered down, portions have shrunk, and table service is gone. Another reports being screamed at to leave for taking photos after flying a long way for the show. A reviewer who visited on a quiet Sunday morning notes the cafe has been running for about 30 years, run by a family.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“Extremely rude staff, screamed at us to leave because we were taking photos. Flew really far to see the place because of the show and they kicked us out. Would not recommend 1/10”
- Google user
“We visited this cafe as my friend's 16 year old son wanted to experience it after seeing it in Top Boy. He was very excited and has taken his time to process the surroundings. There were pictures of the Kray brothers and Al Pacino as a gangster, and Ashley Walters from Top Boy; this all added to the atmosphere. Staff were absolutely lovely and served nice coffee and cake, we enjoyed it. Would be back again if in the area, lovely people work there, thank you”
- Google user
“Not sure whats happened. I used to love coming here..they've watered down their ketchup and vinegar. I kept putting more and couldn't understand why it had no taste and then the penny fell. Also nomore table service? The portions have got smaller. Really disappointed.”
- Google user
“I had 30 minutes to kill before my monthly massage so I visited Number 1 cafe for breakfast. The gentleman was very welcoming and polite. They were willing to accommodate changes to the set menu they had as I did not want all they had in the set. My food was served promptly and it was very satisfying. The cafe had a good atmosphere and the staff seemed to know the patrons who are likely regulars. I would definitely recommend the Number 1 cafe for a lovely English breakfast and friendly and attentive service.”
- Google user
“Cafe just like the old days only better quality food. Nice, friendly staff and food was lovely also cafe that has been on tv 😁 100% reccommend prices reasonable as well which is hard to find in London these days.”
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Popular for breakfast
- Popular for lunch
- Popular for solo dining
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Paid street parking
- Dogs allowed
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Show more amenities
- Good for kids
- Vegetarian options
- Casual
- Curbside pickup
- Onsite services
- Coffee
- Dining options· 6
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Atmosphere· 1
- Quiet
- Offerings· 3
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Facilities· 1
- Restroom
- Crowd· 2
- Groups
- Tourists
- Accessibility· 1
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Highlights· 2
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Popular for· 2
- Solo dining
- Good for working on laptop
- Family-friendly· 2
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Pet-friendly· 1
- Dogs allowed inside
Location
Cafes near Number 1 Cafe Hackney
- Astro Cafe & Brunch4.81,0320.9 mi£10–20
american breakfast, brunch, generous portions
- Café East4.51,3351 miVegetarian optionsDeliveryVegan options
pancakes, full english breakfast, halal options
- HOKO Hong Kong Cafe4.41,1221.3 mi
charsiu rice, hk milk tea, pork chop rice
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number 1 Cafe HackneyVegetarian options · Wi-Fi | 4.6482 | — | £10–20 | top boy breakfast, traditional english breakfast, top boy filming location |
| Astro Cafe & Brunch | 4.81,032 | 0.9 mi | £10–20 | american breakfast, brunch, generous portions |
| Café EastVegetarian options · Delivery · Vegan options | 4.51,335 | 1 mi | — | pancakes, full english breakfast, halal options |
| HOKO Hong Kong Cafe | 4.41,122 | 1.3 mi | — | charsiu rice, hk milk tea, pork chop rice |
The 3 nearest cafes by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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