Although marooned in an industrial estate in Hackney Wick, The Counter is well worth a trip from far afield for its sturdy New Zealand breakfasts, perfect coffee and laidback atmosphere. Siblings Tom and Jess are the double act behind the venture. Growing up in Auckland, the pair were initially appalled by the lack of good coffee in London when they made it across the pond. Not wanting to leave us in caffeine poverty (kind souls) they took it upon themselves to set up The Counter in creative haven Hackney Wick.

Whether you’re after a croissant (£2ish), baguette with bacon and avocado (£4ish) or the full monty (around a tenner), The Counter has something for everyone. They’ve also branched out into pies, but it’s the breakfasts that keep us repeatedly traipsing across London.

http://twentysomethinglondon.com/the-counter-cafe-hackney-wick/