A new café offering “unfussy, humble food” - but with a furniture maker's input on the chairs and tables - is serving customers.
Albers, in Englefield Road, Hackney, is the brainchild of Scott Pattinson, and is his second café.
Named after his dog, the new café has been created with the help of furniture maker Luke MacMahon.
The two met at Pattinson’s first café at De Beauvoir Block, a workspace managed by The Benyon Estate in De Beauvoir.
Pattinson says that Albers will offer “unfussy, humble food” on an ever-changing menu.
The cheese on toast with pickled walnuts, and charred beans with peas, pecorino and baby butterhead salad are reportedly already firm favourites.
MacMahon says his recommendation would be the ham, eggs and chips.
In the evenings, the café switches to bistro-style dining, with the menu offering dishes like marinated aubergine, pollock with white beans and lamb, courgettes and potatoes.
Pattinson said: “Together we have built a concept that somewhat romanticises cafe cultures of the past, while remaining present, but ultimately, we want it to feel like it’s always been there, and you have always been welcome.
“Although we have only just opened, we have been lucky enough to find a brilliant team who not only understand our vision but bring more than we could have ever imagined in experience, creativity and care.”
MacMahon, who used to live in a house opposite the new café, said: “With such a good location and neighbourhood it didn’t take much to imagine what it could be.”
Estate manager Edward Benyon said: “Albers is hugely popular with our tenants and members of the Block, so when we were looking for a new tenant for our commercial space on Englefield Road, they were the perfect fit.
“We’re passionate about supporting our tenants to grow and thrive in this fantastic community in Hackney and Scott and his team are a brilliant example of a humble business going from strength to strength.”
The Benyon Estate is a family-owned, family-run estate known for its 19th century houses.
It also offers commercial property, including shops, restaurants and delis, workshops, light industrial premises, studios and office space, including the De Beauvoir Block.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here