• 5
• Vegan passion in a pub!

The Royal Sovereign is just about the last of the punk friendly pubs in Hackney. It looks and feels like it did years ago and there are locals including old punks who have been there for years. What is new is the day time food service. Please note I say DAY TIME because unfortunately this cafe closes at 4pm! Cafe So vegan is run by a pair of passionate vegans as shown not just in the delight they show in making such good food but in talking about it to you! I loved the look on the chefs face as she described future baking creation plans! The menu is made of their personal favourites like "macaroni cheese" and "french toast". Cauliflower nuggets and onion rings are as good as I have had at any super posh place. My companions had the breakfast burrito and then had trouble managing any dessert. I polished of the macaroni cheese which came in a generous portion and almost beat memories of my mothers version back in my childhood, (See photo). I will return soon to try the quiche. There are plenty of sweet things - not so many without refined sugar unfortunately. Their "Hackney" salads come from the local organic Growing Communities crew. If you choose a sunny or even non rainy day to visit their is a large outside seating area out the back. The pub was super quiet which I guess is why pubs are closing as fast as DVD rental shops, but this cafe deserves to survive. If it was open in the evening I would be there tonight! Updated from previous review on 2016-07-16